It's undeniable that Makati City has a lot to offer, from skyscraper destinations and shopping to food hubs. However, for coffee lovers and purists, there's a new reason why this place should be your next cafe destination—the opening of Common Man Coffee Roasters (CMCR).
Originally established in Singapore, CMCR has garnered a solid reputation for its coffee, food offerings, and sustainability practices. Here are three compelling reasons why you should make a beeline, rather than just strolling, if you're visiting the cafe for the first time.
Relaxing location
For its first shop in the Philippines, CMCR strategically chose The Restaurants, Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City for its location. The inviting and modern ambiance of this open park, combined with the cafe's landscape greenery interior, natural wood future, and open windows layout, gives its customers a relaxing yet familiar, homey feeling. There’s also an option for al fresco seating for groups or solo customers.
Single-origin coffee bean choices
Coffee purists and lovers will undoubtedly enjoy the cafe’s single-origin brews. During its opening, Michael Bovell, the general manager of the food division at Spa Esprit Group, highlighted two of their single-origin coffee beans—the Jabanto from Ethiopia with tasting notes of red grape, guava, and blueberry, and the Wiang Pa Pao from Thailand with notes of chocolate, caramelized sugar, and nutmeg taste.
Aside from single-origin brews, other must-try coffee drinks are the Long Black and Espresso. Those who prefer milky or sweeter blends can try the Nitro Honey Oat Latte, Cappuccino or Mocha.
“Filipinos are very educated about food now. They are traveling to all countries globally and when they come back here, I think they are looking for those experiences they had in other countries,” Michael tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “I think we, by being here we’re able to help to provide that.”
All-day brunch food choices
Complementing their coffee blends are all-day brunch offerings. Try the hearty Common Man Full Breakfast, featuring a carefully cooked egg on artisanal sourdough bread, served with generous portions of meats and greens. For an elevated brunch, go for the Not Your Common Pancakes—wheat pancakes cooked in an iron cast skillet with caramelized bananas, walnut crumble, salted caramel sauce, and berry coulis.
There’s also the Smash Burger, Fried Chicken, or their delicious selection of pizzas. Hearty side dishes such as Green Hummus, Herbed Fries, and Hashbrown are also offered as an alternative option for solo diners.
Whether you're seeking to satisfy your daily coffee fix, enjoy a relaxing sit-down meal with a loved one or by yourself, or find a place to slow down time, you can experience it at CMCR in Makati.