Mabuhay Craft Coffee Is San Juan’s Coolest New 24/7 Café
A red-hot newcomer has entered the Metro Manila café scene, and it’s not just brewing coffee — it’s redefining kape at kakanin with Filipino flair. Meet Mabuhay Craft Coffee, the newly opened, chef-led, 24/7 café in San Juan that’s turning local favorites into caffeinated experiences worth staying up (or waking up) for.
Founded by Chef Kel Zaguirre, the café is fast gaining attention for its playful, nostalgic, and proudly Pinoy menu — featuring everything from Dirty Iskrambol lattes to savory Tocinossants. The café’s open-all-hours format caters to night owls, hospital workers, service crew, and caffeine lovers looking for something fresh, anytime.
A Vibe That’s All-Pinoy
Step into Mabuhay Craft Coffee’s retro-modern sari-sari store vibe. Picture wire-grid shelves, bold red counters, and cool gray walls. Right away, you’ll feel the brand’s unique personality.
A curated OPM playlist plays in the background. The coffee beans? Locally sourced from Mt. Apo. The result is a space that feels proudly homegrown and incredibly inviting.
Craving an early morning flat white? Or maybe a post-midnight latte with a twist? Mabuhay brings Filipino identity to the front—not just in design, but in every sip.
Kape, Tinapay, Atbp: What’s on the Menu?
Coffee is only part of the story here. Mabuhay Craft Coffee reinterprets childhood classics, street snacks, and local flavors into creative, caffeinated combos. Some of the must-tries include:
- Dirty Iskrambol (₱260): A grown-up take on the iconic pink treat, complete with Mik-Mik powder and espresso.
- Ube Latik Latte (₱260): Smooth, earthy, and not overly sweet — an ode to the famed ube delicacy, reimagined.
- Champorado Dirty White (₱280): With rice crispies, dried fish, and espresso — trust us, it works.
- Tocinossant (₱290): A cross between a croissant and a sausage roll, stuffed with Pinoy-style tocino.
Pair your drink with a Yema Blondie, Kouignsaymada, or the intriguing Gatcha! (gata + matcha + latik). And if you’re not in the mood for coffee, there are cocktails served from 9 PM to 3 AM — because why stop at one kind of buzz?
Proudly Local, Deeply Community-Oriented
Beyond its quirky menu, Mabuhay Craft Coffee stays rooted in Filipino values. The beans are locally sourced, many ingredients are produced by small-batch artisans, and the café supports the San Juan neighborhood by staying open round the clock for workers, commuters, and curious foodies.
It’s also a café with a conscience. From the Panjam (Pandan Jam) spread made in-house, to a small curated line of Filipino-designed merch (tote bags, mugs, shirts), everything here celebrates craft, community, and culture.
Where and When to Visit
- 191B A. Mabini Street, San Juan City
- Open 24/7
- Instagram: @mabuhaycraftcoffee
Whether you’re chasing caffeine, craving croissants with a Filipino twist, or need a late-night place to write, work, or unwind — Mabuhay Craft Coffee is the spot. It’s local, bold, and unlike anything else in the city.
Would you try a Tocinossant and Dirty Iskrambol at 2 a.m.? Which Filipino comfort food do you think should be turned into a coffee or dessert next?
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