For diabetics, finding a restaurant to dine in can be a challenge. Luckily, more and eating places have become more accommodating to people with the condition. Some even have menus specifically for them. Here are some of the best diabetic-friendly restaurants you can check out in Manila this holiday season.
Diabetic-friendly restaurants no. 1 Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino
Pinoy cuisine and food for diabetics are two things often thought to not not blend well together. This is often due to different ingredients found in the former that might not suit a diabetic diet. Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino in Teachers Village, Quezon City breaks that notion by introducing a vegetarian menu that is distinctly Pinoy.
Some of the must-haves from there menu are:
- Tofu bistek
- Veggie sinigang
- Pinakbet risotto
- Vegetable kare-kare
- Fried eggplant and adobong kangkong
- Vegan leche flan
Diabetics will love all these dishes, as they not only fit their diets but also taste great. Ordinary diners will also find the plant-based menu to their liking. The restaurant is open daily and you can also make reservations just by contacting them on their site.
Diabetic-friendly restaurants no. 2: Earth Kitchen
Earth Kitchen is another great organic restaurant for people living in Quezon City. It is located along Katipunan, one of the city’s main thoroughfares. This makes it very accessible even to those coming from nearby cities.
The restaurant’s biggest draw is that all of its dishes are made from the ground up. This guarantees that every meal they serve is fresh. Diabetics will love the idea since they don\t have to worry about excess preservatives. The restaurant added that the setup is also a way for it to buy more produce from local farmers, which is a nice gesture.
Earth Kitchen\s menu is quite varied, with dishes like:
- Fresh mushroom soup
- Earth Kitchen ravioli
- Grilled vegetable salad
- Chicken kebab
- Grilled organic pork chop
The prices are a bit higher than average, but you are definitely getting good quality food in return. The restaurant also has a catering and events service, great if you want to hold a holiday party with your fellow diabetics.
Diabetic-friendly restaurants no. 3: Poke Shack
Salads are a great food for diabetics and something you should always include in your diet. One restaurant in Manila you should drop by to get that salad fix is Poke Shack. The unusual name of this restaurant in Bridgetowne, Ortigas, comes from the name of a Hawaiian salad made of fish and vegetables.
Poke Shack goes beyond just fish and offers a wide variety of salads. Some of the most popular ones are:
- California tuna: Mix of tuna, lemon, and different veggies.
- Santorini Shawarma: Chicken shawarma with boiled eggs, celery, and shiitake mushrooms.
- The Shack Standard: Celery, onions, crispy showa mix.
The restaurant serves these salads on top of a generous serving of rice, so you might want to watch your carb intake. Aside from these dishes, Poke Shack also lets you choose different toppings of your own. This is great if you want a more balanced meal.
Diabetic-friendly restaurants no. 4: The Good Seed
If you are traveling to the Kapitolyo area in Pasig, The Good Seed is a good place to stop over for your lunch. The quaint cafe and grocery offers a good selection of healthy dishes, including:
- Fresh spring rolls
- 4-bean soup
- Spaghetti bianco
- Japanese tofu steak
All of these dishes fit well into different diets like keto, vegan, or even paleo. You don’t have to worry about whether you are messing up your program. The cafe also offers a variety of healthy desserts to finish your meal.
Aside from the cafe, The Good Seed has other healthy food offerings. Its deli grocery has a good selection of fresh produce and vegan products for your recipes. You can even have your meals delivered to your address if you want.
Diabetic-friendly restaurants no. 5: Corner Tree Cafe
Another great little cafe offering vegetarian dining, Corner Tree Cafe is located in Jupiter St., Bel Air, Makati. What makes the restaurant great is the different world cuisines it covers, such as Asian, African, and Middle Eastern. This is great if you are looking for more variety in your diabetic diet.
Some of the meals you can feast on at the restaurant include:
- Baked tofu walnut burger
- Spaghetti with broccoli and toasted nuts
- Veg nut roast
- Falafel sandwich
Many of these dishes have a generous helping of nuts, which are a great food for diabetics. There is also plenty of vegetable dishes for that balanced diet.
Enjoy great food for diabetics in these restaurants
These diabetic-friendly restaurants around Metro Manila are a must to try out during the holiday season. You are sure to enjoy great-tasting food without worrying about your sugar levels. Just don’t forget to check out this holiday eating guide for better planning your festive diet.