Green Label Café: A Vegetarian Haven

Green Label Café

Dining at Green Label Café: A Vegetarian Haven

Contents

Green Label Café is a popular vegetarian Chinese restaurant near the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City. Recently, my friends Jojo Bayona, Lei Lani Dusaban, Engiemar Tupas, and I decided to revisit this place for dinner because we’ve all become more conscious about what we eat. Our experiences at Green Label Café have always been positive, and this recent visit reaffirmed why it remains one of our favorite dining spots.

Location and Ambiance | Green Label Café

Situated at Unit 11-12 The Shophouse Heritage Building on Narra Avenue, Villamonte, Green Label Café is just a short distance from the university where we teach, making it an ideal spot for a wholesome meal after a busy day. The restaurant’s interior is simple but functional, with two dining areas: a main room featuring large tables, snack displays of vegetarian treats, and a freezer stocked with frozen vegetarian foods, and a larger dining room with circular tables suitable for groups. The latter can get lively and noisy due to amplified conversations, but it adds to the vibrant atmosphere of the place.

Our Recent Dinner Experience at Green Label Café

On this visit, we ordered some of our favorites: the classic Hot and Sour Soup, Crispy Veggie Chicken Tenders, Beef Broccoli, and Egg Foo Young. Green Label Café offers a vast menu with over a hundred dishes, many of which we have tried over time, but these remain our go-to favorites.

Hot and Sour Soup: This Sichuan-origin soup is a staple at Green Label, known for its spicy peppery heat balanced by the tang of Chinese vinegar. However, during this visit, we found the soup to be unusually extra hot, which prompted us to mention our concern to the staff. While we enjoy a good kick, consistency in taste is something we hope the kitchen maintains.
Crispy Veggie Chicken Tenders: These are a delicious plant-based take on the classic chicken tenders, crispy on the outside and tender inside, perfect for dipping in their sweet chili sauce.
Beef Broccoli: A vegetarian rendition of the Chinese favorite, this dish combines tender veggie “beef” strips with fresh broccoli in a savory sauce, delivering comfort and flavor without meat.
Egg Foo Young: Another classic Chinese dish reinvented in vegetarian form, it features fluffy vegetable patties with a rich gravy, satisfying and hearty.

Why We Keep Coming Back to Green Label Café

What makes Green Label Café stand out is not just the variety but the generous portion sizes and the authentic flavors that make you forget you’re eating vegetarian. The restaurant’s menu includes many vegan options or dishes that can be made vegan upon request, catering well to different dietary preferences.

Some of our other favorites over the years include:

Ngohiong: A giant, crispy deep-fried roll filled with vegetables and veggie meat, served with sweet chili sauce. Unlike the Cebuano ngohiong, this version resembles a giant kikiam and is perfect for sharing.
Vegetarian Hot Pots: Served in large clay pots, the Mushroom Hot Pot and Eggplant Hot Pot are packed with mushrooms, tender eggplant, vegetable proteins, and savory sauces that warm you up.
Vegetarian Sisig: A plant-based take on the Filipino classic, made without pork or real eggs but still delivering the familiar flavors.
Radish Cake: Made from turnips or radishes and rice flour, deep-fried until crispy outside and chewy inside, this dish absorbs sauces beautifully and is a must-try.
Singaporean Curry Noodles: Glass noodles cooked in a fragrant curry sauce with vegetable protein and bean sprouts, offering a flavorful and light meal.
Delicately Battered Oyster Mushrooms: A favorite appetizer, rich in nutrients and served with sweet chili sauce.

A Note on Consistency at Green Label Café

While we love the food at Green Label Café, one recurring issue is the occasional inconsistency in flavor, as we experienced with the hot and sour soup on this visit. Sometimes dishes come out spicier or milder than expected, which can surprise regular patrons. Nonetheless, the staff is receptive to feedback, and the dining experience remains enjoyable.

one recurring issue is the occasional inconsistency in flavor

Why Green Label Café Is a Must-Try in Bacolod

Proximity to University of St. La Salle: Perfect for students, faculty, and staff looking for healthy, vegetarian-friendly meals nearby.
Extensive Vegetarian and Vegan Menu: Over 100 dishes with many vegan options, suitable for diverse dietary needs.
Generous Portions and Affordable Prices: Most dishes are large enough to share, offering great value.
Authentic Chinese Vegetarian Flavors: The dishes capture the essence of Chinese cuisine without meat.
Welcoming Atmosphere: Suitable for both casual dinners and group gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Green Label Café is one of Bacolod City’s best vegetarian restaurants. It offers delicious Chinese-inspired dishes that satisfy even non-vegetarians. Whether you are health-conscious like us or simply curious about vegetarian cuisine, this restaurant is worth visiting. Just be prepared for some variation in spice levels and flavors, and don’t hesitate to share your feedback with the staff.