IN the last couple of weeks, I have been frequenting this new coffee shop in the south of Davao City. It is quite a commute for me from where I live, but I love visiting this place.
Onse is within the compound of BC Chicken along Quimpo Boulevard. It is in the same building as Bubble Black Tea. Once you enter the building, you will spot Onse on the left.
In terms of design, this nook of a coffee shop is distinct for its use of breeze blocks for its bar area. The bar has such a nostalgic look to it. I recall that these decorative blocks were common in homes constructed in the 80s or 90s.
My favorite spot at the small coffee shop is the counter area. While the car stools can be high for someone of my height, I do find sitting here quite comfortable. It just gives me this bar-like or pub-like vibe. After a long day, I come here and sit on the stool; then I order my coffee, which I enjoy quietly or while talking with friends. It’s the bar set-up minus the alcohol.
Another factor that adds to the charm of the coffee shop is the potted plants. The plants give it a relaxing vibe.
Meanwhile, Onse has a simple menu of cold brew, pour-over coffee, and matcha drinks.
For my visits here, I have tried their Puro (P110), Blanco (P120), Black Sesame Matcha (P150), Grano (P140), and Pour-over coffee (P80). I also had their Macadamia and White Chocolate Chip Cookies (P80).
The Puro is their cold brew mixed with water and ice. I love the smoothness of their cold brew. It also has this nice clean finish to it.
The Blanco is a cold brew with milk syrup. I like how creamy and milky it is. I also like its level of sweetness.
The Grano is cold brew with oat milk. For those who want to cut down on the milk, this “oaty” coffee drink is the one for you. It is not very sweet and I find it to have a light “feel” in my mouth.
For the pour-over, they offer Arabica coffee beans from Brazil. When brewed, I find the coffee to be chocolatey and nutty.
The Black Sesame Matcha is their matcha drink with milk, topped with black sesame. The drink is not like some of the overly sweet matcha drinks you find around the city. I like that it still has that distinct bitter and earthy flavor of the matcha. The sesame adds this nuttiness to the drink.
Their Macadamia and White Chocolate Chip Cookies are delicious! Sa wala’y pagdapig-dapig, this has to be my favorite cookie in town right now. The cookie is chewy and I like that added texture from the macadamia. This is simply delicious.
Overall, Onse is a small charming coffee shop that offers a good cup of coffee. It has this hip and relaxing vibe that welcomes you as you enter the shop. I just like spending time here. For me, it is the right place to come after a long day.
Onse is inside Bubble Black Tea in the BC Chicken compound along Quimpo Boulevard. They are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday and from 11 a.m. to 9 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday. They are closed on Mondays.
Check out my Kape Ta! Davao City Coffee Shop Guide for more coffee shops in Davao City.