MANILA – An online news website has included the Philippines in its list of 13 countries that are “worst” for vegans, or people who do not eat meat and animal products.
Huffington Post published an article on March 19 titled “The 13 worst countries to visit as a vegan,” where it noted how most of the Philippines’ most well-known dishes include meat and sauces based on the broth of chicken or beef.
“Just take a look at the list of most popular dishes in the Philippines: lechon (whole roasted pig), longganisa (Philippine sausage), tapa (cured beef), torta (omelette), adobo (chicken and/or pork braised in garlic, vinegar, oil and soy sauce), kaldereta (meat in tomato sauce stew),” the website said.
Other countries included in Huffington Post’s list, which is not ranked, are France, Argentina, Iceland, China, Brazil, Korea, Russia, Mexico, Germany, Cuba, Spain and the United States, particularly the state of Texas.
“While one can always find a way to eat vegan wherever they are, some countries make it harder than others,” the website said.
Going vegan is usually more difficult than being a vegetarian, which only involves abstaining from meat and seafood. For instance, eggs and butter are also not allowed among vegans.
The Philippines has always been known for its great love for pork, which is used in most of its dishes.