Coffee plays an important role in Philippine culture. It’s typical to pair silog with a barako to wake up in the mornings or increase work stamina with a cup (or three) of the office brew.
Brief History of Coffee Culture
While coffee is so integral to Philippine culture, did you know that coffee is not endemic to the Philippines? Spanish friars brought in coffee beans––Liberica beans, to be exact—in the 1700s and planted them in the cool, elevated plantations of Lipa, Batangas. The Philippines experienced a golden era for Philippine coffee for about 150 years, and our beans soon became a valuable export to Europe and America with five times the value of Arabica beans. Back then, the Philippines became the world’s leading coffee producer.
During the American period, the Americans encouraged Philippine farmers to plant Robusta beans, which is easier to grow and maintain. Today, most of the Philippines’ Robusta crop is used in the production of instant coffee by Philippine and multinational coffee producers. Many Pinoys based abroad say that they miss our convenient 3-in-1 coffee sachets and ask them as pasalubong during family visits overseas.
A Living Coffee Culture
It’s an undeniable fact that the coffee culture in Metro Manila and major cities around the country has grown leaps and bounds in the last ten years. From the introduction of international coffee franchises such as Starbucks that dot almost every corner to the rise of “third wave coffee” shops (a movement that places importance on high quality beans, direct trade, and sourcing from smaller roasters), coffee fans are spoilt for choice.
When lockdowns due to COVID were imposed in 2020, coffee enthusiasts turned to brewing at home. Facebook groups that discussed all things coffee became a safe space, and there was room for everyone, regardless of caffeine preference. Street-side coffee shops also mushroomed around the metro during the lockdown, offering bikers and coffee enthusiasts more caffeinated options in an al fresco setting.
Here’s a list of cafes and spots any coffee fan should add to their coffee crawl list:
1. Commune
Commune takes pride in serving “coffee, conversations, and community.” Regulars come for the friendly and warm café vibe, and new visitors will find that it’s a great “coffice” (coffee shop as workspace) or a go-to spot when you’re shying away from the coffee-at-the-mall experience. Local coffee gets the spotlight at Commune and the Commune blend is a gateway coffee option for people looking to appreciate Philippine beans.
Find them at: 36 Polaris corner Durban Sts., Poblacion, Makati City
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2. Crema & Cream Coffee Roasters + Lab
This unassuming café located on the second floor of a corner building along Timog Avenue is a great spot for all kinds of coffee fans. They roast beans every Tuesday, ensuring you get the freshest flavors with your cup. Crema & Cream also holds regular workshops for those game to learn more about brewing or thinking about levelling up their coffee knowledge. Waffles, cheesecake, and even hearty meal options are on the menu. Furry friends are welcome at the shop, too!
Find them at: 116B Timog Avenue corner 11th Jamboree, Quezon City
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3. Elephant Grounds
If you’re hankering for a good cup of coffee, the Podium branch of Elephant Grounds is an ideal spot for stretching your legs post-shopping or a coffee date with friends. The Metro Manila branches differ from its HK counterparts by offering flavor-rich Asian dishes by chef Nicco Santos, but you can get the same quality coffee brews plus signature ice-cream sandwiches and waffles. Which coffee options to check out? Get the Black Tie if you like your coffee strong; the signature lattes (French Vanilla and Salted Caramel) are palate-pleasers, too.
Find them at: Ground Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue Ortigas Center; and Lower Ground, One Bonifacio High Street, BGC
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4. SGD Coffee Bodega
If you’re looking for a quiet place where you can cozy up to your cup of coffee, SGD Coffee in Teacher’s Village, Quezon City is a good idea. Coffee purists will love it here: the brews are strong and the milky options satisfy without sacrificing coffee flavor. SGD Coffee supports the Coffee Heritage Project so their beans are locally sourced from Sagada and the Mountain Province, Bukidnon, and Maguindanao. All-day breakfast and pasta options highlight local products from the northern Philippines (Sagada sausages, Cordillera grains for the champorado, and etag or local bacon are incorporated in some dishes).
Find them at: 45 Maalalahanin Street, Teacher’s Village, Quezon City
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5. The Giving Café by Henry & Sons
The Giving Café’s space in Mandaluyong will remind you of a warm welcome into someone’s home. In this case, it’s Henry & Sons’ home—complete with homey decor, a nook for reading, and coffee paraphernalia that are also for sale. Choose from the basic brews from their Bloom Coffee line or pick a drink from their Coffee Quakes (there’s Pinipig Condensada and Benguet Honey!) which are blended and flavored coffee drinks when you feel like switching things up. The Giving Café also contributes to the Foundation for Sustainable Coffee Excellence, which aids farming communities in Benguet.
Find them at: Sheridan Street Cor. Pines Street Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City
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6. Yardstick
Yardstick’s second branch at the MOA Square in Pasay is a fresh space that marries industrial elements with wood accents. Beyond the aesthetic café details, coffee is still the star at Yardstick’s newest outpost. You can smell the aroma of coffee when passing by the coffee bar and there’s a space dedicated to all things you need for “Coffee At Home.” The new branch is also home to MOA exclusives: Sea Salt Latte (espresso with a topping of sea salt cream) and the Manila Latte, a slushie that combines espresso and tropical flavors from pineapple.
Find them at: 2/F MOA Square, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
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