Ca Phe Saigon Marikina: A Home for Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine
Marikina City is no stranger to diverse culinary experiences, with nearly every Asian cuisine represented across the city. Among these flavorful options, Ca Phe Saigon Marikina stands out as one of the most trusted destinations for authentic Vietnamese food in Marikina.
At first glance, the name Ca Phe Saigon may appear to be a clever play on words, but it carries a deeper cultural meaning. “Cà phê” is the Vietnamese word for coffee, while Saigon refers to the historic name of Ho Chi Minh City. Together, the name reflects the café’s commitment to preserving the rich coffee culture and vibrant street food traditions of Vietnam.
Today, Ca Phe Saigon Marikina is widely recognized as a go-to Vietnamese restaurant in Marikina, offering traditional dishes and authentic Vietnamese coffee to locals and visitors alike.
A Legacy of Vietnamese Flavor in Marikina
Established in 2014, Ca Phe Saigon Marikina has grown into a beloved dining destination that has stood the test of time. Now celebrating over 11 years in business, the ca phe successfully adapted during the pandemic by embracing technology and online delivery services.
What started as a humble Vietnamese café in Marikina has since expanded to other locations including Antipolo and Mandaluyong, with Tagaytay soon to follow. Despite its growth, Ca Phe Saigon Marikina remains rooted in its mission: serving authentic Vietnamese dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques.
Concept and Inspiration:
The inspiration for Ca Phe Saigon Marikina came from siblings Chef George Bonifacio and Apple Bonifacio, together with their beloved mother and family matron, Mary Rose Bonifacio (Huynh Thi Houng, Dec. 2024).
Through her influence, the family introduced the taste of Vietnam to Marikina City, ensuring that every dish at Ca Phe Saigon Marikina stays true to Vietnamese culinary traditions.
The restaurant’s logo pays tribute to their matron. The silhouette incorporated into the Ca Phe Saigon branding depicts a woman riding a bicycle while wearing the Áo dài, Vietnam’s iconic national costume—symbolizing both heritage and authenticity.
No visit to Ca Phe Saigon Marikina is complete without experiencing its traditional Vietnamese coffee.
Vietnamese coffee is prepared using a phin, a small metal drip filter that slowly brews strong coffee grounds using boiling water. This unique brewing method produces a bold and concentrated flavor, often paired with sweetened condensed milk, creating the well-known cà phê sữa, of course, influenced by the city’s commercial history and French colonial heritage
What makes Ca Phe Saigon Marikina even more authentic is that its coffee grounds are still imported directly from Vietnam, preserving the distinctive taste that Vietnamese coffee lovers recognize worldwide. The result is a bold, concentrated coffee whose intensity is perfectly balanced by the silky sweetness of condensed milk.
Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Restaurant Interior:
Walking into Ca Phe Saigon Marikina feels like stepping into a cozy Vietnamese street café.
The restaurant recreates the lively charm of Vietnamese street food culture, where the aroma of fresh pho, banh mi, and spring rolls fills the air. The space is intimate and inviting—perfect for casual conversations, coffee dates, and relaxed meals.
Every corner of the café reflects the simple yet vibrant dining culture of Vietnam, bringing the flavors and atmosphere of Saigon right to Marikina City.
Resto Format:
Dine in and Online delivery is available via Grab, Food Panda.
Quirk:
One of the unique aspects of Ca Phe Saigon Marikina is its commitment to “farm-to-fork freshness.”
Fresh herbs and vegetables are essential components of Vietnamese cuisine, and the restaurant takes this seriously. According to Chef George Bonifacio, the café maintains its own small garden of herbs and vegetables, ensuring that dishes are prepared with fresh, aromatic ingredients that elevate their flavor.
This dedication to freshness is one reason Ca Phe Saigon Marikina remains one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Marikina.
Also, any guests assume the entrance is located at the marquee sign, but after entering through the overhead door, the actual entrance is immediately to the right.
Another detail that may catch your attention is the Sweet Apples Creation name displayed next to the Ca Phe Saigon sign. This was the original restaurant establishment in the space before Ca Phe Saigon Marikina opened its doors.
Where:
#14 Red Cedar Street, Marikina City, Philippines
Contact:
0926-734-2630 | 8646-1438
Email: caphesaigonhq@gmail.com
Typical spend:
₱200–₱500 per person
Management:
Mrs. Apple Delos Santos, General manager and Company Head.
Mr. George Bonifacio, Head Chef, Co-owner and Product Development Head.
Specialties
If you’re searching for the best Vietnamese dishes in Marikina, these specialties at Ca Phe Saigon Marikina are highly recommended:
Pho
A classic Vietnamese noodle soup featuring rich broth, fresh herbs, tender meat, and rice noodles. Pho at Ca Phe Saigon Marikina is known for its aromatic broth and authentic preparation.
Banh Mi
A famous Vietnamese sandwich served on a crispy baguette filled with savory meats, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and flavorful sauces.
Bun Thit Cha Gio
A satisfying bowl of vermicelli noodles topped with grilled meat, crispy spring rolls, fresh vegetables, and a sweet-tangy sauce with peanut undertones.
Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Available fresh, fried, or steamed, these rolls are filled with shrimp, vegetables, or chicken, delivering refreshing textures and flavors.
Vietnamese Coffee
One of the highlights of Ca Phe Saigon Marikina, this strong coffee brewed with a phin filter is served hot or iced with condensed milk.
Check other options from their Resto Menu…
Thanks to Chef George, Miss Apple, and Ma’am Sheena for having Viajero Kultura Pilipinas…
Thanks to Chef George, Miss Apple, and Ma’am Sheena for having Viajero Kultura Pilipinas. Loved the delicious and crunchy Banh Mi, the spring rolls, and Pho…”
VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM—MARIKINA