After Two Years of Teasing, Alabang’s First 100% Vegan Restaurant Is Finally Open

(SPOT.ph) Way before meat-free became "in" when the pandemic began years ago, there already existed great restaurants with vegetarian-friendly options for those looking to eat less meat, be it for dietary reasons or one's moral compass. One that has been around for a long time is Cosmic, a go-to restaurant for vegans and vegetarians looking for true-blue Filipino flavors.

If you've been to Cosmic’s other branches—or have an idea what the usual interiors look like at the very least, stepping inside the Molito branch might feel like you’ve mistakenly gone inside a different store. You might think you've landed at a minimalist cafe or even a function hall. But before you frantically reach for your phone and open Google Maps, don’t worry, you are in the right place.

Malika is more than just a life-sized sculpture of a white elephant made of cement for you take your photos and videos to post on social media. She is a “presence”—an ode to Mali, a female Asian elephant that was referred to as the “world’s saddest elephant.” Mali, who is believed to be 48 or 49 years old, lived most of her life in captivity in Manila Zoo, and died in November 2023 due to congestive heart failure and cancer in the pancreas.

In Cosmic Alabang, Mali experiences her second life as Malika (a name that means garland in Sanskrit), through which she gets to live the freedom she was deprived of. “We chose this name because we believed this is how Mali deserves to be remembered. Not as a spectacle in confinement, but as a symbol of reverence. Gracefully displayed. Never again contained.”

“At Cosmic, we carry this belief into everything we do. We know species can show up not just in how animals are displayed but in the quiet patterns of our everyday choices, including what we eat. That’s why we offer a menu made entirely from plants not to preach, but to open a door. A door to joy, to flavor, to compassion, without compromise,” Cosmic says.

First time at Cosmic? Get ready to meet your favorite Filipino comforts—reborn without the meat, but still packing all the flavor you know and crave. You can start with their strong contenders, like the Sisig with Bagnet (P320) which uses seitan (a plant-based meat alternative made from wheat gluten), tofu, onion, garlic, and chili. There's also the Kare Kare with Bagnet (P320) that uses peanut sauce, eggplant, cabbage, and string beans; and the Miso-Mushroom Sinigang (P320) which uses coco cream, wheat protein, potato, onion, garlic, and green chili. There are also our personal favorites, the Vegan BBQ Isaw (P220) and Vegan Un'pork Siomai (P220/8 pieces), whose textures magically resemble that of their meaty counterparts. Whichever main dish or side dish you go with, just remember to order rice, which they offer in Plain (P60), Garlic (P80), and Chili Garlic (P80). They also have an option to add on a serving of Quinoa (P130).

If this isn't your first rodeo at Cosmic, the Alabang has branch exclusives on the menu too. There's the Lasagna (P460), which was once a regular at other branches but is now an Alabang exclusive. You also won't want to miss the Laing with Bagnet (P320), which is rich, creamy, crunchy, and unapologetically indulgent. Hosting at home? Their Molito exclusives also come in party trays built for sharing. (Try the Lasagna Tray, P2,400; and Laing with Bagnet Tray, P1,800.)

What do we especially love about Cosmic? It busts the myth that vegan food has to come with a luxury price tag. Sure, most vegans and vegetarians have had to fend for themselves (no) thanks to the Metro’s slim pickings, especially down south in Alabang. But Cosmic throws them a lifeline: plant-based dining that's now accessible, just as satisfying as its meat counterpart (heck, it's great in its own right), sustainably sourced, and reasonably priced.

Take it from a Southie: the best way to navigate the newer restaurants in Molito Lifestyle Complex is by finding out what are the surrounding older establishments. In the case of Cosmic Molito, the entrance is right beside Bar IX, along Alabang-Zapote Road. This is also where an al fresco dining area is set up, where you can find stalls like OnlyPans Taqueria.