Up-and-coming hole-in-the-wall cafes birthed during the pandemic

Hole in the wall cafés are making their way into the spotlight during this time.

While many enjoyed doing their own thing in a huge coffee shop for hours and hours in the pre-COVID-19 world, hole in the wall cafés are becoming a hot topic lately with their small size, humble feel, and of course, good coffee.

Here are some unassuming joints you might want to stop off when you’re on the road.

Papa Kape

Opened in September 2020 along Ampere Street in Makati City, Papa Kape shines in a tiny glass house where the coffee bar is situated. Its cozy vibe stretches to the dine-in area outside, where customers can delight in their classic beverages that range from P50 to P100. The stars of their menu, though, are their ginger-infused drinks that include Kape Gingerccino (P90), Iced Cocolatte (P120), and Blue Ginger Salabat (P70). 

Inarawan Café

Inarawan Café only started at a simple tent in Barangay Inarawan, Antipolo late last year. It later grew into a humble coffee shop at Sampaguita St., Concepcion Uno, Marikina City, where they serve not only amazing coffee like Benguet Arabica (P55 hot/P85 iced), Batangas Barako (P50 hot, P80 iced), Kalinga Robusta (P50 hot, P80 iced), and hazelnut (P55 hot, P85 iced) but also delectable breakfast meals.

Kape Sinauna

Another store that had their humble beginnings in the same area is Kape Sinauna. Not long after, it expanded to Bulacan, Tagaytay, Marikina, and Pangasinan, among others. In their coffee menu are Kapeng Barako Batangas (P39/P54), Kalinga Brew (P49/P54), Kapeng Barako Baguio (P54/P59), House Blend Arabica (P54/P59), Hazelnut (P59/P64), and Vanilla (P59/P64), which have become a hit for joggers, bikers, and coffee lovers.

Barrio Café

Barrio Café, which opened in San Luis, Masaya Bay, Laguna a few months after the implementation of the coronavirus-brought lockdown, went viral online for its lovely Baybayin-inspired theme. They offer coffee and milk tea ranging from P50 to P120, and just recently, they introduced yummy munchies to their menu like fries, nachos, and desserts. 

Muni Coffee

Japanese-inspired café Muni Coffee is located along the National Highway in Kalayaan, Laguna. One of their best sellers is their signature iced coffee, which is available in hazelnut, vanilla, and caramel flavors. Their delicious coffee and non-coffee beverages (ranging from P45 to P85) can be paired with their mouthwatering tuna melt sandwich or three cheese sandwich (P60).