LIST: Lent-friendly dishes from your fave restos in Metro Manila

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rapplerAds.displayAd( "mobile-middle-1" );MANILA, Philippines – Observing Lent doesn’t have to mean limited (and less flavorful) options. Several restaurants in Metro Manila offer meat-free dishes — from seafood to plant-based meals — that align with the season’s traditions.



Whether you’re following Lenten practices or choosing to go meatless for other reasons, here are some menu items from popular restaurants that’ll feed the stomach and the soul.Pepper Lunch’s Lenten favoritesBest known for its sizzling steaks, Pepper Lunch has been serving the Japanese “fast-steak” experience in the Philippines since opening its first branch in Rockwell in 2008. With its newly introduced Lenten Favorites, you can still enjoy a Pepper Lunch meal while observing the season.

The Bangus Sisig Pepper Rice (P305) offers a lighter take on sisig cravings — the cayenne pepper adds heat to the rich bangus. The Seafood Supreme Pepper Rice (P355) is a filling option packed with protein, combining different types of seafood with seasonings. Another option is the Smoked Bangus Steak (P358), with milkfish, egg, and vegetables.

Pepper Lunch now has over 40 stores nationwide, but if there isn’t one near you, you can order through foodpanda or GrabFood.Manam’s Sizzling Lenten Line-upAnother “healthier” sisig option for the Lenten season comes from Manam, known for its take on Filipino comfort food. The Lenten menu includes the Sizzling Bangus Belly Sisig (starts at P220), House Squid Sisig (starts at P215), and the House Tofu Sisig (starts at P190), which all offer Manam’s signature savory, creamy, and tangy sisig experience.

MANAM’S LENTEN SPECIALS. Image from The Moment GroupAlso on the menu is the Shiitake and Tokwa Kare-Kare (starts at P345), where rich peanut sauce pairs with vegetables. For something tangy, addictive, salty, and crisp, the Crispy Asim Sarap Tawilis (starts at P185) — available only for a limited time — is a must-try, Manam Triangle-exclusive option (and is thankfully available at all branches for the season).

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rapplerAds.displayAd( "mobile-middle-2" );Manam has branches across Metro Manila and parts of Luzon. Orders can also be placed online via momentfood.

com or delivery apps like foodpanda.Pizza Hut’s Kreamy Kani Supreme PizzaFor Lent, Pizza Hut is offering a new Kreamy Kani Supreme Pizza, topped with sweet-and-savory kani, green bell peppers, white onion, black olives, mushrooms, creamy garlic sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce. Diners can also upgrade to the Cheesy Kani Stuffed Crust instead of the usual Pan Pizza.

KREAMY KANI PIZZA. Image from Pizza Hut PHAvailable for a limited time, prices start at P559 for a Regular. Pizza Hut is also offering three combo options: the Kreamy Treat for Two (P899), Kreamy Treat for Four (P1599), and the Kreamy Pizza Duo (P799 for Regular, P1199 for Large), all featuring the stuffed crust.

Orders can be placed through Pizza Hut’s hotline, website, app, or via GrabFood and foodpanda.OomaThe Moment Group’s Japanese fusion restaurant Ooma adds a few dishes to its Lent-friendly lineup, like the Hamachi Sashimi paired with shiso, the crispy Oyster Tempura, and the Hamachi Hand Roll seasoned with seaweed and scallion.HAMACHI SASHII.

Image from The Moment GroupFor more filling meals, the Tendon (P419) includes a mix of ebi tempura, kani tempura, kakiage, and kangkong tempura over gohan with tempura sauce and pickled mushrooms. There’s also the Bara Chirashi Don (P695), a rice bowl topped with raw salmon, tuna, crispy egg, uni, and torched baby octopus, served with soy dashi rice. The miso-marinated Grilled Saba features clean mackerel served with edamame purée, scorched edamame, dalandan ponzu, and togarashi salt.

.igframe iframe{background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;height: 967px;}@media screen and (max-width: 760px){.igframe iframe{height: 710px;}u}Ooma has locations in Bonifacio High Street, Greenbelt, Rockwell Center, Salcedo, SM Megamall, Greenhills, and Molito.

Orders can also be placed via momentfood.com and foodpanda.window.

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displayAd( "mobile-middle-3" );8Cuts Burgers’ Shrimp ‘WichKnown for its beef burgers, 8Cuts now offers Lent-friendly options available from March 14 to April 20.The Shrimp ‘Wich (P345) features a golden brown crispy shrimp patty (made with real and whole baby shrimps), topped with pickled jalapeños and a jalapeño ranch sauce in a soft, golden, and buttery bun. Other seasonal options include the Fish ’Wich and Falafel Burger, both at P320.

There’s also a Shrimp ‘Wich Steal set (P458), served with either Onion Rings or Skinny Fries, and iced tea.8CUTS’ SHRIMP’WICH. Image from The Moment Group8Cuts has eight branches across Metro Manila, including a late-night location at One Uptown Residence in BGC.

Orders are also available via momentfood.com, GrabFood, Pick-A-Roo, and foodpanda.SereniteaSerenitea’s new Tofu Chicharon is a deep-fried snack made from tofu skin — crispy, mildly spicy, and meat-free, making it a fast-food option for Lenten snacking.

.igframe iframe{background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;height: 967px;}@media screen and (max-width: 760px){.igframe iframe{height: 710px;}u}It can be paired with a range of dipping sauces, including Garlic Aioli, Cucumber Vinegar, Buffalo Sriracha, Thai Sauce, and Tartar Sauce, available for an additional cost.

The snack is best enjoyed fresh to maintain its crunch and is available at all Serenitea branches nationwide.Panco Cafe’s Seafood SpecialsPanco Café blends Australian café culture with Filipino food and coffee. Among its Lenten specials is the Sweet & Spicy Gambas that features shrimp cooked in sambal and garlic, while the Pacific Salmon is served with lemon butter sauce, capers, and a choice of red rice or potato.

The Sunny Side Bangus is a lighter option, made with milkfish, eggs, and vegetables.Panco Cafe has branches in Legazpi, Makati, The Podium, and One Ayala. Store hours and delivery details are available on their website.

Ramen NagiRamen Nagi’s Salmon Mazesoba King is a new soup-less noodle option topped with salmon, ikura, and ebiko. The dish uses thick handmade noodles tossed in vegan sesame paste and is finished with onion and perilla for more flavor..

igframe iframe{background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;height: 967px;}@media screen and (max-width: 760px){.igframe iframe{height: 710px;}u}This limited-time item is available in Ramen Nagi branches nationwide.UnmeatFor those who prefer to stay home or cook during Lent, local brand UnMeat offers a variety of naturally-sourced, high-protein, plant-based alternatives that can be used in everyday recipes!UnMeat’s products are made with just 10 ingredients, including a proprietary blend of soy protein, vegetable oil, vinegar, salt, wheat, starch, spices, and natural flavors.

These products are non-GMO and free from preservatives, trans fat, and cholesterol.Among the items you can play around with are UnMeat Burger Patties, UnMeat Giniling, UnMeat Luncheon Meat, UnMeat Hotdog, UnMeat Nuggets, UnMeat Hungarian Sausages, and UnMeat Korean BBQ. UnMeat products are available in grocery stores nationwide — Puregold, Waltermart, Landers, etc.

You can also order UnMeat products on Lazada or Shopee. – Rappler.com.