Heading South? Experience Local Brew and Shopping in this Unique Concept Store

Steam Yard Coffee and Community is an establishment in Muntinlupa City, owned and run by siblings JM Madla and Michelle Madla who both share a vision–to make specialty coffee in a place that’s honest, casual and above all, easy to be in. Living in the south, from malls to villages, there’s plenty of good coffee shops–shabby, cozy, delicious. But there’s nothing like Steam Yard which is true to its form in serving third wave coffee. They trust local brew; their coffee is 100% locally grown, sourcing out the finest beans from all over the country, supporting coffee farmers in Benguet, Mountain Province, and South Cotabato. The store also houses and promotes established and emerging online brands, thus collaborating with local online stores creating a concept store.

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Side merchandise for coffee lovers. Coffee beans from different parts of the country are readily available in the store, too.

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Modern industrial interiors of black and wooden, exposed beams and cables, with generous lighting from hanging edison bulbs. Unlike a usual busy wall of graffiti and artworks, the owners opted for plain white thus drawing attention to different merchandise as the design element.

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The Philippines is one of the few countries that produce the four main viable coffee varieties: Arabica, Liberica (Barako), Excelsa and Robusta, although 90% of the coffee produced in the country is Robusta. They have studied the country’s coffee industry by visiting coffee farms, building relationships with suppliers and farmers, understanding their needs, and appreciating the crop more.

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Banana chips sourced locally

When-In-Manila_Hoppiepolla_Steamyard-Coffee-and-Community 05Various coffee equipment and select coffee beans sourced locally

Coffee and Food

Steam Yard recommends anything from Brew Bar wherein your cuppa will be freshly brewed in front of you to complete the experience. Their brewing method includes Hario V60, Aeropress, Woodneck Dripper and French Press.

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Brewing Method: Hario V60
Type of Beans: Arabica
Origin (Region): Mt. Matutum, South Cotabato
Tasting Notes: nutty, chocolatey

For those who need a slap on the face, it’s best to order their signature drinks.  Their Red Eye Cold Brew is an over-ice 12-hour brewed coffee with add-ons to customize your cold brew experience: espresso shot, milk, and sugar syrup. It is intense, refreshing, and definitely a pleasure to try.

They also have Iced Shaken Black Tea (black tea, honey, espresso shot) for those who’d like to have double dose of caffeine of coffee and tea.

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For milk lovers, they recommend cappuccino, latte, and flat white infused with dark chocolate syrup.

When-In-Manila_Hoppiepolla_Steamyard-Coffee-and-Community 12Their lattes are always served with double espresso shots

Baristas in Steam Yard are very knowledgeable about offerings. Coffee drinker or not, they also know what drink complements your choice of food or pastry.

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When-In-Manila_Hoppiepolla_Steamyard-Coffee-and-Community 15Barako Muffin, Braso De Mercedes, Blueberry Cheesecake, Mango Cheesecake, Latte and Red Cold Brew

Their menu is not limited to handcrafted coffees and specialty pastries. They also have main course meals that are also a must-try.

When-In-Manila_Hoppiepolla_Steamyard-Coffee-and-Community 18Beef Sirlion. Tender and savoury.

When-In-Manila_Hoppiepolla_Steamyard-Coffee-and-Community 17Pandan Liempo. The dipping sauce is the key!

When-In-Manila_Hoppiepolla_Steamyard-Coffee-and-Community 19Pasta Negra. Squid ink pasta with heaps of Parmesan cheese, toasted garlic and chicharon.

When-In-Manila_Hoppiepolla_Steamyard-Coffee-and-Community 20Spicy Chicken Rendang. Chicken wings and noodles with sauce of mixed ground spices and coconut milk, sprinkled with ground chillies.

Love Local Sellers

There’s an area where several merchandise from various local online sellers are displayed. They believe that most successful company efforts are collaborative by definition. By dedicating a space in their shop, online sellers can showcase their products and bring them closer to their target community. Combining an online store with a physical shop can be very effective. Brand partners can use the rich data e-commerce to encourage shoppers to visit their physical stores or pop-up shops.

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Why Ethical Coffee Matters

Their goal is to serve coffee with an ethical core. A cup of coffee deliciously brewed can be a real morning delight for all when paying for it contributes towards securing better returns to the farmers who grow it. By educating their customers and themselves, they connect their consumers directly to the communities and individuals who produce their coffee.

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Michelle Madla of Steam Yard Coffee & Community worked in Dubai for 8 years, but eventually spearheaded the business after a travel to Italy which gave her a lot of inspiration about coffee.

Steam Yard Coffee & Community provides a sanctuary for coffee enthusiasts and online shoppers where people can get together and figure out common interests and needs. Apart from serving good food and coffee, it is an honest and casual environment putting online shop partners, coffee roasters, local farmers and baristas at the frontline.

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Steam Yard Coffee and Community is located at 49 National Rd. Brgy. Putatan, Muntinlupa City, Philippines

Steam Yard Coffee & Community

www.steamyardph.com
www.facebook.com/steamyardcoffeeph
Instagram: @steamyardph