18/04/2026
Tita M. Soliongco
My Personal Journey: The Vegetarian Kitchen, From Our Table to Yours
Some stories don’t begin with big plans—they begin quietly, with a simple intention. The Vegetarian Kitchen started with just me at the helm. Armed with my mother’s recipes, I began my own plant-based journey, cooking the dishes I knew by heart and learning along the way. The menu was made up of meals I prepared the same way I would at home—simple and familiar. There was no clear roadmap, just the hope that people might enjoy the food and come back. Little by little, they did.
Over time, my children joined in and made it their own too. What started as a personal path slowly became something we shared. Together, we began creating more dishes—adding new flavors, experimenting, baking, and finding our own way of bringing vegetarian food to life. It remained a family effort, shaped by tradition and fresh ideas.
Growth came gently. Familiar faces returned, new ones followed, and the restaurant slowly found its place. For 36 years now, we’ve been quietly doing what we set out to do—serving food with care and welcoming anyone willing to try something different. Many who came in out of curiosity discovered that vegetarian food could be filling, comforting, and enjoyable in its own way. That quiet support made all the difference. Over the years, we’ve been able to share everyday meals, revisit well-loved recipes, and be part of people’s routines. Nothing elaborate—just food made with care, and the opportunity to keep going.
Looking ahead, the intention remains the same. To continue cooking, to keep things honest and approachable, and to serve food that people can enjoy any day. No big promises—just a commitment to keep showing up, one meal at a time. From where we started to where we are now, The Vegetarian Kitchen is still what it has always been—a small kitchen, doing its best to share good, plant-based vegan food with others.
The Vegetarian Kitchen's dishes through the years. Pictures by Kons Koh
