Coffee has become deeply ingrained in modern South Korean café culture. Today, thousands of coffee shops fuel an obsession with Korean specialty coffee across the capital city of Seoul and other urban hubs. This article will explore the rapid growth of Korea’s specialty coffee scene, the Korean coffee market, the Korean coffee industry, profiling key specialty coffee shops, and milestone moments that shaped the country’s vibrant coffee landscape.

The First Waves: Introducing Coffee to South Korea

The very first seeds of coffee culture were planted in Korea over 100 years ago under Japanese occupation. But coffee remained a rare novelty until instant coffee mixes entered the mass market after the Korean War, becoming an affordable drink for the war-weary population.

Throughout the 1960s to the 1990s, soluble “coffee mix” powder tins dominated grocery store shelves, and standardized instant brews filled cups at cafes across the country. Most establishments focused on volume and affordability, not quality similar to a level of international coffee or variety when it came to coffee. This set the stage for pioneering specialty coffee companies to disrupt the status quo.

Birth of Korean Specialty Coffee

In 1988, the first coffee shop serving specialty coffee in South Korea named First House opened in Seoul. The owners brought in higher-grade imported coffee beans to offer espresso beverages that exceeded the expectations of customers accustomed to mass-market instant mixes. This is where Koreans started the culture. The first love for Korean specialty coffee. First House also trained some of South Korea’s very first professional baristas, laying the foundations for the artisan coffee movement. 

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, more Italian-style espresso cafés emerged, widening access to quality beans and espresso-based drinks. Customers welcomed these new “luxury” cafés offering respite from the affordability-first options that populated most of Seoul.

The Third Wave: Specialty Coffee Pioneers

The modern high-end, artisanal café culture familiar today emerged in South Korea during the mid-2000s “third wave” coffee movement centered on sourcing exceptional beans and bringing science into the brewing process. Pioneer specialty coffee brands like Coffee Libre and Anthracite Coffee introduced lighter single-origin roasts and manual drip coffee preparation methods to highlight distinct flavors tied to factors like origin, fair labor practices, farming technique, processing, and relationships with growers. 

Instead of focusing solely on affordability and volume, these cafes took a cue from global third-wave trends, catering to customers interested in not just drinking, but appreciating coffee. Their unique sourcing, meticulous brewing techniques and cozy spaces made these hobbyist cafés destinations for South Korea’s blossoming coffee lover community.

Nationwide Specialty Coffee Fever

After years of cultivation by early movers, South Korea’s specialty coffee market reached an inflection point around 2013. Interest exploded as drinkers developed more discerning preferences and willingness to pay premium prices for exceptional coffee. Sensing new business potential, entrepreneurial new café owners entered competitive urban centers like Seoul, Busan, and Jeonju to meet swelling demand, excited by opportunities to innovate around sourcing, roasting, brewing, and even fusion with Korean flavors.

Light roast pour-over and cold drip coffee became symbols of this new movement. By 2019, South Korea ranked among fastest growing specialty coffee markets globally – 13% growth compared to the previous year according to World Coffee Portal. A vibrant and enthusiastic coffee community coalescing around this new shared interest accelerated further adoption.

Coffee Roasters – The Driving Force of South Korean Coffee Culture

No high-end coffee experience would be possible without the efforts of devoted coffee importers and roasters customizing beans to Korean preferences. As fascination grew for single origin beans and unconventional processing methods like the Anaerobic natural process producing fruit-forward coffees, Korean specialty coffee roasters filled supply chain gaps.

Major roasting companies like Terarosa, Owl Tail Roasters, and Café Dropt catalyzed niche demand by sourcing prized beans from ethical growers worldwide and producing custom roasts catering to increasingly sophisticated Korean palates. Their popular products highlighted exciting potential of locally curated beans.

Small-scale passion projects like the Fritz Coffee Company also produced creative blends fusing international beans and local ingredients like green tea, further popularizing specialty craft coffee. These roasters collectively laid essential foundations – bringing scarce resources to pioneering cafés dedicated to showcasing their high-quality green beans through deliberate brewing.

Baristas – Global Coffee Ambassadors

Baristas are the public face of the specialty coffee world, requiting new drinkers through education and unforgettable taste experiences. Since early third wave movers trained Korea’s first specialty baristas, passionate coffee professionals have actively strengthened local specialty coffee culture through global competitions, knowledge sharing events, and by operating independent cafés popularizing artisanal preparation techniques.

Barista championships organized by the Specialty Coffee Association and World Barista Championship increasingly attract Korean participants. Champion baristas and café owners like Sam Jeon of Cafe Onion help raise the profile of Korean specialty coffee overseas. In 2019, Cafe Onion head barista Lee Kang-baek took first place at the World Barista Championship. Through grassroots education and showcasing Korea’s depth of talent on the global stage, baristas drive continuous progress around coffee quality and creativity.

The Future: Increasing Sophistication, Both Coffee and Coffee Shops

Looking ahead, specialty coffee industry experts predict continued increasing market sophistication, customer education, and product diversity centered around sourcing ever more exceptional beans worldwide and catering to discerning Korean consumer preferences through advanced precision brewing techniques.

As pioneers open globally acclaimed cafés like Around Coffee and Magazine Coffee, raise standards around roasting and brewing excellence, and produce new visually stunning coffee-based crossover Korean drinks for adventurous younger generations, South Korea solidifies its place among leading global specialty coffee cultures. Still, early in its modern coffee journey, the full potential of further experimentation and innovation has yet to emerge across drinks, equipment, and experiences – ensuring an exciting road ahead for specialty coffee in South Korea.

Key Takeaways

• Korea’s modern specialty coffee culture has grown rapidly since pioneering brands disrupted the instant mix status quo in the late 20th century
• Passionate roasters, baristas, and café owners – attracted by new business opportunities – have invested in product and technique innovation to cater to swelling customer demand
• Youthful, internationally attuned coffee drinkers are developing a sophisticated appreciation for factors like sourcing, preparation, and ethics
• Industry veterans predict increasing innovation and South Korea advancing as a globally renowned specialty coffee culture

Experience Seoul Style Specialty Coffee in the Philippines

As this journey through South Korea’s vibrant coffee scene shows, a sophisticated café culture can develop rapidly when discerning drinkers connect with passionate industry pioneers. Here in the Philippines, excited specialty coffee lovers and cafés owners now have more opportunities than ever as we, Soo Coffee, bridge these different parties to connect and cultivate relationships. Drop by, explore our Menu, and Connect with like-minded individuals at Soo Coffee today!

Craving international cuisine but don’t want to break the bank on airfare? We’ve got you covered. Quezon City is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines from around the world. These restaurants in Quezon City can go from hole-in-the-wall Japanese joints to swanky European fine dining establishments.

Restaurants in Quezon City to Give Your Taste Buds a Journey

In this blog post, we’ll spotlight 7 of the best restaurants in Quezon City to take your taste buds on an adventure, no passport required. We chose these dining destinations based on food quality, unique ambiance, value for money, and positive online reviews. Prices range from budget-friendly to special occasions worthy to suit different tastes and budgets.

Ready to tease those taste buds? Keep reading for the inside scoop on QC’s top 7 global restaurants in quezon city and start planning your culinary world tour.

1. Oedo for Authentic Japanese Fare

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Stroll over to Oedo located just minutes away from Soo Coffee. Oedo is one of QC’s best bets for authentic Japanese cuisine. You might question if you’re Filipino once you experience their dishes. Their sushi, sashimi, and teppanyaki hit all the right flavor notes and their cozy yet elegant dining space provides just the right amount of intimacy for a relaxed dining experience here in Manila.

2. Maki Haus’ Famous Chinese-Filipino Maki Soup

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Another great Asian dining option in the Soo Coffee neighborhood is Maki Haus. This is a Binondo favorite in QC, bringing their signature maki soup made from meatballs, peanuts, tofu, and noodles in broth. The best soup restaurant in Quezon City for Filipinos, Chinese, and Chinoys!

3. HackenSack’s Classic Americana Burgers & Hot Dogs

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For quintessential American comfort food, HackenSack hits the spot with its vintage 1950s diner vibes. Indulge in towering cheeseburgers or loaded 10-inch hot dogs, plus thick-cut fries and milkshakes. Friendly service and budget pricing make HackenSack the perfect casual bites stop.

4. Geluk Gentri for Contemporary European Plates

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For an intimate, romantic Euro-inspired dinner, check out this restaurant in Quezon City, Geluk Gentri. Their globally-influenced dishes like their special steak, ribs, and champagnes surprisingly speak to Filipino palates while retaining creativity and sophistication.

5. Pandan Asian Café’s Eclectic Pan-Asian Menu of Tomas Morato

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In the mood for a more vibrant, eclectic pan-Asian experience? Pandan Asian Café intertwines Vietnamese, Chinese, Malaysian and Filipino flavors for a one-of-a-kind smorgasbord. Crispy soft-shell crab, salted egg wings and Malaysian laksa noodles are just some of the cross-cultural delights on their menu.

6. Las Spezia’s Homestyle Italian Classics

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Craving pasta, pizza, and vino? Las Spezia brings diners straight to the Italian countryside with exposed brick walls and hanging grapes. House specialties like wood-fired pizzas, al dente pastas, and grilled branzino keep flavors authentically Italian while charming servers make you feel like family.

7. Prologue QC’s Globally Inspired French Fusion

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PrologueQC, one of the best restaurants in Quezon City, fuses French techniques with global flavors for a unique Euro-Asian dining experience. Their chic, cozy bistro atmosphere sets the stage for Moroccan lamb shanks, Japanese cod tempura, French souffle pancakes dessert, and other cross-continental delights. The perfect last stop before heading home and resting those happy bellies.

If you’re looking for Korea, it’s at Soo Coffee

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A cozy corner cafe serving top-notch Korean specialty coffee, gourmet cuisine, and community vibes. Tucked away on Sct. Alcaraz in Banawe, Soo Coffee pairs smooth caffeinated brews using premium beans with Instagram-worthy Korean dishes. Some suggested flavor pairings are the Caramel Latte with Kimchi Fried Rice or the Cafe Latte with the herbaceous Serendipity Spaghetti. Explore our menu. Korean coffee and food: a match made in heaven! The warm, welcoming atmosphere also makes Soo Coffee a go-to gathering spot in QC.

Ready to Get Started?

So which global dish are you going to try first on your food trip around the best restaurants in Quezon City? We hope this guide provides a helpful launch pad to take those taste buds on a world tour without leaving Metro Manila. Wherever you choose, prepare for amazingly authentic dishes that make you feel transported as you take that first bite! Don’t forget to start your food journey with a stop at Soo Coffee for authentic Korean specialty coffee and cuisine done right. Let’s get that global food trip started!

Korean culture has become increasingly popular in the Philippines over the past few years, especially when it comes to entertainment like K-pop music and K-dramas. As more Filipinos fall in love with the culture, many cities are popping Korean cafes in Manila to cater to this growing interest. These cafés not only serve delicious food and drinks, but also aim to provide an authentic Korean café experience.

In this blog post, we will explore 10 of the best Korean-inspired cafés to check out around Metro Manila. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the culture or just looking to try something new, these cafés offer a fun, tasty, and cultural experience that lets you get a little taste of Korea right here in the Philippines.

A Quick Look at Korean-inspired Cafes

Before we dive into the specific recommendations, let’s take a quick look at what exactly K-inspired cafés are all about.

They first became popular in South Korea in the 1990s and have continued growing in popularity since then. They are known for serving sweet desserts and drinks like bingsoo (shaved ice), as well as light meals like bibimbap (mixed rice bowls).

The interior design of these cafés also aims to be very cute and picture-worthy, with bright colors and decorative elements to capture that “Instagrammable” aesthetic that’s so popular these days.

While traditional Korean teas and desserts are staples on the menu, many Korean-inspired coffee shops also fuse local Filipino flavors into the mix, like ube, mango, and more.

So in summary, K-inspired coffee shops allow visitors to experience modern Korean café culture with a bit of a local twist. It’s a fun way to get a taste of the growing Korean trend here in the Philippines.

Hotspots for Korean Cafes in Metro Manila

Beyond just the cafés themselves, it’s interesting to look at some of the city hotspots and neighborhoods that these Korean-inspired destinations call home across the Metro.

Quezon City

Quezon City is a haven for foodies, with restaurants and cafés on almost every corner. Within QC, key areas to check out cool Korean corner cafés are Tomas Morato and Timog Avenue. These neighborhoods have clusters of Korean establishments. You’ll also find gems in the northern Novaliches district.

Taguig

Since Taguig is home to Bonifacio Global City (BGC), one of Manila’s prime business and commercial districts, it attracts white-collar patrons looking for good coffee and atmosphere. The good news is you can find quaint little Korean corner cafés sprinkled throughout BGC, offering a relaxing escape.

Makati City

Makati is Manila’s bustling central business district, home to malls, high-rises, and money movers. While fast-paced, you can find cozy Korean corner cafés sprinkled throughout Makati, catering to office workers seeking comforting coffee and snacks. The Poblacion neighborhood is an especially hotspot.

So in summary, while K-inspired cafés have sprouted up across Metro Manila, key districts and neighborhoods stand out as prime spots to cafe hop. Use this city guide to plot your cafe itinerary!

Top 10 Korean Cafes in Manila

Now let’s explore 10 of the most popular and highly-rated Korean-inspired cafés across Metro Manila for you to check out.

1. Soo Coffee – Quezon City

Soo Coffee aims to deliver an authentic taste of Korea through its specialty coffee and food menu. Their achimbap, bulgogi, and strawberry milk are customer favorites. Beyond the delicious menu though, Soo Coffee seeks to focus on quality, community, and relationships amongst its customers and staff.

Location: 93 Scout Oscar M. Alcaraz St, Quezon City, 1105 Metro Manila

2. Cafe Roo – Quezon City

Formerly located in Malate, Cafe Roo recently opened a new branch in Tomas Morato serving up popular Korean-Filipino fusion dishes. Diners can enjoy the food al fresco style and take advantage of QR code-based ordering and contactless payments. It’s a tasting experience paired with modern convenience in this corner cafe.

Location: 232 Tomas Morato Ave, Scout Borromeo St, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila

3. Sunny Korean Egg Drop – Quezon City

As the name suggests, Sunny Korean Egg Drop specializes in Korean-style egg sandwich drops. They put a localized twist on this popular Korean street food to cater to both international and local tastes. It’s a simple but delicious Korean-inspired snack enjoyed in their relaxing corner cafe.

Location: Vivida North, Omega Ave, Novaliches, Quezon City, Metro Manila

4. Paik’s Coffee – Bonifacio Global City

Paik’s Coffee strives to break expectations about the relationship between price and quality when it comes to coffee. They blend specialty Brazilian coffee beans to create a smooth, delicious brew that’s accessible at reasonable prices. It’s part of their mission to share quality coffee culture in this minimalist corner cafe.

Location: H322+4H5, Taguig, Metro Manila

5. The Seoulful Cafe – Sampaloc

As the name hints, Seoulful Cafe seeks to deliver a taste of Seoul through its menu and atmosphere. From Korean rice cakes to sandwiches and sweet drinks, their diverse menu covers all cravings. And the cozy, chill atmosphere of this corner cafe makes it easy to relax and soak up the Korea-inspired surroundings.

Location: 1332 San Diego St, Sampaloc, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila

6. Chingu Dachi Cafe+ – Sampaloc

Chingu Dachi combines a Korean café with a KPop store, aiming to deliver the immersive cultural experience many fans seek. Beyond tasty food and drinks in a cute corner cafe setting, visitors can also shop for KPop merch and accessories to complete the Hallyu experience.

Location: 1655 Don Quijote, corner Piy Margal St, Sampaloc, Manila, 1015 Metro Manila

7. JinJee Korean Cafe – Sampaloc

JinJee Korean Cafe is likely most known for its signature Korean egg drop sandwiches, adding cheese or sausage twists to the classic street food snack. But their diverse drinks menu also offers interesting localized takes on Korean coffee, milk tea and more. It’s a cozy little corner cafe with big flavor.

Location: 2059 Laong Laan Rd, Sampaloc, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila

8. Hobing Korean Dessert Cafe – Makati

As the name suggests, Hobing puts the spotlight on Korean desserts, especially its signature bingsoo shaved ice treats. But Hobing also serves up classic Korean dishes like ramen and tteokbokki rice cakes for those seeking something hearty and savory. It’s a taste of Korea through both sweet and salty offerings in this tucked-away corner cafe.

Location: Ground Floor, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Glorietta Complex, Makati

9. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf – Multiple Branches

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL) is an international coffee shop chain that originated in Los Angeles. While not exclusively Korean-inspired, CBTL locations across Metro Manila do serve some classic Korean drink options alongside its wider menu. Some locations even offer Korean-style interior decor. So CBTL can still provide a cafe backdrop for your Korean cravings.

Location: Multiple locations across Metro Manila

10. Angel’s Cup Coffee – Makati

Angel’s Cup Coffee has earned attention for its visually striking menu and décor, almost transporting customers to a Seoul corner cafe. With bright neon signs and cute teddy bears adorning the tables, it’s an undeniably eye-catching destination for your Instagram feed. And of course, they serve up classic Korean coffee, pastries and more to delight your taste buds too.

Location: Valero St, Salcedo Village, Makati (2 more branches in BGC & Alabang)

Final Thoughts

As K-culture continues growing in popularity across the Philippines, more Korean-inspired cafés are popping up to cater to this interest while also fusing in local flavors. The 10 cafés listed above are just a sampling of the top destinations in Metro Manila to experience modern Korean café culture and cuisine.

Beyond the tasty menu options though, these cafés also provide cute, colorful interiors that capture that aesthetic many fans love. It’s as much a visual experience as a culinary one.

So next time your inner K-pop fan or K-drama binger is craving a taste of Korea, consider stopping by one of these top-rated Korean-inspired cafés in Metro Manila. Grab some friends, order a sip of specialty coffee or sweet dessert, and soak up the cute, chill atmospheres.

Explore Your Options!

So whether you seek sweet fused lattes and croffles or traditional snacks like Egg Drop sandwiches, visiting these locally loved go-to’s brings Seoul’s corner cafe culture to life within Manila!

FAQs: Everything You Want to Know About Manila’s Korean Corner Cafes

Why are they popping up across Metro Manila? The recent trend of Korean cafes in Manila emerges from the growing K-culture influence across the Philippines combined with young entrepreneurs embracing their Korean heritage. The increasing demand gives locals and tourists a taste of Korea without the lengthy flight.

What’s on a typical Korean corner cafe menu?

While serving standard coffee offerings like lattes, Americanos and iced blended drinks, they offer unique Korean food like pressed egg sandwiches, hotteok dessert pancakes, tteokbokki rice cakes, kimbap seaweed rolls, Army stew, bingsu shaved ice and Korean baked goods. Beverage-wise, you’ll spot options like yuja tea, calamansi juice and shakes using Asian fruits.

How are Korean cafes decorated?

These cozy spaces decked out with dark woods, exposed brick and pops of vibrant color alongside handwritten menus, Kpop posters and Korean art create a worn-in atmosphere reminiscent of Seoul hole-in-the-wall hangouts and hidden side street gems. They also have signature vibrant neon “Open” signs that attract visitors.

Which Metro Manila districts have the highest concentration?

Quezon City as the metro region with the biggest Korean community offers endless beloved food chains and hidden neighborhood gems. Trendy Korean cafes also populate posh central areas like Makati and youthful Bonifacio Global City.

What’s the best thing to order for beginners?

For those new to Korean flavors, start with approachable options like the classic pressed Egg Drop sandwich or nutty Brown Sugar Milk Tea. Then branch into fusion drinks like Cafe Latte with Purple Yam Waffles or refreshing Yuja Lime Ade as you explore various cafe spaces. Explore our menu to get started: MENU