LIST: Aesthetic specialty coffee shops where you can slow down
These days, it's hard to walk through a city without spotting a coffee shop on almost every corner. But as cafés continue to pop up, coffee lovers are looking for more than just a caffeine fix.
Beyond the inviting atmosphere, these cafés put the spotlight on quality beans, careful brewing methods, and a coffee experience that goes beyond the usual grab-and-go drink.
According to a study shared by Ken Research, the Philippines' growing love for specialty coffee is about more than just getting a caffeine boost. The study projects specialty coffee consumption to reach around 1.3 million kilograms, with the segment expected to account for 25% of the country's total coffee consumption. The trend is driven by a growing middle class, projected to reach 32 million people, with more spending power and a preference for high-quality brews.
The country's café boom is also fueling the craze, with more than 1,600 new coffee shops expected to open, catering to a young population where 62% are under 30 and looking for places to hang out and try something new.
Growing health awareness is also shaping coffee choices, as more consumers seek organic and sustainably sourced brews.
If you're looking to slow down, here are some specialty coffee spots perfect for unwinding over a great cup.
Cafe Siriusdan
For a cozy escape from the usual coffee shop scene, head to Cafe Siriusdan in Mandaluyong. Housed in a restored 1980s duplex, the cafe captures the charm of old Manila with quilt-inspired wall decor, vintage furniture, patterned mugs and pots, and OPM classics playing on a turntable. If you're in the mood for a slow afternoon, you can also borrow a book and settle into one of its quiet corners.
Coffee lovers can choose from hot and iced drinks priced between P110 and P210. One of its standout offerings is the Salty Sirius Latte (P240 hot, P250 iced), a twist on the classic salted caramel latte made with four artisanal salts: Asin Tibuok from Bohol, Tultul from Guimaras, Asin sa Buy-o from Zambales, and Pink Himalayan salt.
Also worth trying is the Stone-Ground Tsokolate, made with single-origin cacao from South Cotabato. If you're feeling adventurous, order The Wong Kar Wai, a unique blend of watermelon, wasabi, and coffee.
To go with your drink, the cafe also serves pastries, pastas, and panini priced from P105 to P265.
Cafe Siriusdan is located at 492 Halcon Extension, Mandaluyong City. It is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday.
Papakape
Papkape has that familiar yet elevated feel, and it has opened a new branch in Legazpi Village, Makati. While its original spots in Intramuros and the National Museum are known for their heritage charm, the Makati outpost takes on a different character with interiors inspired by the city's brutalist architecture, vintage hotels, and old theaters, giving it a refined, old-money atmosphere.
The menu features Papakape favorites alongside Makati-exclusive drinks, including the Kapitan, a signature beverage inspired by the former Mandarin Oriental Manila.
Papakape is located at 110 Legazpi St., Legazpi Village, Makati City. It is open Monday to Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Majikasa Café
If you're looking for a spot with an eclectic, homey atmosphere, check out Majikasa. Hidden behind the Roche Bobois showroom on Chino Roces, this coffee atelier feels like stepping into a thoughtfully decorated home, complete with vintage chandeliers, arched windows, framed artworks, and Vietnamese furniture that doubles as the café's showroom.
Pair your coffee with a Specialty Latte or a Creative Flight, then grab one of their seasonal cheesecakes, Butter Croissant, or signature treats like the Old Fashion Pudding Bar and Choco Cinnamon Loaf. There's also a cozy bar corner and a back lounge where you can catch up with friends or enjoy some quiet time on your own.
Majikasa is located at 2100 Chino Roces Ave., Makati City, behind the Roche Bobois Manila showroom. It's open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays to Sundays. The café is pet-friendly, though parking is limited.
House Blend by Simeon
House Blend by Simeon offers a cozy escape for those looking to slow down. The coffee bar feels more like someone's stylish living room than a café, as it is housed inside Simeon Home Furniture's showroom.
Its menu pays tribute to the owner's Bicol roots as they use locally sourced Bicol coffee beans. Try the Espresso Bomb (P250), a refreshing mix of espresso, lemon ginger, tonic water, salt, and fresh lemon; the Pili Montblanc (P270), which combines espresso, Bicolano pili, macadamia, and cream; or the Ember Tonic (P280), a sparkling espresso drink with ginger, brownie, and botanicals.
Complete your coffee break with a chocolate walnut cookie, cinnamon roll, or lasagna. Food prices range from P120 to P310.
House Blend by Simeon is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is located at 170 Salcedo One Center, Legazpi Village, Makati City.
727 Coffee & Co.
Looking for a quick escape from the busy city? 727 Coffee & Co. offers a cozy retreat in Subic with a taste of Japan. The café, which calls itself the "Ambassador of Specialty Coffee from Japan in Subic," is a multi-roaster concept that sources beans from some of Japan's top specialty coffee roasters.
Must-try drinks include the 727 Signature (P190), Black Insomnia (P220), and Dirty Chai (P210). The café also features its crowd-favorite barista creations, such as Jai's Honey Oat Graham Latte (P250), Jev's Blonde Latte (P250), and Yana's Matcha Mandarin (P300).
Want to explore more coffee drinks? 727 Coffee offers a wide selection of beverages, including classic coffees, seasonal espresso creations, summer specials, cold brews, and ice cream-based drinks.
If you're in the mood for a bite, the menu includes Aussie Pot Pie, Eggs Benedict, Seafood Cannelloni, and the Founders' Bowl Salmon, with food prices ranging from P120 to P680.
727 Coffee & Co. is located Bldg. 727 Dewey Avenue cor. Manila Avenue Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo. It is open Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to midnight. It's also pet-friendly, given that pets wear diapers while inside.
Grouphug Specialty Coffee
Grouphug, which was previously located in BF Resort, Las Piñas, is popular among Southies and cyclists, especially during the pandemic. Now at Westgate Center in Alabang, Grouphug has found a new home in a compact, minimalist space that feels warm and intimate—ideal for slowing down over a well-made cup of coffee.
Its menu features signature drinks like the Handshake, made with a single shot of espresso and a single shot of milk; the Pit Stop, a refreshing mix of espresso, tonic water, and lemon; and the Toasted Sugar Latte, which combines a double shot of espresso with brown sugar syrup, cinnamon, and milk. The café has featured limited coffees sourced from the Philippines and abroad, including beans from Davao del Sur, Cebu, Hong Kong, Ethiopia, and Thailand.
For something to pair with your coffee, Grouphug offers its own Belgian chocolate cookie, alongside pastries sourced from local bakeries. These include blueberry yuzu muffins and canelés from PO Bakery, as well as croissants and danishes from 5G Coffeehouse.
But another thing we love about this place? Grouphug fosters community through events like Groupchat, an intimate, laid-back gathering featuring personalities from the local coffee scene. They also have Open Houses, offering events like DJ and vinyl sets, bar takeovers, and community bike rides.
One thing to note: the café doesn't offer Wi-Fi. Seating is limited, though some seats have access to nearby power outlets.
Grouphug is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Westgate Center, Alabang, behind Acnecure and beside Angry Dobo.
