Best ECQ Purchase: Nescafe Rich French Vanilla Instant Coffee

 Last ECQ (August 2021), while not being as restrictive as previous versions, was still a time to stay at home. And one of the things that were super helpful for my coffee cravings/sanity was Nescafe Rich French Vanilla Instant Coffee.

At around Php 360 ($ 8) online for 100g (making at least 50 cups) this was a good way to add flavored coffee without choosing high calorie 3 in 1 coffees. This gives around 10 calories per teaspoon, though best to add milk for a richer flavor.

Will repurchase eventually.

Better Instant Coffee for 2021? Try G7 Coffee

 You know there's something wrong in the instant coffee world when the cheaper option is so much better than the expensive one.

Take this for example: G7 Coffee Ca Phe Thu Thiet tastes so much better than Starbucks' Via Instant Colombia.

UCC Variety Pack Review

Whenever someone in the family travels, I am grateful when they return with a new drink for me to try. Last family member who travelled came back with a UCC variety pack.

Naturally, when I saw there was a piece of blue mountain coffee, I tore into it and claimed it for myself.

Brews Co.'s Single-Use Drip Coffee

This has been sitting for a while, but I've been trying a few variants of Brews Co.'s Single-Use Drip Coffee. Since everyone I know knows how much I love coffee, this was given to me as a gift. However, apparently, you can find it on shopee for P89-120 for three pieces.

As of now, I've tried Moreno, Hazelnut and Macadamia. They have a Don and Donya, which I haven't tasted. But here's what I think overall.

Barista's Best and Great Taste Coffee

Tired of Kopiko 78? Try Barista's Best and Great Taste.

I drink a lot of Kopiko 78 because it's found everywhere, but sometimes you just want something else.

Personally, I prefer the lighter flavors of Barista's Best Coffee Latte and Coffee Caramel (far left and far right). For a more intense experience, far bolder than the 78, try Great Taste's Dark Java and Viet Latte.

The Barista's Best Coffees are more expensive for around P26 and are very milky with the caramel sweeter than the latte. The Great Taste ones cost around P20.

Overpriced Coffee: La Lola Churreria

Not all coffee is created equal. Factor in its processing and its presentation and you get very a very different experience: sludge or liquid gold.

I'm not that picky, and I like to drink coffee, period: My liquids can range from 3-in-1s at home to specially prepared roasts and fancy coffee shops. However, when I do go to the latter places, I admit that I expect more from it: taste doesn't just come from flavor after all.

Which is why I am extremely disappointed with La Lola Churreria: their service in general and their coffee in particular. While I admit that this is a churreria and not a coffee shop, they do sell their Iced Mocha, Large for P130 - which is what I ordered.

Here are the three strikes.

The Beginner's Set to Pour Over Coffee from Daiso

Want to try switching to real coffee instead of that instant stuff?

Don't have the cash to shell out for a machine or those other fancy stuff?

Well… you don't have to.

A starter set for pour over coffee can set you back as little as P88-196 only (sans actual coffee).

Subspace Coffee House, 2015

(This used to be a combined post, but I have separated this entry and a previous one to create an Ortigas cafe list.

Honestly, I came in to Subspace looking for a pumpkin spice latte - this has been unavailable forever. While there was no pumpkin to be had, there are some differences from years ago.

Subspace Coffee House serve a variety of products now. Aside from their pastries, coffee based drinks, and signature drinks before, they serve more drinks including milkshakes, milk teas and "stormies" and various other edibles including finger foods and entrees.

Subspace Menu

Some parts of the decor has changed from my last visit, though not as much as its first year. There is a chair installation on the ceiling which has been there for a while. The cafe is a bit cozier since more seating has been added from before, but since I came during a slow day, it did not feel cramped. They have a projector, possibly for events, and manga you can read at the bar area.

Subspace Coffee Maker Wall

I particularly liked this wall which had a coffee machine painted on.

Wifi available for a minimum purchase of P150 with limited outlet availability. Music a bit inappropriate for study  but good for a relaxed atmosphere with just the right temperature. While the drink I ordered was delicious, no latte art for me :(

Subspace Coffee Shop is Kpop themed. Instead of basic coffee, I'd recommend trying their purple potato and latte, peanut butter latte and anything in their sweet and unique section.

Starbucks Sapphire

Starbucks Reserve at Sapphire St., Pasig City is like your normal Starbucks, but a bit more.

Budget Instant Coffees: Nescafe Original 3in1 and Great Taste Original 3-in-1 Coffee Mix

When I said that Kao Shong was expensive, I was comparing it to these:

Twin Pack: Nescafe Original 3in1 (left) Great Taste Original 3-in-1 Coffee Mix (right)

Both Nescafe and Great Taste offer twin packs that cost P9 for 2 packs, or P4.50 a cup ($0.10).

Now, that's a price that's hard to beat.

Coffee Shops in Ortigas

Ages and ages ago, I posted a tiny little thing about Subspace Coffee House, a coffee shop of a different breed from Starbucks long before the term "Third Wave" hit the country. Since then, I've tried different cafes without fully committing to any, cards not withstanding. I haven't been back in the shop for the past few years until recently. Ortigas, in particular, has a lot of coffee shops without even including the Kapitolyo area. Some notable sources of caffeine:

• Craft Coffee Revolution at Podium*
• Starbucks Reserve at Sapphire Rd
• Mr. Parks Bread and Cake at Garnet Rd
• Subspace Coffee House at Emerald Ave
• The Breadery at Emerald Ave
• Tully's Coffee at Exchange Rd
• Toby's Estate at Ruby Rd

*While Craft is located inside a mall, which is major minus points for me, it has very good coffee.

This used to be a longer post with a little something about Subspace Coffee House. I've since decided to split and link my previous Ortigas coffee shop posts here instead.

Cafe de Seoul

Cafe de Seoul is a relatively old cafe at One Archers Place, Taft Avenue, Manila. I had a hard time finding the entrance to this place, because of its non-standard placement. The layout is interesting and not your standard square.

I liked that the place wasn't too cold, a probable malfunction in the airconditioning, but it has few outlets to use: this place is better suited for hanging out than working. You can also order rice meals. The decor was quirky, interesting, though not as well embelished as its older sibling, Noriter, another Korean coffee shop in the same area.

I liked their matcha tea latte, which was quite strong and sweet (customized). The staff is very accommodating. I'd hang out here again in the future, but I'd avoid the student crowd during rush hours.

Highlands Coffee: Truyen Thong

The last of my hot Vietnamese coffee, from Highlands Coffee: Truyen Thong. This is the coffee meant to be used with the traditional vietnamese filter as seen in the picture.

Lighter and sweeter than the Moka Blend I used when I showed how to use the phin filter, this coffee still gives that kick that Vietnamese coffee is known for.

Highlands Coffee Truyen Thong

I wasn't able to take a picture of the back but they do contain directions and a nutrition facts. However, the calories written there were insanely high and I choose to believe they're for the combination with milk and not alone. 

I usualy drink this sans milk because I find that it gets too sweet otherwise.

Now, I know that the ASEAN opening is happening this year and that Highlands Coffee is already in the Philippines. I'm hoping things will become cheaper or more varied though and that Philippine taxes don't suck so much.

Looking forward to more choices from around Asia!

Weekend Misadventure: Brew Up

Actually, i'm not quite sure if it's Brew Up or Brew UP. And I never found out.

Last weekend, R and I went to UP Diliman in order to try the coffee and treats at Brew Up. I looked up their hours on zomato and saw that they were open on Saturdays. When I got there….

BREW UP CLOSED

It was closed.

Forever.

Sadface.




I looked at their FB and found that they were having trouble with ISSI, and that they were hoping to move to a new location. I hope I do get to try it sometime this year once they find a new one. But lesson learned: Facebook stalk places you want to visit to see if they're still there.

The FB account showed that they've been closed for a week, though their Saturday closure was announced afternoon of that day.

 I was disappointed because it seemed like such a cool place.

It looked like a place I could chill at. See the trees?

R and I ended up at the Snack Shack instead. Best P70 burger I've tasted. Waiting time: 20 minutes. I ended up buying some other food and drinks at the Shopping Center and Area 2 while waiting.

Snack Shack

No picture of the burger because it was hot and I was hungry.

This weekend's adventure wasn't a total fail.

Coffee: Starbucks, Black Canyon Coffee, Toby's Estate

With all the coffee I've been having at home, I've rarely gone to coffee shops this year. While it's been good to my wallet, I have missed the taste and vibe of coffee shop coffee. Thus, this week, I've abused my wallet for coffee at Starbucks, Black Canyon Coffee and Toby's Estate.

While I won't get into Starbucks much, I'll just say this - yes to the Raspberry and NO to the Chestnut. Starbucks this year has been a bit of a disappointment from both the sales side and the coffee (at least one of the drinks just tasted like Nescafe 3 in 1).

Black Canyon Coffee is a Thai coffee shop known for its latte art. While D got a cappuccino which came with biscuits and a shot of hot tea, I got the Mexican Iced Coffee.

Black Canyon Coffee

Cappuccino P120

The latte art for this wasn't that remarkable but I did like the fact that they gave biscuits and that they had a special plate for it. Minus points for powdered creamer. I believe in real cream!

My iced coffee was ok, not that remarkable and not that strong. The biggest selling point was the boot - because coffee in a boot. XD

Mexican Iced Coffee P150

Chilling at Black Canyon Coffee at night was quite fun since they had magazines, comfy couches and free wifi.

On the other hand, this branch of Toby's Estate just opened a week ago. Toby's Estate is a 3rd wave coffee shop from Australia. I got the Gibraltar, which is one of their signature drinks.

Toby's Estate

Gibraltar P130

I love this coffee - not to bitter or sweet and not too strong but not at all weak (the awesomeness of ristretto over espresso!). This drink wasn't made with the popular Woolloomooloo blend but with the Broadway (I think), with stronger berry notes that lingered long after I finished the drink.

I couldn't really chill at Toby's with how crowded it was (with no armchairs!), but I was quite chilled (it was quite cold). I had to finish my coffee quickly before it turned tepid. I liked that they did sell hard to find merchandise such as Chemex and their filters (which, being the Phil, is still quite expensive). This branch, being new, still has a little way to go. While they have a lot of staff, and they're very attentive (especially with water service), service isn't streamlined. I think I'd recommend going here sometime mid-February, but not now when their still so new.

Both Black Canyon Coffee and Toby's Estate have 5% service charge.

Black Canyon Coffee branch at Tuscany Building, McKinley Hill, Taguig

Toby's Estate at Cyberscape Beta, Ruby Road, Ortigas

Tim Horton's Single Serve Specialty Beverage Cups

Someone gave me a box of Tim Horton's Single Serve Specialty Beverage Cups recently (thank you Christmas). A popular Canadian brand, Tim Horton was always something I'd wanted to try, especially their French Vanilla. At first, not having a capsule coffee machine, I despaired of being able to use it. However, I decided to look at the back to see if I could figure out a way to make it work.

Tim Horton's French Vanilla Single Serve Specialty Beverage Cups

Looking at the ingredients list to the right, it didn't seem like it had any actual ground coffee: it was more like their powdered version adapted for a capsule coffee maker. And the nutrition facts showed that while it was high in fat and sodium, it was surprisingly low in calories.

Tim Horton's French Vanilla Nutrition Facts and Ingredients List

So I opened one of the capsules and it really was a powder!

Tim Horton's French Vanilla Capsule

Just add water :)

Tim Horton's French Vanilla

Since I find it too sweet at the ideal serving size, I think each capsule makes around 1.5-2 cups of French Vanilla. At it's somewhat diluted state, it's one of the best tasting instant coffees I've ever tried. While I don't know how much this costs, I think that unless you have only a capsule coffee machine (which would probably present better with froth), the powder tin would probably a more cost effective option.

So while I haven't been able to optimize my use of those capsules, I've been able to finish 8 of them this way with no regrets.

A belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance!

September: Instant Coffee Rotation

It's a bit late, but I'd just like to share the instant coffees I've been trying last month.

1. Good Day Vanilla Latte

2. Good Day Cappuccino

3. Great Taste White

Top: Good Day Vanilla Latte, Left: Good Day Cappuccino, Right: Great Taste White.

I like the good day Cappuccino best in terms of coffee-ness, foam and flavor. The sprinkles are a plus, but not so important in the scheme of things.

The Great Taste White is what I prefer next: it's very sweet (unlike its tasteless, cold tetrapack counterpart) and can actually be further diluted with more milk.

I like the Good Day Vanilla Latte least, though I wouldn't turn my nose up at it.

I wouldn't buy these just now because I want to try other things, but I would buy again.

Instant coffee has a lot of sugar and fats in it, which is one of the reasons why I prefer the brewed versions. It also has much less of a kick. Still, for days where you're too lazy to set-up or too rushed to do so (without wanting to spend much) and you really need your coffee - I still go for instant coffee.

Vietnamese Coffee: Phin Filter with Phuc Long Moka Blend

Boy, do I have a lot of coffee posts :))

A few weeks ago, I posted about using a concentrate in order to make Vietnamese iced coffee. Today, I'd like to talk about a more traditional way to make coffee with the use of a phin filter.

Have you ever used a phin filter? For those who haven't, a phin filter is a small metal device which is what the Vietnamese traditionally use to make their coffee. Unlike a french press, it can only make a cup at a time, but being made completely of metal, it's a lot sturdier, cheaper and takes up less space. 

Phuc Long Phin Filter

Royal Kona: Roy's 10% Kona Coffee Blend

It's been a short relationship with this sample size of Royal Kona's Roy's 10% Kona Coffee Blend from Hawaii. I only got a small size so I was barely able to appreciate it, but I did enjoy it while I had it.

It's a medium-dark (vienna) to dark roast of arabica beans, albeit with added flavoring. Being only 10% Kona and a medium-dark blend to boot, I doubt it captures the taste of good Kona coffee. However, I still liked it. It's very mild, even though it stays on the tongue, so it makes a good afternoon cup - especially when I'm craving something sweet. Don't expect it to keep you up though.

This sample was supposed to make 10 cups but made closer to 7.

I don't think I'd look for this, but it was nice while it lasted.

Seattle's Best Coffee: Javakulas!

I posted a few days ago about CBTL having an open house for their newest Caramel Brownie Ice Blended. I did try it out and it was yummy. A dessert drink that's hard to say no to! However, this season's favorite is, hands down, from Seattle's Best Coffee: Peppermint Pot Javakula.

I have tried all 3 new Javakulas: Peppermint Pot, Sea Salt Caramel and Strawberry Fields. Why do I like this best? All of them have a far better presentation than either CBTL or Starbucks. Peppermint Pot comes with a real mint sprig on a mountain of crumbled cookie bits. Sea Salt Caramel comes with a little smiling star and Strawberry Fields comes with a small strawberry (not the real thing, mind you). They're all super cute!

But I am, forever, a sucker for peppermint (which is why I do love the Starbucks holiday season).

Currently for the new offerings:

Peppermint Pot Javakula > Caramel Brownie Ice Blended > Strawberry Fields > Sea Salt Caramel

While I do like the Strawberry Fields Javakula, it's flavor is "nakakaumay." The Sea Salt Caramel, adorable as it is, is a bit too sweet for me. A major con for me though is Seattle's Best's Javakulas have a consistency that's hit and miss (compared to CBTL and Starbucks). Go for their large size since the smaller sizes are the ones that tend to be more ice than happiness.

I haven't tried Starbucks' Tiramisu or Banana Rasberry Frappucino - though I do love both tiramisu and raspberries - because I don't think I'll be going to Starbucks for a while. Maybe until I decide if I'll go for a planner this year - if their holiday drinks are enticing enough.

Am I the only one that feels unhappy because they decided to put the minimum load for their card at P300? I prefer a P200 minimum, if ever because shelling out P300 in one go is a bit steep for me. I might as well buy a new card each time! I still haven't figured out how to pool cards together either.

Anyway, Seattles Best Coffee has a BOGO promo on their Javakulas from 10 am - 2pm until Friday, September 12.