For most people, the idea of gourmet vegan cuisine is a head-scratcher, but it seems that Susi does not shy away from the challenge. Susi Vegan and Vegetarian in BGC provides interesting, “clean” eats with enough options that are 100% vegan (gluten-free, meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and cruelty-free). How does this kind of food satisfy? Does this vegan joint mimic the flavors of meat in its cooking? Can this be considered “heaven” for vegans? We ordered four of its best-selling dishes to find out.
Review of Susi Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)
Ambiance: β β β β β
Susi Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant, a two-story sleek spot with white and polished wood walls, turned out as a host of greens and creative vegan eats. The ambiance here can be described as a pleasant departure from noisy bars and restaurants in Forbes Town Center. Quirky decors, dim lighting, and comfortable seating enhance aura of peace and satisfaction, making it an ideal place to hang out and carry long conversations over a nice meal. In addition to items on the menu, packed snacks as well as memorabilia are displayed for selling beside the counter.
Service: β β β β β
Service was spot-on. The staff made it a point to make everyone happy with their friendly accommodation and cheeriness. On each table, there were buttons for us to press if we need to call their attention for any request. These served as a discreet way of alerting them for assistance. I tried pressing a button once and was glad that it worked. Overall, our needs were met with prompt and efficiency.
Food: β β βββ
At one glance, Susi’s menu was impressive. Distinctive names of dishes with elaborate descriptions were written, and these were not classic digs we normally find in other vegetarian restaurants. It was also great that enthusiastic servers were present to explain them further. We took in their best recommendations and had the following:
Sea Shepherd’s Pie (PhP 345) is said to be one of the most comforting vegan dishes. Susi made it with the classic mashed potato crust, but taste executed fell flat. The mashed potatoes could have been more flavorful when topped with cheese, cream, or fresh herbs. Proportions of salt and pepper should also be increased at pleasure, and perhaps a bit of chopped thyme or oregano would have delivered better embellishment and matched in flavors, too.
Beet burger with chimichurri, cream cheese, pico de gallo, and sweet potato wedges made up the Instagram-worthy El Chimichurri (PhP 475). The burger bun wasn’t made of wheat, oats, or gluten but still it provided textural interest. It was hard and robust enough to stand up under the pressure of biting into a bun. As for flavor, the “beet patty” did not taste anything artificial but was earthy and quite bland. What enhanced the taste was the chimichurri, a delicious green sauce originally from Argentina. Sadly though, the result was still not as savory and decadent as we expected. The burger was a tad dry for our liking.
The Emerson (PhP 495) consisted of baked lentil-mushroom loaf served with zucchini-aubergine ratatouille and mashed potatoes. While made with wholesome ingredients and healthfully prepared, taste was nothing other-worldly. We were looking for the hearty, umami flavor of the lentil and mushroom combination and sorry to say, this dish just missed it. εε₯½ι£ π
Tender rice grains in the Quinotto (PhP 415) held their shape and retained a pleasantly chewy texture that’s not too mushy. Topped with fresh lemon zest strips, teriyaki quinoa risotto with tamari-glazed king oyster mushroom scallops was surprisingly filling. With slightly nutty and a little sweet taste, this cohesive dish was the tastiest among these four however the overall flavor did not win us over.
Price for Value: β β βββ
Plant-based food gets a delicious spin at Susi Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant in Burgos Circle. The guilt-free dishes we tried might not have been right up our alley, and tabs are not so affordable either. Nonetheless, they were still worth a try. The textures and ingredients used to make food presentations were inventive, and these can possibly convert meat eaters to become vegans/vegetarians. π Check it out!
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
I am not enticed to try this restaurant. The servings of the food look too small to be worth the price they cost. No matter how good they may taste, I know I would not be satisfied. Sorry.
This is a restaurant that can be just best appreciated only by vegans. But even for my Dad who’s been a vegan in about 40 years, the food didn’t scream delicious at all.
I’m curious to try it. It’s so rare to find Vegan food on the menu in the Philippines, let alone an entire restaurant that is Meat-free (and Vegan nonetheless). We’ve heard several people around town suggest it to us (we are vegan) and hope to do our own review afterwards. By the way i don’t think non-vegans can truly appreciate how significant places like this are to the community, nor do i think meat-eaters can fully appreciate the food taste considering their taste buds are different and not fully awakened by a vegan lifestyle.
How disappointing! I’m a lifelong vegetarian and was excited to read this review, it’s unfortunate that the food wasn’t better. I wonder how it would fare among the vegetarian/vegan set… most of the time I’m extremely disappointed with restaurant food, unless it’s a all-veg place. Maybe it’s the same with meat eaters at a veg place ; -)
Yeah, we were also excited to finally dine at Susi. After sampling their dishes, we thought we’d prefer real leafy vegetables any day. It’s quite worthwhile though to get to try other types of vegan cooking once in a while.
What was disappointing specifically about your food choice? I’m not sure if you’re Vegan or not but i know for sure that Meat-eaters often have very different taste buds. I’d be curious to know what other Vegans (Rare in the Philippines) say about this restaurant
I love the decor of this place. It is so clean and airy feeling. Everything pictured looked good, I think I would be up for giving it a try. I also LOVE the call button, I wish more places had that device.
Yes, the atmosphere was fine–very cozy and relaxing. The call button looked appealing because it will save your voice and the hassle of raising hands to call the attention of servers.
When I saw the two stars I knew that I wasn’t going to be trying this. Here in the states if it doesn’t have at least a 4 star rating I know something is wrong. Thank you for the honestly because not many people are
You’re welcome. This might be just the place dedicated to vegans’ pleasure. The food is healthy and they obviously are meant to make you feel good, but don’t expect to be satisfied with the taste on all levels.
I don’t understand when you suggest that Vegan food isn’t meant to feel good? Being Vegan is the best thing i’ve ever done in my culinary life. Food never tasted better and it’s a joy to make it π
Again, i think if one is not Vegan, their taste buds are incapable of giving an accurate review of a Vegan restaurant. I hope to find some Vegan reviewers for Susi.
This is why I love going to restaurants and trying new things. Can you beleive I have YET to try sushi? I suppose it kinda grosses me out with the raw fish and all, but if I’m going to a vegan/vegetarian sushi restaurant, I wouldn’t have to worry about it, hehe! I’d love to go to this one I mean, the food looks amazing right?!
The food presentation looked good but then the taste was forgettable. This isn’t a vegetarian sushi joint. It’s a play of word maybe. Susi β Sushi. π
I have never seen a call button in a restaurant before! I am a vegetarian so it can be hard to find new restaurants that really appeal to me. I think I would give it a try and hope maybe they were having an off day.
We still don’t have a ton of vegetarian / vegan restaurants here in the city, but we have an increasing recommended list of restaurants that serve vegetarian food that’s part of their regular menu. The call button is such a lifesaver. π
So, this is a vegetarian restaurant~ The food styling is good. And I love the way you took the photos.
Thanks, Sin Yee. I thought the pictures would have come out better when I used a flash kit because the lighting is too dim.
My idea of a vegetarian restaurant is something with a lesser price since they are only using vegetables for their dishes, but this restaurant is just the opposite. I wonder what makes the prices too pricey.
This made me conclude that only the well-off can come and dine in here which is perfect to say – wealth is health.
Nice thoughts. Usually, vegetables are cheaper than meat, but since this restaurant mostly caters to the upper-class vegan elite and is placed in BGC (where rental cost is high), the prices tend to follow.
Like anything in life, you get what you paid for. If you want to spend 150peso on food, then go to Army-Navy for example and the food quality will be noticably different. Vegan food is typically a higher standard, especially Vegan Entree foods which are also rare here in the Philippines; which i think also contributes to the price since it’s just not available at more than a handfull of restaurants in Metro Manila. Definately not a meat-eater’s paradise.
Sorry the food was not all to your liking, but that too about a restaurant is always good to know! This looks like such a great place to catch up with friends! These days it is really difficult finding a place where all my friends with various dietary needs can go!
Yes, it’s a good place to hang out with friends. I think the desserts and drinks here would be great to try. However, prices are also above the standard.
The ambiance of the place is really cozy. Perfect for taking pictures too which you did a great job of showcasing.
Thanks, Raquel. We enjoyed viewing the design and decorations.
What a beautifully designed restaurant with beautiful food. But I doubt that I would ever go to a vegan restaurant. The food may look yummy but the ingredients are not enticing
The menu posts the list of ingredients and the respective descriptions which all translate to “healthy.” I think these will be enticing for those who are health-conscious for the most part.
The food looks so good but it was so sad that it didn’t live up to the goodness of its looks! I still might try it though in the future, maybe! π
Yup, you should still try these and it will be a good idea to end your meal with sweet desserts.
wow, these dishes look so yummy and doesn’t look like they have no meat in them at all! would love to try them out if i could.
These food aren’t the straightforward type since the smell and appearance do not easily dictate the taste. Interesting may be the best word to describe these items.
hmmmm. I eat with my eyes I think. The shepherd pie looks wrong, with that pale white mash. I like chimichurri usually, but the way it was smeared onto that burger is not very appetising looking… Sorry babe, not for me.
Most of us start eating with our eyes, and food presentation makes me feel excited. While there was a minor hiccup with the food, the service crew and the ambiance made our stay passable.
This place and decor looks nice in wooden finish. It seems the food portion is too small and even though you didnt like the food much but still posted the wonderful photos.
This place attracts a classy crowd with its nice ambiance and interior design. We ordered four dishes and shared them among the four of us. The portions were okay but because the food were not successfully in tempting our appetite any further, we’re not convinced to go back for a second try.
It’s nice that there are more vegetarian and vegan restaurant. They also have a lot of food choices.
You can dine in here after your BGC run one time. π
I’m just wondering if Susi means anything in Filipino/Tagalog? In Indonesia, Susi is like a very basic and generic female name haha. For a second i thought it was a sushi restaurant, silly me :p. The place looks pretty nice and cozy, too bad the food’s not that good!
Susi means key in Filipino but I doubt if that has any relation with the restaurant. “Susie” but not “Susi” is a popular name for females. π
The aesthetics of the restaurant looks well made. I love the wooden set up.
This wooden setup is meant to evoke feelings of a rustic home. I think it’s a good choice for tighter spaces and a treat to the eyes.
I’m so impressed with the vegan burger! Can’t wait to try them one day!
It’s a popular item on Instagram because it just looks so packed with colorful and interesting ingredients that are not commonly found in a regular burger we are more familiar of. Try it. π
The El Chimichurri and Quinotto look appetizing. Did not know that vegetarian food is so creative and healthy too.
Whoever made the menu must be really creative. It’s inspiring how he/she has made the food concept of the restaurant clear and presentable.
Wow the food looks amazing! As someone who is gluten free, I am always searching for foods I can eat! It is not very often you come across a restaurant so focused on gluten free cuisine! It’s nice to see that times are changing π
Right, not many restaurants specialize in gluten-free meals. Here you can rest assure that food is consistently healthy. I appreciate good use of quality ingredients to make the dishes.
that’s too bad. I believe vegan/organic/healthy really doesn’t have to be bland or tasteless! But are their options better than wholesome table’s?
I haven’t tried eating at The Wholesome Table yet. You just gave me an idea. π Thanks! I’ll let you know next time.
I love all the food, problem is it is too expensive. Anyway, I love the ambiance of the place and the crew are very attentive with the service, that’s good to hear!
If you’re much fond of vegan/vegetarian food, then it will be better to spend your money elsewhere. If you’re feeling adventurous though, this is a good place to start your vegan/vegetarian journey. π
the dishes seems okay. I am not into this type of foods kasi but the The Emerson is worth trying out.
It’s one of the most recommended hot item on the menu. The Emerson can stand as a good reason why you need to have a food trip here. π
The place looks great and so does the food but I’m not really a huge fan of the vegan diet. I’m a steak person through and through, give me beef!
Oh haha, if you’re a steak person, this is not the place to go. Your awesome meal is waiting at CRU Steakhouse in Manila Marriot Hotel. π
OMG I wish we had a place like this here! My family is both gluten free( due to allergies) and vegan( right now) due to a lifestyle choice. We can never find restaurants that can accommodate both! The food looks deliicious!
This place may be heaven for your family. Susi offers a lot of choices sorted by category on the menu. You will be spoiled for food options! π
Love your blog and your photos! Well done! Having visited Susi just recently myself, I have to say you’re right on the spot here. Menu items look interesting, the restaurant has a good atmosphere, service is actually great, but the taste of food simply disappoints! Salt, pepper, fresh herbs, a few spices could make such a difference..it’s a pity, the place and concept have potential!
Thanks, Simon! π A good idea, as you said, is to have them place salt and pepper and maybe some more condiments on the table, so that dining customers will have the liberty to just add a dash of the spices and flavors to the food. Their concept is really good and this restaurant has a big room for improvement.
I can never try going vegan because I don’t eat vegetables that much in the first place but my auntie is a vegan. I’m sure she will love this place! She always have a hard time finding a place to eat in since most restaurants offer meat meals.
Well, some people just cannot stand the taste of vegetables. You can recommend this restaurant to your aunt. π
Wow thank you for that honest review! I know a lot of bloggers would only point out good things but i felt this was so very well rounded. I love the decor of the space, I love spaces that are modern and this definitely fits the bill.
While the overall design and mood of the place were uplifting, Susi PH dropped points in terms of delivering flavorful food. Nevertheless, it was good that we experienced dining here once.
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