El Nido is a fishing town — seafood is everywhere, and meat features heavily in Filipino cuisine. But the growing international tourism scene has brought a solid range of vegan and vegetarian options to El Nido town. This guide covers the best plant-based eating in El Nido, from dedicated vegan restaurants to Filipino dishes that happen to be meat-free.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Vegan restaurant options | Limited but growing — 5–8 dedicated options |
| Vegetarian options | Good — most restaurants have vegetarian dishes |
| Filipino vegan dishes | Pinakbet, kare-kare (without shrimp paste), ensaladang talong |
| Best area | El Nido town main street and side streets |
| Price range | ₱150–₱450 per main dish |
Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in El Nido
Café Artisano
One of El Nido’s most popular breakfast and brunch spots, Café Artisano offers a strong selection of vegetarian and vegan options — smoothie bowls, avocado toast, fresh juices, and plant-based breakfast plates. The coffee is excellent. Located on the main road in El Nido town.
Altrove
An Italian restaurant with a surprisingly good vegetarian menu — wood-fired pizzas with vegetable toppings, pasta with tomato and vegetable sauces, and fresh salads. Not exclusively vegetarian, but reliable for plant-based options in a comfortable setting.
Happiness Beach Bar
A beachfront bar and restaurant at Corong-Corong Beach with a health-conscious menu including vegan bowls, fresh salads, and smoothies. The sunset views make it a great spot for an early evening meal.
Local Carinderias
Don’t overlook El Nido’s local canteens (carinderias) for budget-friendly vegetarian eating. Several Filipino dishes are naturally plant-based:
- Pinakbet: Mixed vegetable stew with squash, eggplant, bitter melon, and okra — ask for it without bagoong (shrimp paste) for a vegan version
- Ensaladang talong: Grilled eggplant salad with tomatoes and onions — naturally vegan
- Monggo (mung bean soup): A Filipino staple — ask for the version without pork
- Steamed rice with vegetable dishes: Always available at carinderias
Vegan-Friendly Tips for El Nido
- Learn key Filipino phrases: “Walang karne” (no meat), “walang isda” (no fish), “walang bagoong” (no shrimp paste) — these phrases will help you navigate menus
- Watch for hidden fish sauce: Many Filipino dishes use patis (fish sauce) or bagoong (shrimp paste) — always ask
- Breakfast is easiest: Fruit, toast, eggs (for vegetarians), and smoothies are widely available and easy to make vegan
- Fresh fruit is abundant: El Nido’s markets have excellent tropical fruit — mangoes, papayas, bananas, and pineapples are cheap and delicious
- Self-catering: The public market sells fresh vegetables, tofu, and tempeh — if your accommodation has a kitchen, cooking your own food is easy and cheap
Vegan Snacks and Street Food
El Nido’s street food scene has limited vegan options, but some standouts:
- Banana cue: Caramelized banana on a skewer — naturally vegan and delicious
- Fresh coconut: Sold at the market and some street stalls — refreshing and filling
- Taho: Silken tofu with sweet syrup and tapioca pearls — a Filipino breakfast street food that’s naturally vegan
- Fresh fruit shakes: Available everywhere — specify “no milk” for a vegan version
Eating Vegan on Island Hopping Tours
Most island hopping tours include a beach lunch — typically grilled fish, rice, and vegetables. When booking, inform your operator that you’re vegan or vegetarian. Most operators can accommodate with advance notice, providing extra vegetable dishes and rice instead of fish. Bring your own snacks as backup.
Plan Your El Nido Trip as a Vegan Traveler
El Nido is not the easiest destination for strict vegans, but it’s very manageable with some planning. The town’s international restaurant scene continues to grow, and Filipino cuisine has more plant-based options than many visitors expect. For accommodation with kitchen access, browse our hotel rankings. For the full El Nido food scene, see our restaurants guide.
External resources: HappyCow El Nido vegan restaurant listings; Department of Tourism Philippines.
