When introducing veganism to grandparents, especially in a Filipino family, it can feel a bit like asking them to rethink a lifetime of food traditions. In Filipino culture, dishes like adobo, lechon, and sinigang hold a lot of history, flavor, and fond memories. But, with a little understanding and creative cooking, you can show them that veganism doesn’t have to mean giving up the flavors they love. Here’s a gentle, respectful approach to sharing plant-based living with your beloved lolos and lolas.
1. Start with Conversation, Not Conversion
Approaching the topic with curiosity and respect is key. Explain that veganism is a lifestyle choice focused on kindness to animals, health, and the environment. Instead of pressuring them to switch their diet, share your own reasons and experiences. They may ask questions, and that’s a good sign—questions mean they’re listening! You might say something like, “I wanted to try a way of eating that’s kind to animals and the planet, and it’s been a good experience so far.” They may relate to this in their own way, especially if they value compassion or environmental stewardship.
2. Bring Familiar Flavors to the Table
One of the most convincing ways to introduce veganism is through the taste buds. Filipino cuisine is rich in flavor, and many traditional dishes can easily be “veganized” without losing their essence.
Here are a few veganized Filipino dishes to try:
- Vegan Adobo: Swap out meat with mushrooms or tofu and let them absorb that adobo flavor with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves. Try adding a bit of jackfruit for a more “meaty” texture, which can really surprise them.
- Sinampalukang Gabi (Vegan Sinigang): Using tamarind for that classic sour taste, add a medley of vegetables like kangkong (water spinach), radish, tomatoes, and sitaw (long beans) for a refreshing, hearty stew. You could even add tofu or mushrooms to give it a savory richness.
- Pinakbet with Coconut Milk: This traditional veggie dish, usually flavored with bagoong (fermented fish paste), can be made with a vegan bagoong or a bit of coconut aminos for a hint of umami.
- Lumpiang Shanghai: Use ground tofu or lentils mixed with veggies for a tasty filling that they can enjoy just like the classic spring rolls.
These dishes maintain familiar textures and flavors but introduce vegan ingredients, helping your lolos and lolas see that plant-based doesn’t mean flavorless.
3. Respectfully Share Health Benefits
Veganism often brings up health concerns, especially for elders who may feel that protein is only available from animal sources. Share how many plant-based foods like beans, lentils, tofu, and vegetables offer vitamins and fiber that support heart health and digestion. You might mention that the Philippines has many plant-based staples, like mung beans (monggo), leafy greens, and coconut-based dishes, which are all great for health and provide essential nutrients.
If they have particular health conditions, like high cholesterol or hypertension, let them know that eating more vegetables, legumes, and whole grains can support these concerns. However, keep the conversation light, and avoid overwhelming them with facts.
4. Make It Fun and Involve Them in Cooking
Grandparents often love to cook for their families. Why not invite them to cook together and explore a few new ingredients? Let them help with preparing familiar dishes with vegan tweaks. For instance, you can ask for their help in making lumpia with a tofu or veggie filling, or ask them to taste-test your sinigang with tofu.
Sharing the cooking process can create a sense of pride and connection to the new dish, showing them that they still play a central role in preserving family flavors while trying something new.
5. Celebrate the Small Changes
Veganism may be a big leap for them, so celebrate the small steps. If they’re willing to try more veggie dishes or cook with less meat, let them know you appreciate it. Encouraging even small adjustments, like having a vegetable-based dish for merienda (snack) or making use of coconut milk instead of animal-based products, can make the change feel more natural and achievable.
6. Be Patient and Enjoy the Process
Remember, this is a journey that might take time. While they may not fully embrace veganism, just introducing them to the idea and making plant-based foods enjoyable can be a wonderful way to share your values. Over time, they may grow curious enough to incorporate more plant-based dishes into their routine.
The Small Steps
Introducing veganism to your lolos and lolas can be a heartwarming experience. Approach with respect, prepare familiar dishes with a vegan twist, highlight the health benefits gently, involve them in the kitchen, and celebrate their openness. By sharing these small steps, you’ll be building understanding and offering a way for them to see that veganism doesn’t mean giving up the foods they love—it just brings a new flavor to family traditions.