When my dish beams with color, I know I’m making the right decisions for my body and spirit—that’s a fact. Plant summer is in, and it feels at home at The Wholesome Table with their cozy, iconic indoor tree motif and farmhouse ambience stretching across Salcedo, BGC, and Shangri-La Plaza.

Whether with family, friends, or someone you fancy, The Wholesome Table puts the heart in hearty with their fresh new veggie offerings from homegrown in-season produce and diverse cuisines. Care for some scrumptious Thai Crispy Rice with starchy arborio and grilled shiitake, or perhaps a filling bowl of Vegetarian Laksa with pandan tofu, topped off with organic berry and mango Panna Cotta?

Vegetarian Laksa | Photo: The Wholesome Table 

For founder Bianca Araneta-Elizalde, the organic thrust of her decade-long venture finally needed a zesty commitment to a plant-based-only menu, just in time for the heat. “We regularly introduce plant-based dishes but have never created a fully plant-based menu. Crafting flavorful, layered vegetarian dishes is a challenge, as I always seek dimension when I eat,” she explains.

Thai Crispy Rice | Photo: The Wholesome Table 

A summer table to remember

There’s something about sharing a table brimming with colors, textures, and nourishing flavors that just makes sense, especially in the heat of summer. Stepping into The Wholesome Table one warm summer evening felt like slipping into a tranquil retreat. The soft glow, rustic wood, and the signature tree at the heart of the space created the perfect setting to ease into a night of conscious dining.

Each bite was a reminder of how joyful mindful eating can be: soulful, intentional, and oh-so-satisfying. As we laughed over shared plates and stories, it felt like the kind of reset we all crave. That night didn’t just nourish our appetite, it was a full-on summer glow-up for the spirit too.

Vegetarian Asada | Photo: The Wholesome Table 

A feast of flavors

The unique bounties of a summer harvest lends itself to an exploration of how vibrant food can be.

The refreshing Farmer’s Salad, Bianca’s golden pick, fashions a rainbow out of mesclun greens, homemade roasted sesame reminiscent of Japan, and seasonal reaps from their own Wholesome Farms in Lipa, Batangas. Their guilt-free Vegetarian Asada packs a punch with stewed jackfruit (I was shocked to discover how well it works as a meatless alternative with its texture that reminds me of shredded pork or chicken!) and a generous dollop of tangy sour cream made from scratch. 

Farmer's Salad | Photo: The Wholesome Table 

Light and hearty highlights 

If there is one dish to keep your eyes peeled for, it’s the Green Hummus with Roasted Eggplant. This is made with edamame, instead of chickpeas, which gives a bright spin on what can easily feel like a dull dish. This is brightened with chimichurri and pickled onion that cuts through the creamy edamame spread. Paired with their crisp sourdough toast, I trust you won’t be putting that dip down soon. This is a real Mediterranean treat!

Green Hummus with Roasted Eggplantn | Photo: The Wholesome Table 

And if we must sneak in one last high, their classic Buddha Bowl seals the deal. Out-of-this-world vegan bagoong rice marrying stir-fried veg and roasted sweet potatoes and curry chickpeas over a tamarind glaze. When the vegan dish makes you drool in sight and taste, should we also check your pulse? You know it’s real.

Buddha Bowl | Photo: The Wholesome Table 

Arrange that long overdue brunch or dinner plan with your loved ones and try it for yourself. This seasonal menu may be gone before you know it, unless you let The Wholesome Table know that plant summer is forever (they’re listening)!

All new plant-based specials mentioned are available starting April 10 at all The Wholesome Table branches in Salcedo, BGC, and Shangri-La Plaza | Instagram: @thewholesometable.