El Nido has evolved significantly as a destination for vegan and vegetarian travellers. While Filipino cuisine is traditionally meat and seafood-heavy, El Nido’s international tourist base has driven a growing number of restaurants to offer excellent plant-based options. This guide covers the best vegan and vegetarian dining in El Nido.
The Vegan & Vegetarian Scene in El Nido
El Nido town’s restaurant strip — particularly along Hama Street and the beachfront — has a solid selection of cafes and restaurants catering to plant-based diets. The town’s international visitor base (European backpackers, health-conscious travellers, digital nomads) has created genuine demand, and several restaurants now offer dedicated vegan menus rather than just token salads.
That said, El Nido is not Ubud or Chiang Mai — the vegan scene is good but not extensive. With some knowledge of where to go and what to order, you’ll eat very well.
Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in El Nido
Cafes and Health-Focused Restaurants
Several cafes on El Nido’s main strip offer smoothie bowls, avocado toast, plant-based wraps, and vegan-friendly breakfast options. These are typically the most reliable spots for fully vegan meals. Look for cafes displaying vegan/vegetarian menus in their windows — the scene changes seasonally as new places open.
Italian Restaurants
El Nido has a surprising number of Italian restaurants, and Italian cuisine adapts well to vegan and vegetarian requirements. Pasta with tomato-based sauces, margherita pizza (ask for no cheese for vegan), and bruschetta are reliable options. Most Italian restaurants in El Nido will accommodate requests to modify dishes.
Filipino Vegetarian Options
Traditional Filipino cuisine offers several naturally vegetarian dishes:
- Pinakbet: Mixed vegetable stew (traditionally contains shrimp paste — ask for a vegetarian version)
- Kare-kare: Peanut-based stew (traditionally with oxtail — vegetable versions exist)
- Ensaladang talong: Grilled eggplant salad — naturally vegan
- Sinangag: Garlic fried rice — typically vegan
- Lumpiang gulay: Vegetable spring rolls — check for fish sauce in the dipping sauce
When ordering Filipino food, always ask about fish sauce (patis) and shrimp paste (bagoong) — these are common hidden ingredients in otherwise vegetarian-looking dishes.
Vegan Tips for El Nido
- Learn key phrases: “Walang karne” (no meat), “walang isda” (no fish), “walang bagoong” (no shrimp paste), “walang patis” (no fish sauce)
- Ask about hidden ingredients: Fish sauce and shrimp paste are used in many Filipino dishes that appear vegetarian
- Breakfast is easiest: Cafes serving Western-style breakfasts are the most reliable for vegan options
- Fresh fruit is abundant: El Nido’s markets and street stalls offer excellent fresh tropical fruit — mango, papaya, pineapple, and banana are cheap and delicious
- Coconut dishes: Many Filipino dishes use coconut milk as a base — naturally vegan and delicious
Vegan-Friendly Street Food in El Nido
El Nido’s street food scene has some vegan-friendly options:
- Grilled corn (mais): A classic Filipino street snack — naturally vegan
- Fresh coconut: Buko (young coconut) vendors are common — refreshing and vegan
- Banana cue: Caramelised banana on a skewer — check if cooked in lard (some vendors use vegetable oil)
- Fresh fruit shakes: Mango, watermelon, and pineapple shakes are ubiquitous — ask for no milk for vegan versions
Supermarkets and Self-Catering
El Nido town has several small supermarkets and a public market where you can buy fresh vegetables, fruit, rice, canned goods, and basic pantry items. Self-catering is a good option for budget vegan travellers staying in accommodation with kitchen access.
Plan Your El Nido Trip
For the full El Nido food scene, see our street food guide. For accommodation with kitchen facilities, browse our El Nido hotel rankings. For activities, check our island hopping guide and best time to visit.
