VEGETARIANS and vegans—yes, there is a difference—have a lot to celebrate for the past few weeks. On Oct. 1, vegetarians commemorated World Vegetarian Day and today, vegans are raising their flags high for World Vegan Day.
Vegetarians exclude animal products from their diet, while vegans exclude animal products as well as by-products such as dairy and eggs.
Veganism is generally a lifestyle, meaning they also deviate from using animal-based products like leather and wool.
On top of that, they have a new dining destination to add to their list, as Marco Polo Plaza recently introduced an ala carte menu of vegetable-based dishes.
Lined up with creative fares, the new menu gives veggie lovers more choices other than the typical “salad.” At the same time, it also entices those who have declared abhorrence to vegetables—whose moms had to force them to gobble their greens—to finally try it out.
The hotel’s executive chef Stefano Verrillo said that in the 30 years he has been in the profession, he has learned the best way in catering to guests who have diet restrictions. Careful preparation is critical, he emphasized, especially since some of these guests are those who have celiac disease or are lactose intolerant.
To address such needs, the menu has labels that make it easier to select. All are vegetarian-friendly, of course, but specific labels like whether a certain dish is egg-free, dairy-free or gluten-free are also in place.
The menu has a combination of dishes of Mediterranean, Indian and Malay origins. Some of its bestsellers are the green mango dhal and vegetarian versions of the nasi goreng and Mediterranean antipasto. The quinoa kichadi is a hit as well; served with roti bread, the quinoa is seeped in curry and coconut sauce, giving the healthy treat a flavorful kick.
One thing to note of Marco Polo’s new vegetarian menu is that even non-vegetarians will enjoy it as well. Perhaps the most recognizable for newbies are the nasi goreng and rice congee, but should they feel like it, they will certainly not be disappointed in adventurously going for, say, the aloo gobi or moussaka.
And who knows? By this time next year, more and more will be marking this day on their calendar and celebrating it with their favorite vegetable-filled meal. Happy World Vegan Day!
This special ala carte menu is available in Marco Polo Plaza’s four dining outlets: Café Marco, El Viento Pool Bar, Blu Bar & Grill on the rooftop and the Lobby Lounge.