Based in Manila, Philippines, Dessert Comes First is a chronicle of the food-obsessed food writer, Lori Baltazar. This website is all about desserts, restaurants, coffee, and the pleasures of homebaking. Read more about me A Few of My Coffee Favorites
Wed, September10th of 2008
1:27 pm
If there’s anything that I like better than making a cup of coffee, it’s having someone else make my coffee and relaxing with it in a coffee shop. Here, some of my favorite coffees in the metro, great for drink-in or take away.
McCafé
I can’t explain why McCafé captivates me. For someone who hardly eats fast food, friends raise eyebrows when I tell them that it’s my favorite coffee in the world. “That good, huh?” they ask, confusion clear on their faces. Granted, the ambience is not as cozy-hip as say, Starbucks, but the ambience that is there is welcoming and comfortable. When traveling, I squeal in delight when I chance upon a McCafé. So far, I’ve enjoyed it in Hong Kong; Geneva, Switzerland; and Paris, France.
I’ve waxed romantic about McCafé’s Cocoa Steamer, a straightforward drink that packs a powerful chocolate punch. It’s exceedingly rich even when made with low fat milk. When it comes to the coffee however, my brew of choice is the cappuccino (small, please). Equal amounts of espresso, steamed milk and foam are layered into squat, wide-mouth cups – cups that I’ve endlessly attempted to buy from the McCafé staff, to no avail. Then the McDonald’s trademark “M” is stenciled on with a shake of cocoa powder, sometimes powdered coffee. The first sip sears down my throat, creamy smoothness followed by the bracing breath of the bean.
Siphon pot coffee
I became aware of Panciteria Lido when I read about it in Kapihan (ArtPostAsia 2007), Nestlé’s tome celebrating their 75th anniversary in the Philippines. I’m tantalized by the row of siphon coffee pots lined up on the counter of this old-style coffee house, pots whose amber contents are under pressure: full strength coffee.
Circumstances have made it such that only the original branch in Binondo retains the Panciteria Lido name but the Ortigas and West Avenue branches are now called Han Wok. And to my immense relief, they still serve siphon pot coffee.
Why my fixation on siphon pots and coffee? Aside from my obsession with the midnight liquid, siphon pots (otherwise known as [Cona] vacuum pots) brew coffee in a lower carafe by immersing the coffee grounds in water for a few minutes. When the water boils, it moves to the upper funnel, it’s stirred briefly, and when the temperature has dropped sufficiently, a vacuum is created that sucks the coffee back down into the lower carafe. It’s terribly fascinating even just to watch; a strikingly visual demonstration of the laws of physics in full effect. It’s also how they brew coffee at In Love With Sweets.
And the brew? A potent shot of caffeine fused with a mix of darkness and (depending on how one drinks his coffee) swirled with light. Han Wok uses a special kind of liquid creamer that contributes its own creamy finesse. It’s coffee to savor appreciatively and mull over the morning papers with.
Han Wok (aka Panciteria Lido) is also known for its Chinese cuisine. I recommend the chami special (P185), the fried shrimp balls (P285) and the poached tofu (P98), which shines and shimmies in the light.
Han Wok
Madison Square, Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills
724-4051 / 721-7479
Open Monday-Sunday 6am-9pm.
Charcoal roasted coffee
The Philippine Mountain Coffee Collection is a coffee stall at the Delicacies Village in Tiendesitas. The store is appealingly laid out with several types of coffeemakers and a display of pan de sal available in different fillings. The pièce de résistance are the shelves of vacuum-packed coffee blends in attractive green packages. Various coffee blends include the Tagaytay Baraco and Kalinga Gold (my favorite, from Luzon); the Kanlaon Blend (from the Visayas); and the Malaybalay Blend (from Bukidnon in Mindanao). Prominently displayed in the store is a sign declaring, “Charcoal Roasted Coffee,” which is another term for French Roast, or a dark roast that’s almost black in color with a very shiny, oily surface.
I like buying a few bags and grinding the beans myself at home. Whether I make myself a cappuccino or a latte, this is coffee that has an earthiness that speaks of the flavor of local barako coffee and its lingering, low-toned power.
Philippine Mountain Coffee Collection
Delicacies Village, Tiendesitas
Libis, Q.C.
633-2058 / 59.
Blenz Coffee
When I was in Vancouver last year, Blenz Coffee was everywhere, it’s like the Canadian Starbucks. I didn’t get to try it there so I’m ecstatic when I spy a Blenz Coffee while driving around the SM Mall of Asia Complex. Located outside the mall, it’s got that characteristic vibe evident in foreign coffee shops: the wood furniture, the pin lights illuminating the counter, the comfy couch seats, and of course, that deeply intoxicating coffee aroma. (Believe me when I say that I’ve been in coffee shops that don’t smell anything like coffee.)
Excited but daunted at the unfamiliar menu of coffee and tea beverages, I cop out and order my usual: a small cappuccino. Blenz small coffees are huge — I think they’re 12-ouncers instead of the usual eight. Their “signature milk foam” is capped thickly onto a brew that stimulates with a slight edge of menace. Needlessly to say, I don’t get much sleep that night. Next time, I want to try Blenz’s famous matcha tea lattes and their chai lattes.
Blenz Coffee
SM One E-Com Center
SM Bay City, Pasay City
556-4071
www.blenz.com
Durian coffee
Until I get myself to Davao to try Blugre’s durian coffee, I’ll make do with C2’s version of it. A full-bodied liquid that sits thickly on the mouth, it’s a flavor competition between coffee and durian. Though this drink doesn’t stink of the fruit, the durian comes through more as an aftertaste following the more prominent coffee notes. This beverage is also terribly sweet, thanks to the little jigger of condensed milk that comes with it. But then again, that only adds to its richness and likability.
C2 Classic Cuisine
*6th Level The Ledge, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City
636-1509 / 636-1510
*2nd Level Archaeology Area, Rockwell Power Plant Mall, Makati City
897-8113
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McCafe? Really? They never really took off in the US, and I was rather unimpressed myself. And I do appreciate a good cup of coffee: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yatyasirkearns/2829108938/
[Reply]
Comment by Kearns — September 10, 2008 @ 6:07 pm
Lori, McCafe coffee and even their pre packaged sandwiches are one of Manila’s best kept secrets. It was my dad who told me about their excellent coffee. Philippine Mountain Coffee is owned by my Ninong. If they sell vacuum sealed chestnuts there, you should try them. Just bake them in the oven and voila, just like you bought them off the streets of Manhattan in the winter. You can store them in the freezer.
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Comment by tina vitas — September 10, 2008 @ 7:24 pm
once i drank mc cafe’s long black (in a short cup), i was hooked. no more starbucks hot drinks for me. i only go to starbucks for its mocha frap (shoot me, i love that mainstream drink.)
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Comment by karen — September 10, 2008 @ 11:57 pm
I’m not sure if Blenz there has it, but their milk and dark chocolate mochas are the best I’ve ever tasted from a chain. You MUST try them!
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Comment by fireflyzephyr — September 11, 2008 @ 12:54 am
Blugre’s Durian Coffee is good.
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Comment by wyatt — September 11, 2008 @ 7:03 am
Have to agree on the McCafe. They have good coffee.
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Comment by michelle — September 11, 2008 @ 9:10 am
Any place that uses illy’s, vittoria, or lavazza coffee does great by me. Also LOVE the coffee in Bag of Beans in Tagaytay.
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Comment by Ines — September 11, 2008 @ 12:43 pm
we love the coffee in Classic Confections
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Comment by lyn — September 11, 2008 @ 2:38 pm
If you go to Lido’s, you should always have their roast pork asado! that’s one of the mainstays there, aside from the coffee and chami. order a side of their bread to go with it. i love the asado, even straight from the fridge!
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Comment by kayenne — September 11, 2008 @ 9:22 pm
I’m a Nespresso fan. I discovered the device a few years ago in Zurich, and since then it has become my coffee of my choice. They should open a Nespresso bar here — Greenbelt 5 or Power Plant would be ideal! The ones I have been to (in Lausanne, Zurich, Hongkong) are the perfectly elegant hang-out spots for people who prefer a cleaner, quieter, and less-cluttered place to sip their favorite brew.
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Comment by Jocelyn — September 11, 2008 @ 9:44 pm
hi lori,,
i spoke with rommel one of the big wigs at mcdonalds and asked him if they can give one wide-mouth cups that you’ve wanted..
i’ve forwarded your site to them and hope that the marketing deptartment will respond to you..
cheers,
pat
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Comment by Patrick Dacanay — September 12, 2008 @ 3:47 pm
i tried mc cafe coffee a few years back (when it was still new and people were wondering whether it’s affiliated with mcdo) and it didn’t leave an impression on me quite frankly. although my father-in-law, who’s a big coffee drinker, is a mc cafe fan. maybe they’ve improved on the coffee formulation already? in the fast food category, i hear the coffee in dunkin’ donuts is good. but i have yet to try their brew, so don’t take my word for it.
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Comment by glenville — September 12, 2008 @ 11:45 pm
McCafe’s peppermint latte (hot) is heavenly
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Comment by themuffinmuncher — September 14, 2008 @ 9:53 pm
@ lyn: They use illy at Classic Confections. I also make it a point to look for cafés that serve illy coffee AND great desserts to go with it.
I also quite like the coffee at Old Manila.
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Comment by Vic — September 15, 2008 @ 11:24 am
my favorite coffee is from bawai’s or pho hoa — vietnamese style coffee
i love it cold! yumm!
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Comment by frannywanny — September 17, 2008 @ 11:08 pm
i love the cocoa steamer too!! it’s heavenly coz im a chocolate lover down to the last drop.. it’s the perfect hot choco drink i’d think of having on a nice rainy day
their other coffees are great too!!!
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Comment by grace — September 19, 2008 @ 12:40 am
I totally agree about McCafe! It’s such a gem.
The one place in Manila where I ordered coffee (a latte if I remember correctly, then a cappuccino after dinner) and swooned upon sipping was at the Hyatt (the lobby coffee shop to the right as you enter the hotel – I forget its name). It made me say to myself “aaah, this is how a cup of coffee should be!”
I haven’t been back since so I can’t say if the quality of their coffees is consistent; one day I plan to sit and taste all their coffees. Or perhaps YOU could!
It was great to meet you at EchoStore the other day, Lori. Will definitely bookmark your blo
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Comment by nic — September 21, 2008 @ 8:47 am
If you happen to be in the South–literally in South Supermarket (!), Filinvest branch, a must try is the 18 Days Coffee located on the 2nd floor right in front of the 1 & 2 checkout counter. They have all types of freshly roasted coffee beans (local and imported), including Coffee Alamid (Philippine Civet Coffee), so you can mix your own blend. My mix is arabica, robusta and a little bit of exelsa, but if you’re not sure what beans to pick, you may ask the server, Amy, to mix something up for you. The best part is the price–a rich strong cup of cafe americano which I always order only cost P30! I think their bottomless drip coffee cost P50.
I also love the coffee at Delifrance and Pancake House (I think they order their beans from 18 days Coffee also).
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Comment by Aya — September 25, 2008 @ 6:11 pm
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Comment by loribee — September 26, 2008 @ 11:04 am
McCafe is the only coffee shop I bother to go to in Manila when I have to take my coffee outside the house. The baristas seem to know what they are doing, most of the time.
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Comment by Dante — September 29, 2008 @ 2:43 pm
Mc Cafe is the most underrated coffee house here, their Cappuccino is done so well it’s like making it at home with fresh beans and an expensive machine. It beats Starbucks any day.
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Comment by tenshi — October 3, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
hi Lori,
eeheheh just wondering
would UCC be included in your list?
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Comment by Brian Ong — October 8, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
I love long black and cafe mocha in Mocha Blends…
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Comment by Lottj — November 21, 2008 @ 11:55 am
i know this is about coffee, however, have you tried the white hot chocolate in Blenz? I consider myself a white chocolate connoiseur, and I absolutely believe that the one in Blenz is the best. Their coffee and macha is also outstanding according to my friends. They prefer it over the more famous brands out there.
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Comment by parker — December 10, 2008 @ 5:07 pm
you coffee lovers should try korbicks… this is the brand of coffee they serve at pecan cafe in tribeca, new york city and its soooooo good! and the way they make the capuccinos and the lattes… thats how its supposed to be made (unlike those in starbucks where they scoop the foam and put it at the top of your milk with shot of espresso! disgusting!)
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Comment by tin — November 10, 2009 @ 1:15 pm
McDonald’s serving mochas? Now I’ve seen everything…
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Comment by Angela — March 13, 2010 @ 9:18 pm
I just came back from Davao last week and when I was there my friend took me to try iced durian coffee in one cafe at the top of the hill with great view to the Davao city (I forget the name of the cafe). I am a coffee lovers and also durian lovers but I have no idea that the combination of that two strong flavors can be very delicious. Usually I drink hot latte and I don’t really enjoy iced blended coffee, but specially for durian coffee they suggested the iced blended so I ordered one. The coffee itself was not very strong but all you could taste was the durian flavor. They also topped it with whipped cream and durian fruit, it smelt so good. I enjoyed the iced durian coffee with a slice of durian cake. I had the best afternoon in Davao…
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loribee Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
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Comment by christi — March 23, 2010 @ 3:52 pm