Corner Tree Cafe: Delicious Vegetarian Dishes

Unlike cats, we humans aren't obligate carnivores, as we can just as easily derive nutrition from plants as we do from animals. So it's a fairly easy feat for grown people to have a vegetarian lifestyle. (And this is my excuse whenever I feel like going vegetarian for a day!) Whenever the situation calls for it, I turn "vegetarian", just like the time I accompanied my good friend Ada to this popular vegetarian joint along Jupiter St., Corner Tree Cafe.

A cafe at the corner of Jupiter St. and something.

With my dream car.

Ada Lopez the Health Nut

Here Come the Foods!

Organic Lemongrass Iced Tea Php95 Mild tasting lemongrass tea with muscovado sugar

I'm not a huge fan of lemongrass tea, mostly because the lemongrass flavor tend to be too much for me, but Corner Tree Cafe's has a characteristically mild lemongrass taste to it that makes sipping a tall glass of it on a hot Saturday afternoon enjoyable. I find that it costs too much considering that it's so easy to brew at home.

Vegetable Dumplings Php150 Dumplings made of shiitake mushrooms, spinach, carrots and Mexican turnips and served with rice vinegar dipping sauce

One of my good friends calls me "siomai girl" for a reason, and fortunately, Corner Tree Cafe's vegetable dumplings are not disappointing. The dipping sauce is tart--almost has that delicious lemon-y taste--and ! I would have preferred that these be turned into Japanese gyoza, though.

Veg Bibimbap Php315 with egg Php45 (raw or fried) Korean dish with a twist: organic red rice, fresh spinach, bean sprouts, carrots, zucchini, shiitake mushrooms, and homemade kimchi

This Korean phase I've been through for a few weeks made me order this dish. And boy, is the serving size really meant for sharing! For the heck of it I requested for the addition of raw egg. Mild tasting dish that can convince non-vegetarians that there is real meat in it!

Koftas in Tomato Sauce Php285 Indian vegetarian "meatballs" made of cauliflower and cabbage in tomato sauce with a kick, served over organic red rice or couscous

Ada ordered this tomato-based couscous dish, and as a pasta lover that prefers red-based sauces over white ones, I find the Indian spices a little too much for my liking. But that's how the real koftas (meatballs with origins in the Mediterranean) should taste like, I guess.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Torte Php165 Rich and creamy chocolate mousse on top of a velvety caramel layer and crushed graham cracker crust.

Even the graham crust was so good! Light and heavenly, the salted caramel chocolate torte made me ask for another slice. My friend Ada convinced me to watch my weight, though, so I just savored the single slice. I'd give this six stars if I could!

Verdict

Deceptively vegetarian dishes that can convert a die-hard omnivore into an herbivore! Surprisingly delicious food that can fill your tummy fairly quickly. Highly recommended gem along Jupiter St.

Price range: ~Php350 per person Food: 4 out of 5 stars Value: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Corner Tree Cafe

Hours of Operation Mon - Sun: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm For reservations, call 897-0295 or text or call 0906-558-6177. For delivery, call 212-1212.