On Mondays from March 10 to April 14, 2025, Seasonal Tastes transforms. The Westin Manila, in collaboration with Cosmic Philippines, reimagines Filipino comfort food—vegan, but still familiar. “The goal of this collaboration is to showcase Filipino cuisine, help spread awareness about vegan food, and add more flavorful options for locals and hotel guests who are looking to try healthier alternatives in the buffet,” says executive chef Rej Casanova.

Cosmic Philippines is no stranger to innovation. Established in 2018, its restaurants in Kapitolyo, Siargao, and Zamboanga have earned a reputation for making plant-based Filipino dishes taste like home. “Our parents taught us that veganism is beneficial not only to our health but also to the environment,” says general managing director Lalita “Lali” Balagtas. “My sister and I have never eaten meat since we were born. Throughout the years, when our family dined out, most local establishments would only offer us salads or okra because they didn’t have anything on their menu that fit our diet.”

That absence led them to create Cosmic, a brand that now thrives on familiarity and nostalgia. “Our brand actually grew because we stuck to our roots and that the market found a connection with what we do,” Lalita says. “Some of our loyal customers invested in our brand, which paved the way for us to open branches in Kapitolyo, Siargao, and Zamboanga.”

Chef Rej understood this connection and sought to elevate Cosmic’s dishes for the Green Mondays buffet. “I made some enhancements to their recipes, but the true ‘meat’ of these savory dishes are Cosmic’s homemade vegan products such as the Chopped Un’pork, bagnet, BBQ isaw, and Chick’un Chunks. We want to highlight their creativity and innovation in creating high-quality vegan food products.”

At the live station, guests can watch as chefs assemble plates of laing bagnet and gising-gising. They might hesitate at first, but then curiosity wins. A bite, a pause. Then the nod of approval. The plant-based kare-kare is as rich as its traditional counterpart, the bagoong salty and pungent in all the right ways.

The last course is unexpected—a vegan "egg" pie. “We’re also excited to showcase the vegan ‘egg’ pie made by Lali herself,” says Casanova. “Make sure to get a slice of this dessert. It’s so good, every bite will leave you wondering how it’s dairy and egg free.” The Westin Manila’s Green Mondays is not just about food; it’s about choice. A choice to eat well, to explore, to redefine comfort. And for many, it is proof that Filipino cuisine, even without meat, can still taste like home.