Delish Eats: Candid Coffee, Minimalist Café in Makati’s Business District

Restaurant history: Launched in 2018 in Quezon City, Candid Coffee vows to make artisanal and specialty coffees accessible to Filipinos. Originally focused on supplying ingredients to various bistros, restaurants, and hotels, the company has now evolved into one of the most celebrated cafés in the Philippines. Its flagship store, strategically situated at SM Air Mall near The Rise Makati, caters to the busy workforce of the city’s business district. 

What’s the vibe and venue like: The café is designed with Gen Z and millennials in mind, showcasing a fusion of minimalist and mid-century interiors that resemble the aesthetics found on Pinterest. Its clean beige walls, calming lighting, and soothing ambient music create an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation for the coffee-loving customers. 

How much does it cost: Candid Coffee’s signature drinks start at around P150, placing it within the price point of its competitors. You can score pastries for P150 to P190. 

What’s the menu about: Coffee undoubtedly dominates the café’s menu, with signature drinks such as Americana and cold brew, along with twist-infused drinks such as Butter Beer and London Fog (which is their fancy take on iced Early Grey tea). 

We were served a selection of Candid Coffee’s best-selling beverages, each encompassing unique flavors from sweet to fruity and nutty. To top it off, we indulged in the highly raved croissant stuffed with sugary, chocolate filling.

What did we order: Toffee Nut Latte (P160), Toasted Horchata (P150), Americana (P180), Ethiopia Guji Hambela Gute Sodu (P300), and Chocolate Croissant (P150).

Toffee Nut Latte: This cup of joe has bitter notes with a subtle hint of sweetness in every sip. Ideal for those who prefer less milk content, this drink leaves a strong nutty aftertaste. But rather than being overwhelming, it provides a much-needed boost to power through a day of work.

Toasted Horchata: A contrast to the Toffee Nut Latte, this brew offers a sweet and creamy experience enriched with a distinct cinnamon taste. Its flavor profile resembles that of a chai latte, a favorite among tea enthusiasts.

Americana: Don’t be fooled by its name, as this drink goes beyond the typical Americano. It blends citrusy, floral, and spicy flavors that are almost similar to a cocktail. Not to be exaggerated, but this concoction instantly transported us to Boracay because of its tropical elements.

Ethiopia Guji Hambela Gute Sodu: Presented on a wooden board and accompanied by two cups, this warm beverage has the familiar flavors of black coffee and espresso. This special brew requires customers to transfer the contents of the larger cup into the smaller one before consumption.

Chocolate Croissant: Crunchy and chewy, this pastry boasts an irresistible, sweet chocolate filling that will leave you wanting more. It’s the perfect dessert to round off the Candid Coffee experience.

What we liked: The Toasted Horchata, Americana, and Chocolate Croissant were three of the best-sellers that stood out to us. Considering we ordered five concoctions, we were particularly impressed with the serving time, which took less than 10 minutes.

What we didn’t like: Although the Ethiopia Guji Hambela Gute Sodu was served in a stylish manner, it failed to satisfy our palates as it lacked the exciting flavors we were hoping for. Nevertheless, it remains a viable option for black coffee drinkers. More pastry options are welcome so diners can fully explore and savor their offerings beyond coffee. And since the café provides a good atmosphere for dining in to work or study, it would be great to have Wi-Fi connection available onsite.

Location: Candid Coffee, H267+QP6, SM Air Mall, Malugay Street, Makati (beside The Rise Makati)

Contact details: [email protected] or 0917-5524333

This food review is based on a complimentary media tasting provided by Candid Coffee in exchange for a truthful review and no compensation. The opinions expressed within represent the views of the author.

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