Those who make the drive to Tagaytay either have plans to go on a staycation or spend the day chilling and munching on the many bites that can be found in the city. And for the folks that prefer to do the second, we all know that a trip down South isn't complete without at least having a cup of joe in one of the many coffee joints around—Batangas is after all home to the Kapeng Barako. You may have a preference as to where you get your caffeine kick, but that doesn't mean you should sleep on the new kids on the block. One place worth saying "hi" to is Hello Café where good food meets great interiors.
Say "Hello" to this new coffee shop in Tagaytay:
Unlike other coffee shops, Hello Café isn't found on the main highway. In fact, it's tucked inside a subdivision which affords it a quieter atmosphere that befits its quaint and minimalist design. The space is divided into two sections—the main shop that can comfortably sit seven to 10 individuals, and the wider and more relaxed al fresco space that's perfect for sunset hangouts with friends and loved ones. Its overall vibe is that of a slow, minimalist life—something we Manila-dwellers could all use as we escape the hell that we call "the Metro".
In our book, a good café ought to have the following: good brews and bites that would still taste great despite spending hours on your table, forgotten because of your work, or the endless gossiping between you and your friends. What's great about Hello Café is that there's more to it than just its highly Instagrammable atmosphere.
A visit during brunch warrants a heartier, more filling meal. Bite into the tender Salpicao (P360) which has big chunks of well-seasoned beef and a generous amount of white fluffy rice. If it's a traditional American brekkie you fancy, the Hello Big Breakfast (P400) serves your usual continental fare of eggs, bacon, sausage, and garlic bread. Those in need of caffeine but don't like the bitter taste coffee gives can give the Hello Signature (P235) a try. The drink itself has homemade cream cheese giving it a very creamy consistency while powdered cinnamon is sprinkled on top for a little kick.
Drop by on a sunny, warm afternoon and you'll find yourself munching on the Nachos & Cheese (P250) which surprisingly retains its crunch even after spending roughly an hour at our table untouched (we were having too much fun enjoying the overall vibe if we're being honest). Not keen on sharing the grub? Order yourself the Chilidog (P275) with its fat and juicy sausage (the food kind, of course) topped with a good dose of ground beef and drizzled in mustard. Of course, being in the hot and humid Philippines, it's important to quench your thirst with a refreshing sip. The Lychee Soda (P155) is as fizzy as it is sweet and pairs well with most of the food items offered at the café.
Should you choose to dine under the stars, the Fettucini Mushroom and Garlic (P360)—with its homemade pasta, no less!—is a sure crowd-pleaser given how the mushrooms' flavor shines brightly in a meaty and earthy kind of way. Topping it with bits of chopped chili and grated parmesan only adds to the experience. In case you're more of the carnivorous sort, you can bite into Hello Café's Cheeseburger (P375) with its succulent beef patty, gooey cheese, and a side heaping of fries.
The thing with dining in Tagaytay is that you go to one spot if you're looking for something specific. But with Hello Café entering the picture? Your options just got more comprehensive, without having the need to hop from one spot to another. It's just a matter of when and what time you plan on dropping by to say "hello".
Hello Café is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. It's located in Lot 2F-8, Polivel Subdivision, Maitim Second East, Tagaytay City. Visit Hello Café on Facebook for more information.
This story originally appeared on Spot.ph.
* Minor edits have been made by the Yummy.ph editors.
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