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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Food devider Plant-based pizza, pasta, mozzarella and more at The Westin Manila

Plant-based pizza, pasta, mozzarella and more at The Westin Manila

The Westin Manila's Green Mondays returns with chef Mia Sison and chef Rej Casanova presenting a fresh Italian-inspired plant-based menu this August

Published Aug 11, 2025 03:15 pm

At A Glance

  • By Treena Tecson
Burrata Pizza with Chef Rej Casanova's plant-based burrata
Burrata Pizza with Chef Rej Casanova's plant-based burrata
Plant‑based dining takes on an Italian twist this August at The Westin Manila as integrative nutrition coach and certified raw‑vegan chef, Mia Sison returns for the 5th edition of Green Mondays at Seasonal Tastes, collaborating with executive chef Rej Casanova to showcase a brand‑new lineup of delicious plant‑based dishes.
Green Mondays is a sustainability initiative of the hotel culinary team led by Chef Cassanova. The team collaborates with local artisans, chefs, and brands to create flavorful plant-powered dishes for vegans, vegetarians and guests who appreciate healthier and more nutrient-dense menu options.
Chef Mia Sison plating a dish at Seasonal Tastes
Chef Mia Sison plating a dish at Seasonal Tastes
Executive Chef Rej Casanova with integrative nutrition coach and certified raw vegan Chef Mia Sison
Executive Chef Rej Casanova with integrative nutrition coach and certified raw vegan Chef Mia Sison
Available on all Mondays of the month from August 4 to 25, 2025 at the One Dish Wonders live station of the Seasonal Tastes lunch buffet, this limited culinary series features creative adaptations of classic Italian fare reimagined using whole‑food, dairy-free and gluten-free ingredients. Each tasting plate is portion‑controlled to minimize waste and guests have the opportunity to taste multiple dishes.
What began as a personal mission sparked by her daughter’s food sensitivities, Habits by Mia Sison has blossomed into a successful plant-based lifestyle brand. Chef Sison trained in Bali and now inspires wellness through her commitment to whole‑food alternatives. Her creative and craveable recipes make plant‑based dining approachable and accessible for all.
Chef Sison showcased her cashew‑based mozzarella cheeses as well as plant‑based pepperoni and meatballs, while Chef Casanova brought his expertise in Italian cuisine and plant-based cooking (he won an award at the Asia Pacific Plant-Based Challenge for the Marriot Hotel in 2021).
For appetizers we had the plant-based Italian Meatballs served with eggplant marinara and herbed tomato sauce. The meatballs were delicious and tender and the marinara complemented the savory notes with the right amount of fresh and bright flavors. The Pepperoni Pizza with vegan cashew mozzarella was surprising, fun and very flavorful and not to be outdone was the Burrata Caprese & Burrata Pizza featuring Chef Casanova’s plant‑based burrata with fresh tomatoes, basil, pesto cream, and tomato confit.
Tiramisu Affogato
Tiramisu Affogato
Cashew e Pepe
Cashew e Pepe
Plant-based Italian Meatball
Plant-based Italian Meatball
Plant-based Pepperoni Pizza
Plant-based Pepperoni Pizza
The Cashew e Pepe was one of our favorite dishes because everyone loved the witty name and the deliciously creamy pecorino‑style cashew sauce. We also enjoyed the classic Italian Bolognese pasta with plant-based meat ragu in tomato sauce.
There were also standout dishes available at the plant-based section of the buffet which included the grilled mushroom Isaw and the Cauliflower Inasal which were equally clever and delicious.
We all had a shot of Tiramisu Affogato, made with espresso, coconut nectar, coconut evaporated milk, and nut milk and it was a fitting end to a filling meal.
The Westin Manila’s Green Mondays with Chef Mia Sison offers an inspiring fusion of plant‑based dishes with traditional and comforting Italian recipes that make it easy and accessible to explore new and healthy plant-based alternatives.
Visit www.westinmanilahotel.com to know more about the hotel’s services and programs. 
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