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
