Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino: Genuinely Good!

Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino is a Vegan restaurant owned by the Pino Group and Alessandra Lanot.  The first time I came to know about it was when the band Taking Back Sunday dined there during their visit here in Manila.  But, I never would have the courage to try it out if not for my dear friends.  I guess you could infer that we enjoyed healthy food so much that we are now going further by trying out Vegan dishes.

pipino vegetarian food by pino
Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino is located on on the second floor of Pino Restaurant and Bar along Malingap Street, Teacher Village in Quezon City.  Despite it's limited space, it embodies an artsy and cute atmosphere.  It has a colorful menu board, furnished wooden picnic tables and a humble counter.  The place is enhanced by the beautiful day light coming from its large glass window.

Food
As a child, I was grew up to despise Vegan dishes.  When you mention Vegan food, my mind goes off to the bland tasting root crop selections I was forced to eat at Buddhist temples or the rubbery meat imitation made of gluten that had a weird aftertaste.  So honestly, I was quite skeptic about Pipino.


tofu lemongrass skewers
Tofu Lemongrass Skewers (145 php)
The Tofu Lemongrass Skewers is topped with alfalfa and drenched in chili garlic sauce.  I was quite surprised when I bit into it because the texture is amazingly like minced pork.  Its appetizing look is as truthful as it can be.  


veggie tempura
Veggie Tempura (80 php)
The Veggie Tempura is a generous platter of carrots, sweet potato and eggplant tempura with soy mirin.  I'm quite picky when it comes to the consistency and taste of the tempura batter.  But, I loved this!  I find this quite addicting.

Salads
wicked walnut
 Wicked Walnut (165 php)
The Wicked Walnut is one of the most unique salads you will ever get to try.  It is a mix of fresh organic greens, candied walnuts, cherry tomatoes with Dalandan Balsamic Sauce and topped with walnut parmesan cheese.  This has a sweet, refreshing and zesty taste.  I also could not get enough of this.  I really appreciate their way they made the walnut parmesan cheese.  

Entrees
portabello inasal
Portabello Inasal (260 php)
The Portabello Inasal is portabello mushroom served with brown rice, red beet puree (yes! that's not ketchup=p) and ensaladang talong.  I found the natural salty taste of the portabello mushroom to bit overwhelming to be eaten alone so I'm glad that Pipino serves them with the right condiments to grant this meal a great balance.

watermelon steak
 Watermelon Steak (220 php)
I know you'd find the Watermelon Steak quite ridicoulous.  But, its actually a must try!  It had a savory smoky taste follow by a light sweetness.  Eat it with the taro miso mash, taro chips, string beans and pickled mushroom and you'd find this to be a heavy meal.

Pasta & Noodles
low fat cheeseless vegan lasagna
 Low-fat Cheese-less Vegan Lasagna (120 php)
When we saw the Low-fat Cheese-less Vegan Lasagna on the menu, we were all intrigued because we all knew that a lasagna is defined by layers of mozzarella cheese.  When it was served, we were all puzzled at how it looked like the normal lasagna.  The Low-fat Cheese-less Vegan Lasagna  is made of eggplant, zucchini and milken tofu ricotta.  I swear we felt like we were eating the usual lasagna with cheese on it.  The milken tofu ricotta is quite deceptive. =D

Sandwiches
stuffed portabello cheeseburger
Stuffed Portabello Cheeseburger (275 php)
We were fortunate enough to share the company of Ms. Alessandra Lanot and this is what she had as she shared with us interesting facts about Vegan.  For example, you get to reduce more carbon footprint if you try it to Vegan once in awhile.

Drinks
 Lemongrass-Ginger-Cucumber Cooler (80 php), Pino Iced Tea (35 php)
and 
♥ Pipino Shake (80 php) (clockwise from back left)
The Lemongrass-Ginger-Cucumber Cooler had a dominant ginger taste.  It is something soothing to try.  On the other hand, the Pino Iced Tea is an orange iced tea.  I found the Pipino Shake made from cucumber and lime quite refreshing.  Its neutral taste makes it a great drink complement to any meal.

Vegan Dessert
All Pipino's desserts are dairy-free and egg-free.  They use whole wheat flour, mascuvado or coco sugar, canola oil, coconut milk and almond milk in making their sweet treats.  


 Banana Choco Peanut Cupcake  Choco-Banana Muffin  Vegan Oatmeal Choco Chip Cookie
 Banana Choco Peanut Cupcake (50 php) ,  ♥ Choco-Banana Muffin (25 php) 
and 
♥ Vegan Oatmeal Choco Chip Cookie (clockwise from back left)
The Banana Choco Peanut Cupcake and Choco-Banana Muffin were soft and moist as if it were the usual ones.  Although the Vegan Oatmeal Choco Chip Cookie looks dried, it is actually deliciously chewy.  I bet you couldn't tell these were Vegan if I hadn't told you. =p

dark chocolate ice cream
Dark Chocolate Ice Cream (40 php)
Pipino's  Dark Chocolate Ice Cream is made of pure cocoa and almond milk.  I loved the taste because it was rich and bitter-sweet.  The texture needs a few spoons to get used to because its a bit grainy.  But once you get the hang of it, you'll enjoy it.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino is a must try for all foodies out there!  The food is genuinely good and not just based on visual appeal.   Be enchanted by their tactful creativity in innovating their dishes. Every peso spent on their meals is worth it because they make their ingredients from scratch especially the mock cheeses.  The ambiance is suitable for casual dining with family and friends.  I hope I coul bring my family here someday.  Any suggestions on what to order next?  

Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino Menu
Ambiance Menu | Beverages |
Ice Cream | Soup of the Day | 
Taste
Service
Price
=Favorites or Recommended 

Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino
Business Address
39 Malingap Street Teachers Village,
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Business Hours Mon-Fri: 11am-10pm
Sat-Sun: 7am-10pm
Payment Options   Cash
Service Charge

Budget/Person 100-300
Free WiFi No
Contact (02)  44-11-773  / 212-1-212 (delivery)
Other  Email: pipinovegetarian@gmail.com Website | Facebook Fan Page
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