First Sip: % Arabica

Coffee lovers rejoice! Japan's famous coffee shop, % Arabica is finally in Manila and it is on its soft opening in W City Center, Bonifacio Global City.

Hello, % Arabica.

I've seen a few % Arabica posts from some friends a few months back. Unfamiliar with the brand, my appreciation for it was limited to its minimalist interiors and simple logo which I love. And so, when the buzz came out that % Arabica will be opening in Manila, I couldn't really understand why everyone's semi-palpitating with excitement.

I was away when % Arabica opened but I heard that the place was packed. And since long queues attract me like mosquito to light, I made sure to visit this talked-about café as soon as I get back home. 

But before going into detail about my experience, let me share a bit of background about this coffee shop that started in Kyoto.

It all began in 2014 when founder Kenneth Shoji and World Latte Art Champion Junichi Yamaguchi thought of opening their own coffee shop with a very simple reason-- to enjoy the perfect cup of coffee every day. And fast forward to 2018, it has expanded to 26 countries. And who would have thought that the logo isn't a percentage but a branch with two coffee beans? 

I decided to drop by last Wednesday morning to try its Iced Spanish Latte Single Origin (PHP190) and Espresso Macchiato Blend (PHP130) with its crowd favorite Chocolate Nut Cookie (PHP110) and Chocolate Croissant (PHP105). I was really glad to push through with going early as % Arabica Kyoto's head barista Shu Konishi was still there personally serving coffee to all guests.

Despite the crowd, service was fast. I got my drinks in less than 5 minutes from placing my order.

I first tried my tiny cup of Espresso Macchiato Blend and one sip definitely woke up my senses. It was quite strong. Though, it would be something you'd expect from an espresso-based drink. This one though was milder as it had milk in it.

I was also told that drinks under "blend" uses 4 kinds of beans exclusive to Arabica. So if you fancy something different and unique to this minimalist café, do give one of the blend drinks a try.

If you prefer sweeter notes on your cup of joe, you'd enjoy Spanish Latte, may it be blend or single origin.

With steamed condensed milk as its sweetener, it somehow reminded me of the famous Vietnamese coffee. 

Though sweet, you cannot deny the rich taste of coffee. Just make sure to stir it well or request for less condensed milk if you are not very much into sweet drinks yet curious to try this one out.

% Arabica's menu of food items may be very short compared to other coffee shops around but you have to try its delectable Chocolate Nut. Though it may look sweet, the chunky cookie generously stuffed with nuts and chocolate beautifully compliments its coffee.

The Chocolate Croissant is good too but I would choose Chocolate Nut over the flaky bread anytime.

I can't wait to go back and try Caffe Latte which I heard is % Arabica's most recommended drink.

Thank you, AlwaysHungry.PH for tagging me along your coffee run.

% Arabica is located at Ground Floor, W City Center Building, 7th Avenue, corner 30th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. It is open from 6 am to 10 pm on weekdays and 6 am to 1 am on weekends.

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