In the bustling world of themed cafes, where creativity knows no bounds, Cafe 408 has emerged as the first-ever EXO-themed cafe in Metro Manila. Drawing inspiration from the popular South Korean boy group, EXO, this cafe offers patrons not only good food and nice coffee, but also the “feels” of being inside an authentic Korean IG spot.
Located on the second floor of The Rock Lifestyle Hub in Quezon City, this trendy cafe has quickly become a meeting point for fans and enthusiasts of both EXO's music and aesthetic appeal.
Cafe 408 opened its doors in March of this year, marking its soft opening in celebration of EXO member Kim Minseok (Xiumin's) birthday. Just a few weeks later, on April 8, the cafe held its grand opening in celebration of EXO's 11th debut anniversary.
According to “Nicole,” the cafe owner who goes by a single name and is truly an avid EXO-L (the official fan club title), while there are other K-pop-themed cafes, she noticed a lack of cafes dedicated specifically to EXO. This observation inspired her to bring the concept to life.
"Noong pandemic ang daming nag-open na K-pop cafe tapos super fan ako ng EXO. Tapos nung nag-search ako online, bakit walang EXO cafe? Ayon talaga 'yung driving force ko, dapat magkaroon din ng EXO cafe (During the pandemic, many K-pop cafes were opening, and as a huge fan of EXO, I wondered why there wasn't an EXO-themed cafe. That was my driving force behind creating Cafe 408)," Nicole shared.
The interior design of Cafe 408 is a perfect blend of futuristic elements with a touch of minimalism. Drawing inspiration from EXO's iconic songs like "Call Me Baby" and "Growl," the cafe exudes a "basement" vibe reminiscent of the group's music videos. The color palette of white, black, and gray pays homage to the group's signature aesthetic.
As you approach the entrance of the EXO-themed cafe, you're greeted by a magazine board showcasing the nine members of the group, each featured as the face of some well-known magazines in South Korea. The cafe's posts are adorned with posters inspired by EXO's music themes, immersing visitors in the group's world.
Spanning 130 square meters, the cafe can comfortably accommodate 60 to 80 customers. Beyond serving as a haven for EXO-Ls, it has also become an events space for gatherings open to all K-pop fandoms. These events range from streaming and listening parties to cupsleeve events celebrating K-pop idol birthdays.
On average, the cafe hosts around 10 fan events every month, promoting a sense of community among fans of different K-pop groups.
"Nakakatuwa rin na nagdo-donate sila ng owned collection nila para sa cafe. Pati 'yung ilan sa mga album, 'yung iba donation from fans. Minsan nga nagdodoble na, hindi na namin alam saan ilalagay (It's heartwarming to see fans donating their own collections to the cafe. Some even donate albums. At times, we have duplicate donations that we're not sure where to put them all)."
The seating arrangements at Cafe 408 are a true nod to space-age design, providing patrons with various seating options that invite them to enjoy their coffee (and imagine their EXO idols) in style.
No themed cafe is complete without a menu that pays homage to its namesake. Cafe 408 offers a selection of beverages inspired by EXO's songs, including "XOXO," "Love Shot," and their latest main track, "Cream Soda." This menu is designed to delight the taste buds of fans and cafe-goers alike.
Looking ahead, Nicole has plans to open a branch of Cafe 408 in Bacoor, Cavite, although the details are not yet finalized. Additionally, she intends to introduce a merchandise area within the cafe where patrons can purchase EXO-themed items such as tote bags, albums, and more.
So, whether you're a dedicated EXO-L or simply someone seeking a new cafe experience, “don't fight the feeling” to visit Cafe 408; you might just find yourself immersed in the captivating world of EXO.