Cosmic and Gnostic are two vegan spots located in Poblacion, Makati. The area is known for its vibrant nightlife, but it is also home to Cosmic—a vegan Filipino restaurant that opened in 2018, and Gnostic, the first vegan and non-alcoholic bar and café in the Philippines that opened in 2024. Both owned by Lalita Balagtas, these places aim to change the perception of Filipinos about vegan food.
Cosmic features Filipino favorites made vegan, such as Kare-Kare with Bagnet, Coco Adobo, and Sisig. This isn't 'alternative'—it's like eating at home. local ingredients like eggplant, beansprouts, tofu, and wheat protein are used for a home-cooked flavor. With every bite, you can feel the care and craftsmanship of the cooking.
Gnostic is the place to relax after eating. Aside from lighter fusion dishes like Tantanmien, it's also fun to try their non-alcoholic drinks like Purple Lila Cloud and Pink Rosas Nojito. It's delicious, and Instagram-worthy! Gnostic aims to normalize sober gatherings for more deeper conversation and good health.
Both places are designed to be pleasing to the eye and delicious to the stomach. Using natural materials like wood, rattan, and capiz, every corner is Instagrammable. But more than just looks, they care about the experience of each guest—from the ambiance to the taste of the food.
In this day and age where wellness and self-care are important, Cosmic and Gnostic provide options for those who want to eat healthy yet delicious, and drink without alcohol. According to Lalita, they have many more new dishes and experiences to prepare, so guests will definitely come back.
