Meat-Free Filipino Dishes to Try This Holy Week

Holy Week isn’t just about reflection and solemn traditions—it’s also a time when food takes on a special significance. For us Filipinos, this sacred week is marked by a shift to meat-free meals, in line with religious observances that encourage fasting and abstinence. While the entire Lenten season (which lasts for 40 days) is traditionally a period of sacrifice and avoiding meat, it is during Holy Week—the last and most solemn week of Lent—that we fully embrace these traditions. This is when our families prepare special dishes that are both simple and flavourful, proving that a meat-free menu can be just as satisfying.

As a traveller exploring the Philippines during Holy Week, you’ll notice that food stalls, markets, and even local eateries shift their offerings to suit the season. Whether you're wandering through the streets of Cebu, exploring Pampanga’s rich culinary heritage, or taking a peaceful retreat in a quiet coastal town, you’ll find Holy Week delicacies that tell a story of tradition and faith. Here’s a look at some of the best Holy Week dishes we can enjoy together.

Also read: Holy Week and Easter in the Philippines: A Journey of Faith and Tradition

Meat-Free Filipino Dishes for Holy Week

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Holy Week meals in the Philippines are often simple but packed with flavour. Coconut milk, fresh vegetables, and seafood play major roles in these traditional dishes.

🌿 Binignit

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If you find yourself in Cebu or anywhere in the Visayas during Holy Week, don’t miss out on a bowl of binignit. This warm, sweet stew made with glutinous rice, bananas, sweet potatoes, and coconut milk is a Good Friday staple. Locals gather in their homes to cook big batches, sharing the comforting dish with neighbours and loved ones.

🌿 Paksiw na Isda

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Imagine sitting by the coast in Batangas, enjoying fresh fish slowly simmered in vinegar, garlic, and spices. The tangy yet light dish pairs perfectly with rice, making it a go-to Holy Week meal for many seaside communities.

🌿 Laing

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If you’re exploring Bicol, you’ll find laing, a dish made of taro leaves slow-cooked in coconut milk. Some households add dried fish for a savoury depth, but even on its own, laing is a flavour-packed dish that’s both satisfying and meat-free.

🌿 Ginataang Bilo-Bilo

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Travelling through Luzon? You’ll spot vendors selling this comforting dessert, which is similar to binignit but with chewy rice balls, root crops, and sago pearls swimming in coconut milk. It’s a favourite merienda during Holy Week, perfect for an afternoon break after visiting churches for Visita Iglesia.

🌿 Sampelot (Kapampangan)

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If you’re in Pampanga, don’t miss sampelot, their version of ginataang bilo-bilo. The sticky rice and coconut milk create a rich and creamy texture that’s both nostalgic and filling.

🌿 Ensaladang Talong

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For something light and refreshing, try ensaladang talong. Grilled eggplant mixed with tomatoes, onions, and a dash of calamansi juice is a simple yet flavourful side dish, often served alongside seafood during Holy Week.

🌿 Bulanglang (Vegetable Sinigang)

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While sinigang is typically known for its meaty broth, bulanglang is a version made entirely with vegetables and a tamarind-based soup. If you’re visiting Laguna or nearby provinces, you’ll find this dish in many homes and local eateries.

Also read: Holy Week Travel Tips: How to Beat the Holiday Rush

Holy Week, A Time for Reflection and Good Food

Wherever your Holy Week travels take you, there’s always a meat-free Filipino dish waiting to be discovered. These meals aren’t just about tradition—they’re also a way for us to connect with local cultures, communities, and the deeper meaning of the season. So, whether you’re observing Holy Week or simply looking for delicious new dishes to try, this is the perfect time to embrace the rich world of meatless Filipino cuisine.

Which Holy Week dish are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!