When the world of responsibilities takes a toll, following a cat down Zobel Roxas St. in Makati City would lead you to a cafe that fits right into the coziest Ghibli-esque movie scene. Its maximalist interior and the equally filling menu items easily make it a getaway spot perfect for relaxing or hanging out with friends.
A play on words and tastes, the name “Koffle” comes from combining the words coffee and waffle while the letter K comes from the word kape. A cafe where time slows down in each sip and bite, whisk yourself away on a journey of unique flavors and freshly prepared food that’ll comfort you before your next adventure. Their menu items bring fresh ideas to the table, curating a flavorful experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Decluttering how it came to be
“During the conceptualization stage of my cafe menu, I asked myself, ‘What will be my unique selling point?’ Most cafe menus tend to be quite similar,” Maria Magdaong-Javier, owner and entrepreneur behind Koffle shared in an interview with The Benildean.
Utilizing a small space, the cafe manages to be maximalist without feeling cluttered–its wooden accents, Japanese anik-aniks, and warm lighting come together in harmony, enveloping you in a sense of peace. This stems from the philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, appreciating the details and natural charm of a place.
A sip and bite to be remembered
Just like the cafe name, Koffle is playful with the way they create their food and drinks. This is seen in the way they integrate taste profiles from different countries such as Japan and Malaysia for their drinks, or switch it up by adding matcha spread on a waffle. They also understand that tastes vary from customer to customer, so there’s a wide variety of meals and beverages that cater to anyone.
“Everyone enjoys waffles, and we make sure they savor our freshly prepared food. For beverages, we offer a variety of flavors, catering to every taste preference with a sweet, bitter, or a combination of both,” Magdaong-Javier explained.
Beyond bringing bold new flavors, they still source some ingredients locally: whether that’s their coffee beans from the Cordillera region or raw honey from Batangas, they don’t forget the “K” in Koffle.
Reimagining comfort food
Whether it be breakfast food or hearty sandwiches, Koffle’s menu provides something for anyone looking for that satisfying meal to treat themselves to. The comforting scent of waffles and the accompanying sounds of coffee brewing creates the perfect backdrop for romanticising those after-school study sessions.
BLT sandwich
A twist on a classic sandwich, the BLT, also known as the Bacon Lettuce and Tomato sandwich, is reimagined with Koffle’s signature waffles. Available at the price of Php 158, Koffle’s BLT sandwich consists of a slice of bacon, fresh lettuce, a juicy tomato slice, and Japanese mayo—all sandwiched between two golden waffles.
The Farmhouse sandwich
Another savory sandwich reimagined with waffles, the Farmhouse sandwich is a towering treat coming in at Php 388. A three-tiered sandwich, it features a variety of breakfast favorites including waffles, a sunny-side-up egg, fried chicken fillet, a slice of ham, bacon, cheese, fresh vegetables, and their delicious Japanese mayo spread.
Waffle Matcha Milky Spread
For those looking for the perfect sweet treat to indulge in after a long day of work, the Waffle Matcha Milky Spread might easily become a go-to. Starting at the price of Php 168, the Waffle Matcha Milky Spread isn’t limited to the plain Matcha flavor as you can also get it in the different matcha variations–Houjicha (Php 168) and Genmaicha (Php 218). Looking for an extra crunch? This dish also comes in a Matcha Oreo variation for Php 188, you get the taste of their premium matcha spread paired with Oreo cookies.
Jiggly Cat Pudding
This next dish is a picture-perfect dessert that’s almost too cute to consume. The Jiggly Cat Pudding is a delightful jelly dessert molded into the shape of a cat, it is served alongside a flavorful sauce that enhances its taste and visual appeal. Its sauces also come in a variety of flavors, the classic Leche flavored sauce can be bought at the price of Php 88, and the other two variations—Matcha and Choco—can be bought for Php 128.
The perfect pair
Looking to wash down their filling food items with the perfect drink? Or maybe sweet drinks are more your go-to when it comes to sweet treats? Regardless of whatever it may be, Koffle also serves drink options that are equally as comforting as their food options.
Honey Cinnamon
Comfort in a cup, Koffle’s Honey Cinnamon is a non-coffee drink and alternative to the classic Cappuccino. Carefully crafted with creamy milk, and raw honey–locally sourced from Batangas Farm–and is further perfected with the sprinkle of cinnamon powder on top. The drink also comes in a variation of serving styles, the hot variation of this drink starts at Php 158, its cold variation at Php 168, and finally its blended variation for Php 188.
Durian Kopi
Those looking for something out of the ordinary in their everyday coffee might want to look into their Durian Kopi. Served both hot (Php 128) and cold (Php 138), the drink is actually a popular beverage in Penang Island, Malaysia. Don't let its aroma scare you away, the drink provides an interesting contrast between the durian fruit’s distinctive sweet flavor and the coffee’s bitterness.
Houjicha Tea
Matcha lovers will surely love this next recommendation. The Houjicha Tea is a medium-roasted green tea that combines an enticing hazelnut flavor with a rich and smoky fragrance that evokes a sense of warmth in every sip. Served in two variations to make it the perfect accompanying drink through both the rainy and sunny days. Get the hot variation at 12 oz for Php 178 and the 16 oz, cold variation for Php 188.
Ajisai Latte
A delightful blend of nutty and savory flavors, this next drink’s smooth texture and subtle notes of bitterness is another great drink to treat yourself with. Koffle’s Ajisai Latte is a caffeinated drink that comes in a 12oz hot variation for Php 238, and a cold variation at 16oz for Php 248.
Closing the chapter
Let Koffle be the backdrop for your mundane work routine and catch-ups with friends and family. Their quiet corners wait to be filled with conversation—the owner mentions there aren’t that many students in the area that come visit yet, “We are still an unknown start-up café and are slowly gaining recognition.”
Aside from a plethora of choices for food and drink, Koffle also houses their star “meownager” Koffee the cat.
Friendship and memory are the two words owner Magdaong-Javier answered when asked about the impact of Koffle in the student community. When one steps into Koffle, their worries and stress melt away.
“A cozy retreat where you can escape the overwhelming stress of work, schoolwork, and exam pressures. It's also the perfect spot to relax and recharge with friends and family while sharing laughter and good times,” she added.
Sometimes, all we need is a change in scenery or cafe order—take the step and take that sip. Koffle will be there to cheer you on as you take on your next deadline or set the mood for good conversation.
