If you’re in Manila for a quick business trip, a leisurely vacation, or simply craving great coffee, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig is a must-visit for caffeine lovers. With its vibrant café scene, every corner offers a new brew to discover—from third-wave artisan roasters to cozy hidden gems. Join me as I take you through my recent coffee crawl across BGC, where every sip tells a story.
Caravan Black
One of my favorite stops during my BGC coffee crawl was Caravan Black, a sleek, industrial-chic café known for its expertly roasted single-origin beans and minimalist vibe. A quick search online will tell you they’re serious about their craft—sourcing high-quality beans and brewing each cup with precision. But what really won me over? Their Cold Blonde, a smooth, bright, and refreshing cold brew that’s perfect for Manila’s sweltering heat. Light yet flavorful, with subtle citrusy notes, it’s the kind of drink that makes you pause and savor every sip. If you’re stopping by Caravan Black, this is my must-try recommendation!
Seven NEO, 4th Ave, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila | 7AM–7PM (Mon-Thu), 7AM–9PM (Fri-Sun)
% ARABICA
No BGC coffee crawl is complete without a stop at % Arabica Philippines—the sleek, Instagram-famous café that’s part of the renowned Japanese coffee chain. This minimalist spot is known for its precision-brewed drinks and ultra-photogenic interiors.
First, the % Arabica Manila BGC Roastery, a flagship spot on 26th Street corner 7th Avenue where you can watch their beans roast in real-time. The industrial-chic space, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and sleek brew bar, is a caffeine temple.
Then there’s the % Arabica Manila Mitsukoshi BGC branch, nestled inside the upscale Mitsukoshi Mall (at 8th Avenue corner 36th Street). This one’s smaller but just as stylish, with the same meticulous coffee craft in a more intimate setting.
A quick search will tell you they’re famous for their Spanish Latte—velvety espresso sweetened with just the right amount of condensed milk, served over ice for that perfect creamy-smooth finish. It’s the kind of drink that makes Manila’s heat feel bearable.
BGC Roastery: 26th St cor. 7th Ave, Taguig | 8AM–9PM daily
Mitsukoshi BGC: 8th Ave cor. 36th St, Mitsukoshi Mall | 10AM–9PM daily
Pro tip: The Roastery’s the place for photos (hello, giant ‘%’ wall art), while Mitsukoshi is your quick caffeine fix after shopping!
Single Origins
Tucked away in Bonifacio High Street, Single Origin is a quiet gem for coffee purists—and my go-to when I crave a no-fuss, expertly crafted flat white. A quick search reveals their focus on locally sourced beans, roasted in-house for maximum freshness. But what keeps me coming back? Their flat white: a velvety, microfoam masterpiece with just the right balance of espresso punch and creamy smoothness. It’s strong but never bitter, with caramel undertones that shine through. Pro tip: Grab a seat by the window for people-watching, and pair it with their cinnamon roll (trust me).
C3, Bonifacio Highstreet, 7th Ave, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila | 7AM–9PM (Mon–Sat), 8AM–8PM (Sun)
Fun fact: Their name nods to their single-estate beans—each cup tells a farm’s story.
Toby’s Estate
Whenever I’m craving a seriously good Aussie-style coffee in BGC, I head straight to Toby’s Estate on Bonifacio High Street. This Sydney-born café takes their espresso blends seriously – their house-roasted beans pack a rich, chocolatey punch that stands up beautifully in milk drinks. My personal favorite? Their velvety cappuccino, with that perfect 1:1:1 ratio of espresso, steamed milk, and microfoam that’s so thick your spoon could stand up in it. It’s the kind of coffee that makes you close your eyes and savor every sip.
Bonifacio High Street, BGC (near Fully Booked) | 7AM-9PM daily
Pro tip: Try their seasonal single-origin espresso if you want to taste how their roasting team works magic with different beans!
Elephant Grounds
On days when I can’t decide between coffee or matcha, Elephant Grounds at One Bonifacio High Street becomes my happy compromise. This Hong Kong import brings serious café cred to BGC, with online reviews raving about their creative East-meets-West drinks. My personal weakness? Their affogato – a creamy collision of vanilla ice cream drowning in a shot of bold espresso that’s pure magic in a glass. But their real showstopper might be the matcha-espresso fusion, where earthy Japanese matcha and rich coffee create this beautifully layered, Instagram-worthy drink. It’s the perfect pick-me-up after shopping in High Street.
Lower Ground Floor, One Bonifacio High Street, BGC | 8AM-9PM (Mon-Thu), 8AM-10PM (Fri-Sun)
Pro tip: Their sesame latte (another HK specialty) pairs perfectly with their famous egg waffles!
From velvety cappuccinos at Toby’s Estate to the Instagram-worthy matcha fusions at Elephant Grounds, BGC’s coffee scene never fails to surprise me. Each café brings its own personality, brewing methods, and must-try specialties—making every coffee crawl an adventure. Whether you’re a dedicated espresso lover or just looking for a cozy spot to unwind, this neighborhood has a perfect cup waiting for you. So grab your phone (for the ‘gram, of course), bring a friend, and start exploring—one sip at a time. But stay tuned – we’re still out there sipping our way through BGC, and we’ll be updating this list with more must-visit coffee spots soon! Until the next caffeine-fueled adventure!
