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: ★★★★☆
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: ★★★★★
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: ★★☆☆☆
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. 唔好食 🙁
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: ★★☆☆☆
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. 🙂 Check it out!
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