If there is one thing I wanted to do during my trips outside Davao City, that would be exploring the local coffee scene.
In May and June this year, I had two trips in Metro Manila and I took the opportunity to explore the coffee scene. However, the metro is large and it would not be cost-efficient if I jump from one city to another. When I was doing my research and asking friends for recommendations, I discovered that most of the coffee shops I wanted to initially visit are located in Makati City, mostly in Legazpi Village and one in Salcedo Village. When I was plotting the coffee shops on Google Maps, it is nice to see that they were just walking distance from each other or you can book an Angkas to get to them.
Here are the coffee shops and cafes that I visit during my two recent trips to Metro Manila.
Habitual Coffee
Salcedo Village
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
I love the neighborhood feel of Habitual Coffee. I find its overall vibe to be quite welcoming and cozy.
During my visit, most of the meals I wanted to try were not available because it was towards the end of lunchtime. So, I ended up having their Bacon Bowl (P280). This had applewood-smoked bacon, scrambled eggs, and garlic brown rice. This was a tasty dish. Every component of the dish was wonderfully seasoned. The bacon has a this nice smokey, sweet, and salty flavor to it.
For my drinks, I had a pour-over (now…. I kind of lost my notes on the pour-over I had huhuhu but I remember it being Ethiopia as it was fruity and citrusy). I also ordered their Spanish Latte. I liked the Spanish Latte because it had a nuttiness to it, which I can’t forget.
I also have to commend the staff that catered to my order. Initially, I felt intimidated. I was very “haggard” when I entered the cafe and was given some stares. (Plus I was in my regular me clothes — t-shirt, shorts, slippers (LOL!)) But the cashier then was very welcoming and she offered me a glass of water after taking my order. I felt comfortable afterward.
(This was the only coffee shop I visited in Salcedo Village)
Panco Cafe
Legazpi Village, Makati
8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
I went to Panco Cafe for a late lunch. And while it was around 4 p.m. when I visited, it had a lot of diners. Panco Cafe had indoor and outdoor seating.
I was too intimidated to dine indoors and opted for one of the tables on the veranda. The veranda is not so bad. There are fans to keep you cool and this spot gives you a nice view to observe the area.
I ordered their Chicken Tocino-Manila Style and their Citrus Brew. The Chicken Tocino-Manila Style comes with rice, pickled salad, and eggs. The Chicken Tocino was delicious. It had this delicious sweet and salty glaze. The bit of charring gave it some smokiness and the chicken was well-seasoned. The garlic rice was also quite tasty and the pickled salad adds some brightness to the dish.
The Citrus Brew was a refreshing drink for the hot and humid climate.
Meanwhile, the service was also good. I love that though you are a lone diner, they put a pitcher of water on your table. I was not the only person dining alone at that time. Also, I love how they check on you to see if everything is fine or if you need anything else.
The Curator Coffee & Cocktails
Legazpi Village, Makati
5 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Coffee)
Now, this is a coffee shop that I truly enjoyed as I made another visit to them during my second trip to Metro Manila.
Hands down, they served my favorite cup of coffee — the Champorado Latte. But before I raved about that, let me talk about the place.
I have to say they are the most nondescript coffee shop that I visited in Makati City. Despite walking to the coffee shop, I almost missed them on my first visit! It was a good thing that they had tables and chairs on the side of the road that clued me in about their exact location.
The coffee shop has a minimalist industrial interior while having a vibe that would attract millennials and Gen Zs. The baristas also have a swag and coolness to them that draws you in.
Now for the coffee, the Champorado Latte was the most unforgettable cup of coffee I had during my coffee hopping in Makati. I love that you get that rich chocolatey-ness you taste when eating champorado. The addition of the pinipig (rice crisp) also gives “texture” to the drink. I just love the crunch of it.
The Curator is not only known for good coffee but also as “The Best Bar in the Philippines.” The Curator has recently been named to be among Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023, placing at No. 34. It is the only bar from the Philippines to be included on the list. Their bar is open on Tuesdays to Sundays, 6:30 p.m. ’til late.
Yardstick Coffee
Esteban Street, Legazpi Village, Makati
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Weekdays) | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Weekends)
Yardstick is also one of the few coffee shops in Makati City where I made multiple visits. When I was starting Kape Diaries and learning about coffee, Yardstick was one of those coffee shops I wanted to visit if ever I find myself in Metro Manila.
Therefore, they were at the top of my list when I visited Metro Manila a few months ago. My first visit was at their Mall of Asia branch, where they have this cool-looking espresso machine. I was very fascinated by it.
Anyway, I made two trips here as it was near the hotel I was staying at. I had their Iced Americano on two separate actions because I wanted to try one where they use their Golden Ticket blend and their Legazpi blend. I liked the Golden Ticket blend because of its nutty and chocolate notes. I also find it sweeter compared to the Legazpi blend.
During my second trip to Metro Manila, it was also the same time when they reopened their branch in Legazpi Village. Therefore, I made sure that I visit them.
I think my visit to the Legazpi Village branch has to be one of the highlights of my coffee crawl. The look and feel of the shop alone got me excited. Their shop has a sleek and minimalist interior. And I love the pop of orange at the shop.
For my orders, I tried their Cloud Cream Coffee and Breakfast Pasta. The Cloud Cream Coffee is an exclusive drink for their Legazpi Village flagship store. It is a sweet and creamy drink that both coffee lovers and casual coffee drinkers will enjoy.
Meanwhile, the Breakfast Pasta is one of the best meals I had during this coffee crawl. I just love the poached egg on top and when you break it, the runny yolk just oozes and coats your pasta.
Yardstick’s service at their Legazpi Village branch was also top-notched. The baristas were friendly and attentive. I love how they greet you with smiles.
Deuces Coffee
Perea, Makati City
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Monday to Saturday) | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday)
I visited Deuces Coffee twice but never had a chance to dine in because, for both visits, it was full. Thus, I had my coffee for to-go for both visits. This also makes my visit to the coffee shop quite short and was not able to fully enjoy what they have to offer.
Anyway, for the first visit, I had their Iced Americano and on the next visit, I tried their Sesame Kreme Kaffe. I liked the Iced Americano. The Sesame Kreme Kaffee, on the other hand, was quite interesting. I liked the taste of sesame with each sip. It gives the drink this “malinamnam” flavor.
I hope to revisit them soon, I want to try the food they offer.
Overall, it was a fun coffee crawl in Makati City. Each coffee shop and cafe has something different for me to experience — from the coffee they offer to their exterior. There are more coffee shops to visit in Metro Manila and I hope to be able to try more soon whenever I get the opportunity to visit.