Eating out without meat at Big Mao

a Lenten special

Fasting and abstinence are fundamental expressions of penitence for Catholics during Lent. In all Fridays in the entire stretch of 40 days from Ash Wednesday up to the Holy week, the faithful are urged to skip meat (pork, beef, even chicken) in favor of more ascetic fare- fish.


Lo Han Chai noodles- the noodles come in bone dry but rehydrates beautifully in the soy-infused thick sauce; Php 140
Canon EOS 350D, 1/160s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 500, -1/3EV

Giving up meat is easy for me. I abstain not just on Fridays but for the whole duration of Lent. Conveniently for me, during this season, restaurants in the Philippines would typically expand usual their set menus to include more fish and seafood fare.


braised beancurd with squid and 3 kinds of mushroom- mushrooms and tofu are always my favorite all year round’ Php 250
Canon EOS 350D, 1/300s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 500, -2/3EV

In Cebu, a favorite destination for me for price, taste and service is the Big Mao Chinese restaurant which has branches in Ayala Terraces and the Crossroads Banilad. As you can see here in the photographs, I missed nothing much in terms of variety, flavor and experience.


crabmeat and shrimp fooyong- this is a richer and more savory Chinese version of the omelette; Php 180
Canon EOS 350D, 1/80s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 200



bird’s nest soup- there could some chicken bits here so this is not for the meat teetotaler but this is one hearty comfort food for many; Php 95 for a bowl for 3-4 persons
Canon EOS 350D, 1/80s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 320, +1/3EV



lightly coated fish fillet with milky sweet corn sauce- the sweet creaminess is not for everybody but the fish is fried to perfection (brittle crisp outside, succulent soft inside); Php 260
Canon EOS 350D, 1/125s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 500



crispy prawn crackers- this trademark appetizer comes in free
Canon EOS 350D, 1/160s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 500, -1/3EV