5 Delicious ways to do Lent right at SM

Filipinos nationwide celebrate a time of reflection, austerity, and spiritual rest as Holy Week approaches.  However, you don't have to sacrifice flavor simply because you're not eating meat.  This holy time of year may actually be the ideal opportunity to delve into the diverse and unexpected realm of Lenten-friendly cuisine, and there's no better place to begin than Bulacan's most beloved community centers.

A different kind of culinary reflection that satisfies the tongue and feeds the soul is what SM Center Pulilan, SM City Marilao, and SM City Baliwag encourage you to experience.  Whether you're fasting, feasting, or just curious, these five Lenten dishes—which range from coastal flavors to platters with a cosmopolitan flair—are worth trying.

5 Delicious ways to do Lent right at SM

1. Truffle Fusilli from EC Café – SM Center Pulilan

Truffle pasta during Lent?  Sure, please.  With their truffle fusilli, a dish that is sophisticated, earthy, and rich in all the right ways, EC Café puts a creamy twist on simple.  The al dente pasta and creamy truffle embrace every bite, making it ideal for those leisurely, soul-satisfying lunches you didn't realize you wanted.  Bonus: it tastes great with a side of cold coffee.

2. Inihaw na Pusit from Gerry’s Grill – SM Center Pulilan 

When prepared properly, grilled squid is one of the few foods that best embodies the Filipino character, and Gerry's Grill does it flawlessly.  Their inihaw na pusit, which is served with a side of achara and a dip that feels like a warm hug, is juicy and soft on the inside and charred and smokey on the outside.  This meal transforms a straightforward fish dinner into a heartfelt experience, best enjoyed with family.

3. Garlic Shrimp and Egg Fried Rice from Botejyu – SM City Marilao  

Say "ohayou" to this beloved Japanese dish that will add umami to your Lenten table.  Even though it seems easy, Botejyu's execution of sizzling shrimp with garlic and a fluffy egg over fried rice is anything from magnificent.  This dish, which is served in a hot stone bowl, is bursting with flavor and texture. It's a must-try for anyone who enjoys their plant-based meals with a little flair.

4. Squid Sisig from Kuya J’s – SM City Baliwag  

Kuya J's Squid Sisig will add some spice to your Lenten meals if they are becoming too bland.  Imagine a platter that sizzles, soft squid, a spicy mixture, and just enough heat to keep things interesting.  It pairs well with garlic rice and is strong and salty.  This is more than simply a meal; it's a flavorful awakening for your palate.

5. Grilled Salmon Platter from Kenny Rogers Roasters – SM City Baliwag  

Kenny Rogers' Grilled Salmon combines heartiness and healthfulness.  This meal, which is served with rice, lemon butter, and your preferred sides, such as their well-known corn muffin, adds harmony and vitality to your Lenten table.  This is a great option for anyone looking for healthier meals this season, regardless of whether they work out or not.

Bulacan's SM malls can satisfy your Lenten desires without using any meat, whether it's for weekend family feasts or weekday meals.  These five recipes demonstrate that eating mindfully can still be exciting, particularly when done with others at the table.