FoodMetroManila

If you’ve been reading FoodMetroManila and been a follower of the Instagram account for the past 2 years, it’s no secret that I am in love with addicted to coffee. Coming up with my own top ten list of coffee places may be a bit pretentious but I feel like I have to share my view to everyone.

All places in this list must have personally been visited by FoodMetroManila to ensure that I have actually drank their coffee. So if your favorite place is not here it’s either I hated the coffee, got bored, experienced bad service, or I probably haven’t been there yet.

10. Costa Coffee

The second largest coffee chain in the world is still a relative newbie here in coffee crazy Philippines.

It seems to have yet to generate as much hype as the other second wave shops such as Starbucks (my savior during a hectic work week) and CBTL and that’s what makes me love it. That and the lovely flat white served in that ginormous mug.

9. Cookie Mug

Cookie mug could have placed higher if only it wasn’t so hard to get to by the rest of Metro Manila. Decent coffee and hearty milk drinks, all in a cup/mug you can eat, what’s not to love?!

8. Craft Coffee Revolution (Eastwood)

I have always wanted to try Craft but was never able to find time to get to any of their locations. When they opened in Eastwood, my joy was almost tangible.

However, my first visit (during our anniversary even!) was a disaster. Baristas were more concerned about talking to each other than entertaining you was a slight concern. My biggest beef was my flat white. It was literally flat. Plus the barista didn’t even bother to make even a simple heart latte art. The mocha did have art but it tasted like milo. I kid you not.

A second visit in early December though brought with it a wonderful surprise in the form of a simple hot cup of Americano. It was bold, it was smooth… it was divine! That’s why Craft (Eastwood) is number 8 in this list. Excited for what it can be for 2016!

7. The Appraisery (The Ap)

It is kind of intimidating being in the Ap sometimes. Vince and his cohorts are hardcore table top gamers and are rather boisterous whenever they are playing. That’s not really bad but considering that they’re playing at a table right next to the door, and that the establishment is quite small, and you can imagine just how noisy they can get. Add to this that they are all talking in English while doing all this.

Having said all that, I have to give The Ap props for delivering a solid latte. The owner, Vince, himself made this cup and it looks exactly like the one he made for me back in 2014. The taste, was also the same, and that is a good thing.

6. Recession Coffee

“So, how much do you want to pay for your coffee?” That is exactly where most of the drawing power of Recession Coffee comes from: You pay whatever you want for your cup of coffee. Heck you can pay 1 friggin peso for it (probably, pakapalan na lang ng mukha) and they promise to still give you the same quality of coffee as someone who is willing to pay 500 pesos (big time).

The coffee itself was alright. The flat white was not as bold as I want it to be but it still had solid coffee and cream milk flavors. The brewed coffee was solid but a tad watery. You can pay for your coffee at lower than 50 pesos. But when there are other patrons within earshot and you are holding an iPhone? You can’t do it. I paid 150 for each cup BTW, overpaid for the brewed coffee. I blame it on the iPhone.

5. Kuppa

People are “sleeping” on Kuppa – I’m not. I love the place.

Coffee is the star and deservedly so. Aeropressed coffee beans with hints of chocolate was perfect. Haziel’s nutcracker latter was fun. But Kuppa also has a fantastic kitchen. Spamchi seems so simple but the execution is perfect. The cut of the two slices of ham is generous but not overwhelming and cooked exactly how I like it: Crisp on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside. The scrambled egg is perfect. The kimchi rice just has the right amount of spice to complement the saltiness of the spam.

As I’ve discussed last year, Kuppa also serves alcohol. If not for a certain powerful personality suddenly walking in one evening with his entourage and guests in tow, Haziel and I would have stayed for a couple of cocktails after dinner. I guess he’s also not “sleeping” on Kuppa.

4. Luna Specialty Coffee

Having a branch within Bonifacio High Street really made me love Luna especially more than last year. The original location is still the best but Luna gave High Street a much needed shot of third wave coffee.

Lots of wood, comfortable seating including two rows of banquettes, and just some quirky Filipino-inspired coffee and food concoctions really sell this location to me. It’s more laid-back and quiet than the NAC location, perfect if you just want to relax and enjoy a cuppa after a hectic day of shopping.

The Cold Luna Brew is served in a bottle that looks like it can contain medicine from way back in the day and they make you drink it from a wine glass. Words cannot explain just how fun that is for me. Also, the candyccino with nougat candy with a big-assed plate full of squid balls brings you straight back to your childhood.

3. Yardstick Coffee

I still regret that Yardstick was not yet around when I was still working in Makati. Nowadays, I need to plan a trip if I want a dose of their great coffee.

The space I will forever love. It’s simple and industrial but it also oozes class and you just get this overwhelming sense of comfort that you tend to forget time. You just sit back, relax, and enjoy a good cup of coffee made with the utmost care by the handy baristas.

The pastel-colored cups hold some pretty strong coffee. It’s great for adults looking for a quick coffee break, students for studying or completing their homework, or groups of friends having a mini reunion.

2. Toby’s Estate

One of the highlights of my 2015 was Toby’s Estate opening a location in Ortigas Center. I am now able to enjoy their bold and smooth blends without having to travel to Makati or The Fort. Whenever I attend mass at the EDSA Shrine, I always make sure to go here and get my dose of the Gibraltar, the flat white, or the long black.

I have done some work here but the place does not offer WiFi. The design of the place merges modern and classic interiors all brought together by that beautiful bar area. I just fell in love with the place and its dang-good cups of brew.

It almost became my top coffee place for 2015. However, the frenetic atmosphere during workdays and sometimes even during weekends relegated it to the second spot.

1. Satchmi Store

The lifestyle store primarily focused on providing the best quality of music to everyone (or at least to who can afford it) remains my top coffee place in Metro Manila. Why? Because it’s my list, that’s why.

Just kidding.

I swear, this place seems to be in a different world from the rest of SM Megamall. I have gone here during a midnight sale and it provided me a much needed sanctuary from the noise and crowds. It also doesn’t hurt that the coffee is among the best you can get in Metro Manila.

Warm wood accents and lighting, great music from high quality speakers, chill AF ambience, and of course great coffee. All these just solidified my opinion that the Satchmi Store is the best coffee place in Metro Manila.

Ruminations…

So there you have it! It was a great 2015 but I’m excited for 2016! Thank you for the support Metro Manila (and beyond!). To more food adventures! Cheers!

Do you agree with my list? Surprised your favorite is not in it? Let me know in the comments below!

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