That % percent logo has finally arrived in Manila! And no, that’s not the sign to the latest discount store in town. Described as a simplified representation of the coffee plant (two coffee cherries on a branch), that distinct minimal branding belongs to none other than % Arabica Coffee!
Hailed as one of the best coffee shops in Japan, Filipino coffee lovers can now enjoy % Arabica‘s much-raved coffee experience, at their first Philippine branch in Bonifacio Global City. Brewing on the ground floor of W City Center, customers will be greeted by a relaxed and fuss-free interior upon entering. With the straight and clean lines, the pale and simple wood furnishing, and the white and neutral tones dominating, the Japanese culture of minimalism definitely encapsulates the entire space.
Coffee connoisseurs will be spoilt by % Arabica‘s quality coffee. Using only 100% arabica beans, they ensure customers are served great-tasting coffee, every single time. Their premium beans are sourced from different countries, such as Ethiopia, Guatemala, Brazil, El Salvador and Panama. Each cup brings the brand’s philosophy of allowing baristas and customers to “See the World Through Coffee” to life.
The drink menu is short and pretty straight-forward. They have espresso based drinks, drip coffee, and matcha latte, which all comes in either hot or iced. You also have the option of choosing single origin beans, or a blend.
For those staying away from caffeine, lemonade and bottled water are available.
I’ve tried a few of their espresso based drinks, and their Caffe Latte became an instant favorite! Smooth and creamy with the perfect coffee to milk ratio, each sip was a delight. I’m very particular with my lattes, and I have to say that % Arabica‘s well-crafted cup won me over! It was neither too strong, nor too milky, just the way I like it.
For those whose coffee palate leans more on the sweeter side, order their best-selling Spanish Latte. It’s basically a latte, laced with condensed milk to add a bit of sweetness. Their iced version is perfect for Manila’s hot weather.
While % Arabica doesn’t have a set food menu, they do offer a selection of pastries, enough to fuel your munchies. And oh my, they have Kouign Amann!!! I have been on the lookout for the perfect Kouign Amann in Manila, and I have to say that % Arabica‘s version wins it for me. Now I don’t need to fly out to Singapore to have my fill of my favorite Kouign Amann from Tiong Bahru Bakery! Yay! And you can tell that it was good, because I gobbled it all up before I was able to take a decent shot! Ha!
Another thing that sets % Arabica apart from other coffee shops is that you can have your chosen beans roasted freshly on the spot and ready to be taken home within minutes! You have the option to choose the type of roast, based on your preference, too.
I had the opportunity to visit % Arabica Manila during their Grand Opening, and was lucky enough to have my latte poured by none other than Junichi Yamaguchi, Latte Art World Champion and % Arabica‘s Global Head Barista.
At the Grand Opening with Shu Konishi, % Arabica Kyoto‘s Head Barista and Junichi Yamaguchi, % Arabica‘s Global Head Barista.
The friendly % Arabica Manila Crew with Junichi Yamaguchi (first from left), Shu Konishi (second from right) and Dr. San San Ang-Hortaleza (third from left), % Arabica Manila franchisor.
If you’re on the lookout for excellent coffee, head on over to % Arabica for a cup or two. Come, experience and “See the World Through Coffee.”
% Arabica Manila W City Center
Address:
Unit 1, Ground Floor, W City Center, 7th Avenue corner 30th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Philippines 1634
Shop hours:
Weekdays: 5 AM – 12 MN
Weekends: 10 AM – 6 PM
Tel:
+63-2-821-6744
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/arabica.ph
3 Comments
Kaho
January 19, 2020 at 4:18 pmI love your photos! I recently learned that Arabica was in Manila. Even though I’m from Japan, I wasn’t really aware of it. Embarrassing enough… Your blog post on Arabica in Manila so far is my favorite out there. Thank you for sharing!!
Anna
June 10, 2020 at 12:57 amHi Kaho! This is such a late reply, but thank you for taking the time to comment! I wish it was safer to be out of the house now, a cup of Iced Spanish Latte from Arabica would be so good! Hope you and your family are well and safe!
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