Espresso in Manila

Dark Roasts and Light Blends

By Katrina A. Holigores, Pam Pastor
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—A coffee experience not to be forgotten is what one can expect at The Block. Each establishment offers coffee creations coming from different countries or have their own house blend for coffee lovers to try. Sitting back in a cozy lounge chair enjoying a hot freshly brewed special or opting for an ice cold java treat is something to look forward to for the busy professional or just for a relaxing way to spend the afternoon.

UCC

Bringing in something different was top of mind by the franchise owners of UCC when they first brought it to the Philippines from Japan. Specializing in Japanese cuisine, especially soups and pasta dishes made this coffee shop and so much more stand out from the competition. The beverages and desserts were also a big draw and people flocked for a cup of coffee coupled with a Fruit French Toast or a delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Latte with a Japanese Handroll Sandwich. The breakfast sets are also popular as they come with a beverage of choice from hot coffee, hot chocolate, tea or a fresh orange juice. For a hearty meal, the Seafood Curry Rice is a favorite and for something light and healthy to drink, the Mango Kiwi Swirl is highly recommended. With two floors to offer breakfast goers or those who want something satisfying to drink or eat during the day, UCC is the perfect choice for a wide selection that will cater to every gastronomical whim.

Seattle’s Best Coffee

The world of coffee is something Seattle’s Best Coffee prides itself in knowing by heart. Just from reading the selections one is tempted to try the Seattle’s Best Coffee Blend which is full bodied and aromatic or the Saturday’s Blend which has a delicate flavor yet has an element of spice. One can also try the roasts (there are even levels from lightest to darkest) such as the French Roast which uses beans that are almost black in color giving the coffee a full, bittersweet aroma and taste with virtually no acidity. Seattle’s Best Coffee has developed it’s own special recipes for blending coffees and well-balanced roasts. There are eight coffee house blends on offer and the choices promise to bring together the world’s best beans for a fuller and grander coffee experience. To add to the coffee experience, one can also have a sweet pastry or a pasta dish to accompany a hot or cold concoction, decaf is also available for those who don’t want to overdo their caffeine fix.

Chaikofi Xpresso

Arie Willard, who moved to the Philippines from The Netherlands, has a long-time love affair with tea and coffee. Chaikofi Xpresso was borne out of this same passion and his penchant for good food. Chaikofi offers a lot of coffee choices—including unusual ones. There are blends imported from Brazil, Colombia, Holland, Guatemala, Ethiopia and there are drinks spiked with Amaretto, Bailey’s Kahlua and rhum. But Chaikofi isn’t just a coffee stop. Among the bestsellers are the Zonteas, which come in three flavors—Parfum De Citron (nata de coco, lemon, lime, green milk tea and vanilla ice cream), Son of a Dutch (Dutch chocolate, milk tea, vanilla ice cream) and Blushing Bride (strawberry, almond, milk tea, vanilla ice cream). The Fruiteas are also popular—favorite flavors include Green Apple, Arabian Nights, Lemon Mint, Grape and Strawberry. The Yogi Frost is a hit with yogurt lovers. They enjoy the healthy and fruity combination of Mango Bango, Pina Coco Loco and Orange Citrus Blast. People don’t just go to Chaikofi for drinks. They serve the Dutch Chicken, Beef Chai Rice and a wide variety of cakes. Gloria Jean’s Coffee When coffee is prepared the Gloria Jean’s way, they don’t just pour the milk, they create latte art. Vangie Lisa Santos, shift leader of Glorie Jean’s Coffee at The Block, says this little detail sets them apart from other coffee shops. “It shows our passion,” she said. Originally from Australia, Gloria Jean’s stores have been serving Pinoys coffee for a while now. They have more than 20 flavored coffee beans and their drinks fall under a number of categories including Espresso Classics, Espreso Expressions, Fruit Chillers, Smoothie Chillers. Favorites include the Chocolate Macadamia Latte, the Crème Brulee, Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows and White Chocolate Mocha. Most drinks come in hot and cold variants to give coffee fans the freedom to choose. Gloria Jean’s food display boasts of goodies like Chicken Pie, Banana Walnut Loaf, Dark Truffle Cake, Oatmeal Revel Bar, Marjolane and more. “We also have sugar-free selections—we have sugar-free carrot cake and sugar-free syrups for our drinks,” said Vangie. And if that’s not enough of a bait, Gloria Jean’s also offers free wifi to people who stop by for coffee.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, a California-born company, was first opened in the Philippines in 2003 by country managing director Walden Chu. Coffee Bean has since tailored its menu to suit Filipino taste sensibilities, balancing local preferences with global standards. For a quick but filling bite, choose from a wide array of offerings that include pasta, pandesal, muffins and cookies. There are also salads, sandwiches and breakfast sets that are served hot from their kitchen. There are cheesecakes and low-calorie cakes for those looking for a sugar fix. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf takes pride in being the only coffeehouse franchise in the country that produces everything straight from its own commissary. Their lineup of drinks feature choice gourmet coffees and teas, including the Original Ice Blended, which started the worldwide craze of coffee blended drinks.

Gloria Jean’s Coffee

When coffee is prepared the Gloria Jean’s way, they don’t just pour the milk, they create latte art. Vangie Lisa Santos, Shift Leader of Glorie Jean’s Coffee at The Block, says this little detail sets them apart from other coffee shops. “It shows our passion,” she said. Originally from Australia, Gloria Jean’s stores have been serving Pinoys coffee for a while now. They have more than 20 flavored coffee beans and their drinks fall under a number of categories including Espresso Classics, Espreso Expressions, Fruit Chillers, Smoothie Chillers. Favorites include the Chocolate Macadamia Latte, the Crème Brulee, Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows and White Chocolate Mocha. Most drinks come in hot and cold variants to give coffee fans the freedom to choose. Gloria Jean’s food display boasts of goodies like Chicken Pie, Banana Walnut Loaf, Dark Truffle Cake, Oatmeal Revel Bar, Marjolane and more. “We also have sugar-free selections – we have sugar-free carrot cake and sugar-free syrups for our drinks,” said Vangie. And if that’s not enough of a bait, Gloria Jean’s also offers free wifi to people who stop by for coffee.