Under the radar cafes you should know about
Nowadays, coffee shops are more than just places to grab a hot (or cold) brew. Coffee lovers have become particular with the ambiance and the chance to taste unique blends to thrill their senses.
Of course, Metro Manila is not short when it comes to coffee shop choices. But this also means that there are plenty out there that are left unchecked by casual and serious coffee fans. Here are just a few that you might have missed.
The Den Coffee & Contemporary Culture
The Den Coffee & Contemporary Culture (FB)
This cozy café is located on the ground floor of the historic First United Building in Escolta, Manila. Guests can chill while enjoying specialty coffee options like the dirty chai, big black cup, and Berg's (named after the old department store in Escolta), which is coffee mixed with coconut milk and muscovado syrup.
Not a fan of coffee? Then opt to grab refreshing non-coffee, flavored beverages from the menu to cool down. The Den gets its coffee from Kalsada, a social enterprise supporting local coffee farmers so it's all for a good cause. Also, the creative artist space Hub: Make Lab is nestled on the same floor so do check out the items being sold by artists-turned-entrepreneurs.
Location: First United Building, 413 Escolta St, Binondo, Manila.
Habitual Coffee
Habitual Coffee (FB)
Ardent coffee fans flock to this café for their fix of hand-brewed, Aero Pressed coffee. This café positions itself as a part of the so-called third-wave coffee movement, or artisanal coffee made with innovative brewing methods. If that sounds a bit confusing, then better head to this place to sample their coffee. Try the long black, or shake things a bit by ordering the sea salt caramel latte. The café's industrial interiors are a winner too.
Location: Paseo Heights, Salcedo Village, L.P. Leviste Street, Makati.
La Cathedral Café
La Cathedral Café (FB)
Sipping great coffee with the walled city of Intramuros as backdrop sounds very European. This is the experience you will get here at La Cathedral Café. Here, guests can enjoy their coffee while soaking in the stunning history of the place, seen much better from the roof deck. The brew selections are diverse, with options like cappuccino, caramel macchiato, butterscotch mocha, and matcha café latte grabbing our attention. They also have quite a selection of pasta and rice meals to feast on.
Location: 4th floor, AVR bldg., 636 Beaterio St., Intramuros, Manila.
Shizuka Café
Shizuka Café (FB)
Tucked quietly in San Juan is this Japanese café that is actually more of a restaurant than a coffee shop. But while the food menu is brimming with Far East treats, their coffee selection is no pushover either. There are the usual coffee options like Americano, cappuccino, and double espresso. We, however, recommend going for hand drip selection - barako, Kalinga, and Benguet - for more caffeine punch. You'll also love the coffee blends menu with options such as peppermint mocha, caramel macchiato, and the curiously named liquid cocaine.
Location: 709 Jose Abad Santos Corner F. Calderon, Little Baguio, San Juan City.
Alch3mist Coffee
source: Alch3mist Coffee
People living or visiting the south should visit this chic café designed with a minimalist, industrial look. Guests will love the selection of artisan coffee brewed by expert baristas. Coffee enthusiasts will love the coffee cascara tea, flat white, and caffe latte to satisfy their caffeine cravings. Sample also the filter coffee selections, namely, Ethiopia Gedeb, Philippines Sitio Naguey and Philippines Sitio Belis, to expand your palette.
Location: Ground Floor, 1720, 90 VTP Mega, 1700 Aguirre Ave, Parañaque.