Tag: Neighborhood Cafe

Food Tourism

Why This Marikina Café Serving Coffee and Ramyeon Is Your Next Hangout Spot

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

Strategically located beside St. Scholastica’s Academy, an all-girls school in Marikina, and surrounded by residential houses, is K-Café Ramyeon and Coffee at Westdrive corner Narra Street, depending on where you’re coming from. From the outside, you’ll already get the feel of the place, as it’s glass all around.

 

You’ll appreciate the ambience even more at night. K Café is one place where you’ll get to experience two different worlds. East meets West. A café of Western persuasion and a ramyeon place of Korean inspiration.

 

Historically, the idea came about when the future proprietress frequented Funhun for noodles with her husband (and business partner), as Japanese ramen was not an option for them.

 

While discussing a Korean ramen establishment where patrons can prepare their own ramen, my husband and I exchanged insights on this experience compared to buying ramen at a convenience store. Inspired by our conversation and observations from Sir Chris, another business partner, we collaboratively developed a concept and conducted research. It didn’t take long for K Café to be established.

 

Concept and Inspiration:

Definitely Korean-inspired, as ‘K’ represents K-drama and K-pop, two popular trends and pop culture in the Philippines right now.

 

Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Restaurant Interior:

Cozy and spacious café with vibrant colors and lighting inspired by Blackpink and BTS, two popular K-pop groups worldwide, especially in the Philippines.

 

Restaurant Format:

Dine-in, Delivery via Food Panda, Online Availability

 

Quirk:

Stylish Korean-inspired cafe with an American coffeehouse vibe. Right here is where you may make your own unique ramen. By choosing the ingredients and toppings, you get to play chef. Pick your favorite area from two different spots inside K-Cafe. In the more intimate environment, you can sit down in the lotus position like a Korean at dinner on the floor, or formally, you can sit on a chair like Westerners do.

The café can be a venue for any night person (before it closes for the day), and have that ramen craving satisfied, or just simply be there to unwind after a long day.

The Visit

 

Branches:
  1. K Café Ayala Malls Feliz

5th Level Roof Garden in front of Timezone Play

 

  1. K Café Batangas

Lena Compound

 

Specialties

Bibimbap, Chicken Pangko and Beef Bulgogi (See to appreciate)

Check other options from their Cafe Menu (prices plus 12% VAT)

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM—MARIKINA
City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

For the Young and the Young-at-Heart: A 90s Meets 70s Inspired Restaurant Vibe at 1821 Cafe

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

1821 Cafe, as a name, might seem a little historically referenced. Perhaps after an important year in time, or maybe a famous ancestor’s birth year. But then again, it simply denotes the café owner’s desire since college (at 18-21 years old, as a scholar and working student), to give back to the community by hiring employees aged 18 to 21. And so it came to pass…

 

But don’t be fooled; everyone is welcome here regardless of age, including your pet. Just make sure your fur babies are wearing diapers. The café is a neighborhood establishment, as the majority of the local food outlets in this area of Gil Fernando and its street inlets are residences that have been turned into restaurants, bistros, cafes, and so on.

 

Concept and Inspiration:

A coffee shop. Without the prominent signage outside and within, the establishment radiates a residential vibe. The area is quite spacious. When you walk in, you can immediately tell it was originally a garage, but it has now been converted into an al fresco place for the café’s guests who like to remain outside, and it is ideally suited for smokers.

 

The owners thought that a café should feel like home—warm, inviting, and full of comforting flavors. A place to work with good Wi-Fi, plugs, and coffee. Put in unique specialty lattes, matcha blends, fruit drinks, some sweet and whimsical croffles, hearty all-day breakfast platters, and creamy to assertive pasta meals to go with your cup. 1821 Cafe makes every visit exceptional, whether you’re working, meeting friends, or taking a break.

 

Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Restaurant Interior:

The interior feels Gen-Z-inspired with a hint of the 1970s. The owners’ styles definitely vary. Industrial lighting, warm wooden tables, fresh foliage, and even a touch of music with vinyl albums on display. It’s intended to seem both homely and stylish, the type of place where you can relax with good coffee, nice conversation, or just some alone time.

 

Resto Format:

Dine-in, Delivery (via 3rd party courier)

 

Quirk:

Despite the café’s Gen-Z vibe, the place offers an old-school working vinyl player that can play the LPs displayed on the café’s rough and ready (more so, makeshift-looking design) hanging cabinet. From the ’90s, Taylor Swift, to the ’70s, The Carpenters, it’s up to you!♥

 

Newly installed, 1821 Café’s brand-new function rooms.

 

 

Specialties
  • Breakfast Matcha, Sea Salt Latte, New York Cookies, Banana Bread, Truffle pasta, Cabanatuan Longganisa (See to appreciate)

 

Check other options from their Resto Menu…

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM—MARIKINA
City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

The Best Vietnamese Dishes at Ca Phe Saigon Marikina

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Marikina is no stranger to diverse cuisines, as the city is home to nearly every Asian cuisine imaginable, and Ca Phe Saigon is no exception. At first glance, the name seems to be a play on words, but it is not. “Cà phê” is the Vietnamese word for coffee, and Saigon refers to the name of the city itself in its early incarnation.

 

Ca Phe Saigon is the go-to spot for authentic Vietnamese specialties in Marikina, as you probably already know. Believe it or not, the Café has already reached its 11th year in business since 2014 and has survived the pandemic by adjusting with the times and technology.

 

The establishment’s humble origins in Marikina continue to be a favorite among residents, but it has since expanded to Antipolo and Mandaluyong, and soon Tagaytay.

 

Concept and Inspiration:

The inspiration for Ca Phe Saigon came from Chef George and Apple Bonifacio’s mother (bro and sis), and family matron, Mary Rose Bonifacio (Huynh Thi Houng, dec. 2024), who has introduced the taste of Vietnam in Marikina, and thus kept its authenticity through the years. The logo, a silhouette integrated into the Ca Phe Saigon name, is inspired by the matron herself on her bike, wearing Vietnam’s national costume called Áo dài.

 

The café and the coffee’s name itself pay tribute to the thriving coffee culture of Saigon, which has been shaped by the city’s history as a major commerce hub and its French colonial past. The coffee grounds are soaked in boiling water through a small metal filter known as a phin, which is a distinctive method of preparing Vietnamese coffee, especially Cà phê Sài Gòn. Believe it or not, the distinctive coffee grounds of CPS are still imported all the way from Vietnam. That’s authenticity for you.

 

The method, in conjunction with the inclusion of sweetened condensed milk (in varieties such as cà phê sữa), has resulted in the popularity of Cà phê Sài Gòn on a global scale. This blend produces a strong and concentrated brew that just works with the sweetness of condensed milk.

 

Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Restaurant Interior:

Vietnamese street food culture is brought indoors to this intimate café. Picture a cozy, inviting setting where every nook and cranny begs for a chat, and the aroma of steaming banh mi, fresh spring rolls, and fragrant pho would be served. Flavorful, simple, and full of life—just like the streets of Vietnam, but served to you at your table.

 

Resto Format:

Dine in and Online delivery is available via Grab, Food Panda.

 

Quirk:

Their catchphrase, “farm-to-fork freshness,” stems from the wide use of fresh herbs and vegetables on their menu.

 

Chef George himself intimated that they have their own small garden of herbs and some notable vegetables that are cultivated and grown in the vicinity of Ca Phe Saigon. Additionally, first-time customers might think the café’s entry is where the marquis sign is, but in fact, after you go through the overhead door, the actual entrance is just on your right.

 

Furthermore, don’t get confused if you see the Sweet Apples Creation name next to the Ca Phe Saigon sign, as the former was the first restaurant establishment to be built before CPS first opened.

 

 

Management:

 

Mrs. Apple Delos Santos, General manager and Company Head.

Mr. George Bonifacio, Head Chef, Co-owner and Product Development Head.

 

Specialties
  • Pho: a classic Vietnamese noodle soup made with fresh ingredients and flavorful broth.
  • Bahn Mi: A Vietnamese sub and sandwich filled with various meats, pickled vegetables, and cilantro, served on a crispy baguette.
  • Bun Thit Cha Gio: A dish featuring vermicelli noodles, springy and crunchy textures, with sweet, tangy, and peanutty flavors.
  • Spring Rolls: Fresh, fried, or steamed options available. Filled with shrimp, vegetables, or chicken.
  • Vietnamese Coffee: Strong and sweetened with condensed milk served hot or iced.

 

Check other options from their Resto Menu…

 

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

City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Purple Vibes Café Marikina—A BTS-Inspired Coffee & Dining Spot

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

If the K-Pop phenomenon hasn’t caught up to you yet, this special spot in Marikina might convince you to take on that challenge. Located on the 2nd Floor of the GCN Building, 240 NW Narra St., Marikina Heights, Purple Café Marikina will give you just that: an appreciation for BTS and K-Pop, and what it’s like being there and experiencing its special charm.

The concept is the brainchild of Jansen and Felice Chua, a husband-and-wife team who are evidently appreciative admirers of the K-pop group BTS. This youthful couple resolved to put up something that they love most to do. Jansen handles the business side, while Felice, who enjoys cooking and is a fan of BTS, manages the menus and all BTS-related elements. Purple Café Marikina had its soft opening just last year, in April 2024.

Furthermore, the café’s menu food selections are virtually always named after BTS song titles and anything BTS-related.

 

Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Resto Interior:

Purely BTS; A BTS fan club haven! The café also features a cozy al fresco spot located on the café’s side, overlooking the balcony of the GCN Building and Narra Street.

 

Resto Format:

Dine-in, Delivery, Online Availability. The majority of their food offerings are served in generous portions, a plus worth our buck! Open from 7am-11pm daily!

 

Price Range:

Php 80-Php 300. Surprisingly affordable for its hefty and generous food serving options.

 

Quirk:

The café itself is like a clubhouse that serves as a meetup venue for fangirls and fanboys of BTS. The establishment’s charm lies in its adornment of BTS standees and carefully chosen photographs of each member and the group. It’s like being with BTS in real time; It’s simply a photo-op haven for BTS fans!

 

Purple Cafe Marikina also prides itself on being a venue for any BTS milestone here in Marikina. Fangirls and fanboys can rent the place for just a minimal amount to celebrate and view new landmark event updates on BTS, and what-have-you. A pay-per-view kind of thing.

 

Additionally, Purple Café Marikina invests significantly in obtaining viewing rights for BTS events, which are mostly held abroad but can be viewed live at the café! Tickets are sold every time for fans and non-fans. For announcements, you can visit Viajero Kultura Pilipinas, or their FB page website.

Moreover, you can also do karaoke stuff here if you so wish.

 

Specialties:

Beef Bulgogi, Lachimolala (Carbonara), Nachos, Tres Leches Cupcakes, Ube Halaya Cupcake, Mocha Crunch, Suganish Lattè (Spanish Latte), and Run (Grapes, Blueberry, Strawberry).

Also try their Sweet-Style Spaghetti, Lechon Kawali Silog, Oreo Frappe, and Strawberry Frappe.

PCM also looks to the future, and plans to diversify their menu selections as needed.

Something new at Purple Café, try their new Arroz Caldo for merienda.

Check other options from their Resto Menu…

 

Where:

2nd Floor of GCN Building, 240 NW Narra Street, Marikina. At the back of St. Scholastica Marikina.

 

To get from Gateway Mall on Aurora Boulevard to Purple Cafe Marikina  in Marikina, take the LRT-2 from Cubao Station to Santolan Station, then find a jeepney heading to SSS Village (or similar Marikina destinations like Parang or Concepcion), and alight preferably near Meralco or Jollibee Molave, and take a tricycle ride straight. Fare goes around P30. Alternatively, you can take a jeepney or bus directly on Aurora Boulevard that goes to Marikina City, and get off at the nearest stop to Purple Cafe. Exact instructions as the previous apply here.

For your convenience, go straight out back upon entering the GCN Building,  and locate the elevator. Purple Cafe Marikina is on the 2nd floor, near the balcony.

 

Bonus:

Chami, the friendly Shih Tzu, will be there to greet you at the entrance, i.e., if he feels like it. If you see him, be sure to give him a friendly pat.

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM—MARIKINA