Top 10 Korean Cafes in Metro Manila Perfect for K-Pop and K-Drama Fans in the Philippines

Korean culture has become hugely popular in the Philippines, with many flocking to Korean cafes in Metro Manila. If you love everything Korean, be it music, series and movies, food and drinks, these cafes will make you feel like you’re in South Korea! In this blog post, we’ll highlight the top 10 Korean cafes in Metro Manila that you need to visit.

You’ll find cozy coffee shops with K-pop playing in the background, dessert cafes with bento cakes, and minimalist spaces that look straight out of a K-drama.

Whether you’re a longtime K-fan or new to the world of Korean culture, these cafes offer the perfect blend of food, drinks, and aesthetic that will transport you to Seoul. Read on for the full list!

What Makes Korean Cafes In Metro Manila So Popular? Is It Just The Coffee?

K-inspired cafes have been popping up all over the city to cater to the growing number of filipino K-fans. But what exactly makes these cafes so appealing?

For starters, their interiors are modeled after modern Korean café designs – think sleek, minimalist spaces with black, white, and wood accents. Many also play K-pop music videos and have merchandise on display.

The food and drink menus also feature popular Korean snacks and beverages like patbingsu shaved ice, cheese hotteok pancakes, and dalgona joe. For hardcore fans, some Korean cafes in Metro Manila offer themed dishes and drinks named after their favorite idols.

Beyond the aesthetics and menu, these cafes let customers immerse themselves in Korean pop culture. It’s the closest thing to transporting yourself to South Korea without leaving Manila!

10 Must-Visit Korean Cafes in Metro Manila

1. Soo Coffee

Soo Coffee goes beyond just serving coffee – it aims to cultivate community and connections. Located at 91 Sct. Alcaraz, Banawe, Quezon City, this specialty cafe serves top-notch java and gourmet K-inspired cuisine. With its focus on bringing people together, Soo Coffee is a warm, welcoming space for all.

Soo Coffee pairs its specialty coffee drinks with gourmet K-inspired food to create perfectly balanced flavors. Some suggested pairings are the Caramel Latte with Kimchi Fried Rice to balance sweet and spicy flavors, the Cafe Latte with Serendipity Spaghetti to allow the pasta herbs to shine through, and the White Chocolate Mocha Bong Blanc with the velvety Nutella Chocolate Croffle for a sweet and creamy combination. Their wide range of lattes, mochas, and aromatic joe are designed to either complement or contrast the complex Korean dishes.

2. Tom N Toms Coffee – Euro Towers, Ortigas

This global Korean coffee shop chain has multiple branches in Metro Manila. The Euro Towers branch in Pasig has an industrial modern vibe with wood, concrete, and steel accents.

It’s a great place to experience authentic Korean coffee and dishes like bulgogi panini, kimbap, and their famous pretzels along with coffee. You can also find Korean beauty products and items here too. Check them out here: https://tomntoms.com/

3. Café Chosun – Makati

Café Chosun is hidden in the side streets of the city but has gained popularity for its simple yet chic interior. With marble tables, greenery, and wood accents, this 2-story café looks like a minimalist Korean coffee shop.

Your taste buds will delight in their coffees, waffles, and slice cakes. Make sure to also try their bento cake with honey toast, macarons, and tarts.

4. Blue Wonder Coffee – Alabang

Located at the Filinvest City mall in Alabang, Blue Wonder Coffee takes inspiration from the song “Blue Wonder” by Korean band SUPER JUNIOR.

The two-floor café has a relaxing vibe with its cream, blue, and wood color palette. You can enjoy specialty coffee, milk tea, frappes, sweets, and pasta here. Don’t miss their signature iced blue wonder cream mocha!

5. Café Kim – Makati

Café Kim boasts a clean, modern look with its white walls, wood accents, and pops of green from hanging plants. Named after Kim Namjoon of BTS, it’s a great spot for ARMYs.

Some menu recommendations are their yogurt smoothie bowl, chicken carbonara, and nutella sea salt kouign amann pastry. They also serve various frappes, fruit teas, and coffee.

6. Kyochon – Multiple Branches

Kyochon is a popular Korean fried chicken franchise. Their Metro Manila branches like the one in SM Megamall have bright yellow interiors reminiscent of K-pop music videos.

Of course, you’ll want to try their famous Korean fried chicken in flavors like honey or soy garlic. Other Korean staples on the menu are kimbap, bulgogi, and bibimbap.

7. Beans Talk Bistro – Makati

Beans Talk Bistro has a homey ambiance with its wood furniture, hanging plants, and brick wall accents. Located in Legazpi Village, it’s great for chilling with friends over coffee.

Their beverage selection includes espressos, frappes, and fruit teas. They source quality single origin beans too. Pair your drink with chicken wings, pasta, or rice meals.

8. Baked by Trimy – Pasig

Opened by Trimy Baga-ay, a graduate of the Culinary and Barista Academy in Bacolod, Baked by Trimy is a cozy dessert café along Pasig. The two-story space has colorful walls and large windows.

Baked by Trimy is known for its Instagram-worthy bento cake boxes in flavors like matcha, ube, and chocolate. You can also order customized cakes here.

9. Seoul Kitchen – San Juan

At Seoul Kitchen, you can feast on traditional Korean dishes like bulgogi, kimchi fried rice, and japchae noodles. The San Juan restaurant has rustic wood tables and chairs with Korean art adorning the walls.

Seoul Kitchen is perfect for tasting authentic Korean cuisine. Round out your meal with one of their refreshing fruit teas or coffees.

10. Little Seoul Cafe – Quezon City

With its muted green exterior and minimalist black and white interior, Little Seoul Cafe really makes you feel like you’re in a hole-in-the-wall cafe in Seoul.

The two-story cafe serves specialty coffee drinks, lemonades, milk teas, and frappes. Food options include pancakes, waffles, and rice meals. It’s a great spot in Cubao to get your Korean cafe fix.

What Should You Order at a Korean-Inspired Cafe?

When visiting Korean cafes in Metro Manila, there are certain drinks and dishes you’ll want to look out for on the menu:

• Beverages: Caramel Latte, Cafe Latte, Americano, White Chocolate Mocha, Mocha Bong Blanc, Cappuccino, Spanish Latte, Einspanner, Caramel Cream Latte

• Savory Dishes: Kimchi Fried Rice, Bulgogi Rice, Grilled Cheese, Tuna  Toast, Basil Tuna Pasta, Seoul Street Toast, Achimbap Rice, Kimchi Fried Rice
• Desserts: Nutella Chocolate Croffle, Lotus Croffle, Macaroni Ice Cream Sandwich

Some suggested food and coffee pairings to try are the Caramel Latte with Kimchi Fried Rice, Cafe Latte with Spaghetti, and White Chocolate Mocha with Nutella Chocolate Croffle. The lattes, aromatic coffees, and croffle sweets at these cafes are designed to perfectly complement the complex K-inspired entrees.

Tips for Enjoying Korean Cafes in Metro Manila

Here are some tips to make the most of your time at Korean cafes in Metro Manila:

• Learn some basic Korean phrases to chat with the staff and feel more immersed.
• Check cafe hours and locations in advance since some have limited operating times.
• Bring friends who also enjoy K-pop or K-dramas to fully appreciate the themed decor and music.
• Sample side dishes like kimchi and tteokbokki to taste authentic Korean flavors.
• Dress up and take OOTD shots for your Instagram feed. The cute interiors make great backdrops!
• Try recreating your favorite K-drama coffee shop scenes by ordering props like books or playing K-drama OSTs on your phone.
• Relax and soak in the ambiance as you sip your drink. It’s like a mini escape to country itself!
• Ask the staff for suggested coffee and food pairings like the Caramel Latte with Kimchi Fried Rice.
• Split some lighter dishes and desserts so you can sample a variety of the menu offerings.
• Check online for special events like K-pop dance workshops or album launch parties.

Key Takeaways

• There are many Korean cafes in Metro Manila to visit like Soo Coffee, Tom N Toms, Café Kim, and more.
• Their interiors, food, drinks, and music help transport you to the country itself.
• Must-try menu items include Korean coffee, croffles, lattes, kimchi fried rice, bulgogi rice, and other Korean dishes.
• Ask staff for suggested coffee and food pairings to optimize flavors.
• Bring friends, take OOTD shots, and immerse yourself in the K-culture ambiance.
• Check opening hours and locations in advance as some Korean cafes in Metro Manila have limited operations.
• Sample a variety of menu items by splitting dishes and desserts.
• Look out for special events like K-pop dance workshops or album launches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Korean cafes in Metro Manila so popular?

Korean cafes in Metro Manila are a hit due to the rising popularity of Korean entertainment and culture. The cute cafe interiors, Korean snacks, K-pop music, and merch allow fans to feel fully immersed in the culture.

Do you need to make reservations?

It depends on the cafe. More well-known spots like Tom N Toms get crowded quickly so reservations are recommended. For smaller cafes, you may be able to just walk in and get a table. Check out our reservation here: https://book.soocoffee.me/booking/charles-so/

What is the usual price range for food and drinks?

Expect to pay 100 to 300 pesos for coffee and tea drinks. Baked goods like cakes and breads range from 100 to 400 pesos. Full meal combos with main dishes, sides, and drinks cost 300 to 500 pesos per person.

Can you buy K-pop merch at the cafes?

Some cafes sell K-pop albums, photocards, T-shirts, and other merch! For example, Cafe Kim has a merchandise corner. In general, the bigger and more popular K-cafe chains will carry merch.

Experience Korean Cafe in Metro Manila Yourself

The rising Hallyu wave has brought Korean Kape culture to Manila for K-fans to experience. From the sleek minimal interior designs to themed dishes and drinks, K-inspired cafes like Soo Coffee transport you to Seoul. Visit Soo Coffee to soak in the ambiance over latte art, savor the perfect pairings of coffee and Korean cuisine, and connect with fellow fans. With its cozy atmosphere and focus on community, Soo Coffee offers an authentic taste of Korean cafe culture right in the heart of Quezon City.