10 Must-Not-Miss Specials to Try This Lenten Season

(SPOT.ph) We're right smack in the middle of the Lenten season—you know, that time of the year when Catholics and Christians abstain from eating meat on certain days as a form of sacrifice and penance. While skipping meat or going meatless can be easy as pie for most, it can still be daunting, especially to loyal carnivores who prefer the beefy steak or pork chop to seafood. Not to worry. Most restaurants and chains these days are prepared for Lent. Like clockwork, they come out with Lenten Specials that augment their usual seafood options. So, dear Spotters, in case you're looking to dine out this Lent, you'll want to check out these Lenten specials.

Also read:
Save Money While Helping Farmers: Where to Buy Fruits and Vegetables Online

Here are 10 dishes you must not miss this lenten season:

Mcdonald's Fish and Fries

Hearts broke across the archipelago when Mcdonald's discontinued the Filet-O-Fish. But it didn't take too long for Ronald McDonald to come out with something new to fill the fish burger-shaped hole in our hearts. Enter the Fish and Fries (starts at P242), or Mcdonald's take on the English favorite fish and chips. It's your standard deep-fried fish fillet with a side of french fries (or rice, if that's your jam). It comes with a choice between a thousand Island sauce or tartar sauce to dip your fish into. NGL, it's the tartar sauce that makes it pop for us. It really got us hooked (pun intended).

For more information, visit Mcdonald's Philippines' Facebook page.

Jollibee's Tuna Pie

Ah, yes, the return of the favorite. If there's one thing Jollibee stans look forward to in this time of meatless meals, it's the comeback of the crowd-favorite savory pocket pie. Jollibee's Tuna Pie (P49) is the best of both savory and sweet worlds. You get the flaky butter Jollibee pie crust we all love, plus a creamy, savory tuna filling that's great either hot or cold.

For more information, visit Jollibee's Facebook page.

Shakey's Friday Special

To be honest, seafood really isn't our go-to choice when it comes to pizza toppings but if we were to go for something non-meat but still protein-packed, this combination of shrimp, anchovies, cheese, and mushrooms ranks pretty high up. Shakey's Friday Special (starts at P409) combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the briny and savory flavors of shrimp and anchovies. If you're not a fan of anchovies in all its fishy glory, you may want to skip this as its a very potent flavor in the pie.

For more information, visit Shakey's Philippines' Facebook page.

Pizza Hut's Shrimp Series

If you're like us, who like eating pizza with something else, Pizza Hut's Shrimp Series might be the perfect meal for you. For Lent, Pizza Hut is not only delivering a new pan pizza flavor but it's also got a shrimp spring roll appetizer and two shrimp pasta dishes to bring it all in. Choose between the creamy Shrimp a la King (P239) or the tomato-based Shrimp Arrabbiata (P239)—or have both, we won't judge. Make meatless meals, a multi-course fare at Pizza Hut this Lent.

For more information, visit Pizza Hut Philippines' Facebook page.

Kenny Rogers Roasters' Grilled Salmon

Trade in your usual roast chicken meals for beautifully grilled pink salmon this Lenten season. Aside from the obvious change in the main protein, Kenny Rogers' Grilled Salmon (starts at P470) is served pretty much like its roast chicken counterpart. It is available in plated combinations with your choice of one or two sides and the signature Kenny Rogers Roasters corn muffin.

For more information, visit Kenny Rogers Roasters Philippines' Facebook page.

Racks' Creamy Garlic Lemon Shrimp and  Cajun Seafood Bucket

So when we think of Racks, the first thing that pops into our heads are their succulent and meaty baby back ribs. Not really that conducive for meatless days in Lent, but lo and behold, they've come up with two lenten specials that could easily make us forget that we're skipping the ribs. Racks' Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp (P455) is just as it sounds, a plate of pan-seared shrimp swimming in a tangy and garlicky alfredo sauce with a side of good ol' rice and salad. It makes for a very filling and satisfying meal for one, but if you're looking to dine as a group, you might also consider getting their Cajun Seafood Bucket (P975), which, as messy as it sounds, is really a treat for the tummy! Imagine an entire bucketload of seafood—mussels, shrimps, squids, the works—all stewed together in house-made Cajun crab fat sauce. Wow. Meatless Lent isn't sounding like much of a sacrifice now, eh?

For more information, visit Racks' Facebook page.

Tim Ho Wan's Seafood Favorites

Tim Ho Wan is really out here giving us so many seafood options this Lenten season. The Chinese dim sum brand has tons of seafood offerings that range from the addictive and crunchy Deep Fried Fish Skin with Salted Egg (P170) and Salted Egg Shrimp (P220) to the umami-rich HK Fishball Noodle Soup (P170). But if you're really into trying something new this Lenten season, don't miss out on the Typhoon Shelter Shrimp (P200), a Hong Kong-style deep-fried panko-coated shrimp dish that's going to leave you craving seafood more often. 

For more information, visit Tim Ho Wan PH's Facebook page.

Domino's Pizza Lenten Delights

If you're in the mood for pizza but aren't a fan of the usual shrimp topping, Dominos Pizza's Lenten offerings might just be the one for you. Staying away from the usual suspects for Lent, Domino's makes use of tuna to bring a little protein to their non-meat pizza selections. But if the thought of having fish on a pie is making you wary, safer bets that make use of veggies like the Pacific Veggie and the good ol' Spinach and Feta pizzas (starts at P419) could be other options to sate your need for a slice or two.

For more information, visit Dominos Pizza's Facebook page

8cuts Burgers Fish 'Wich

For burger joints like 8Cuts, non-meat burgers are never the star, but why not change that this Lenten season by trying out their take on the fish burger called the Fish 'Wich (P265). This bread-and-fish combo is a stack made of crispy-crunchy fried white fish filet, a refreshing red ‘n’ purple slaw, and creamy lime-dill mayo in between two fluffy hot buns. You can pair it with 8Cuts' onion rings or skinny fries, and you might just have yourself your next go-to burger order.

For more information, visit 8Cuts Burgers' Facebook page.

Ooma's Ebi Tempura and Roasted Tomato Soba

While you can always get Ooma's Ebi Tempura for a Lenten treat, you might want to try The Ebi Tempura and Roasted Tomato Soba (P375.95) for something a little extra. This dish combines the crunch and slight sweetness of the Ebi Tempura with a cold, fragrant, and refreshing bowl of soba. Soba has an earthy flavor and is quite chewy, so the combination of crunch and chew makes for interesting bites mixed in with bold rich flavors that are sure to leave you scrambling for your next forkful.

For more information, visit Ooma's Facebook page.

Also read:
Vegan Is Delicious: Chef Jeeca Uy Challenges Your Taste Buds One TikTok at a Time
OG Indian Spot Kashmir's BGC Branch Takes the Veggies Out for a Spiced and Spunky Ride

Hey, Spotters! Check us out on Viber to join our Community and subscribe to our Chatbot.