The Battle of the Doppios: Ortigas Edition

A shot of espresso in a tiny cup, no matter how cute, may sound expensive particularly to those who are into tall glasses of lattes or big cups of Americano. For a caffeine consumer who needs a good boost of coffee a day, it may sound like a good choice, but for people who need more than a shot several times a day, it does not sound appealing to buy three cups of a hundred-peso espresso. However, for those who want to explore from time to time, a freshly brewed doppio can be just the thing for you.

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Doppio is another word for a standard double shot espresso. Just as you would for a regular Americano, you only need to add a minimal amount for the extra shot. For me though, an amateur in the wonderful world of coffee, it is better to judge espresso quality, depth, aroma, and body in bigger servings and get my money’s worth. 

 

If you have passed by F Ortigas Jr. (Emerald) Ave, you will have found a couple of Starbucks that serve amazing doppio. However, if you are on the lookout for other smaller coffee shops that can offer good shots and a different ambiance, you can try the following:

SUBSPACE Coffee House: Espresso + one shot (Php 120)

 

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Look at this cute little thing!

For an additional 30 php to a normal Php 90 Espresso, you get a great deal. This espresso, in particular, smells and tastes nutty. With a thick body, it leaves a pleasant bitterness of good, grounded arabica unto one’s tongue. I love the fact that baristas in SUBSPACE bring espresso fast on the table so I can still appreciate the dark, crema ‘froth’ formed when coffee oils mix with air bubbles, on top.

Mr Park’s Bread and Cake: Espresso + one shot (Php 80)

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I had to ask the cashier twice if she meant one shot was Php 80 and when she said I could get a double shot for the same price, I immediately thought…that’s ia steal!

This doppio’s crema is not as brown or as dark as SUBSPACE’s and the taste is less bitter as well. However, whether it is due to water temperature or the amount of time it took me to capture a decent photo, I noticed that it is bit sour and less on the bitter side. The consistency of the actual coffee is also lighter.

 

The Breadery: Doppio (Php 120)

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The crema is not as thick as Subspace’s, but it still has a good mouthfeel. It has a mellow nutty taste and the combination of Arabica and Robusta seeds gives it a great aroma. As opposed to Mr Park’s Espresso, this hardly tastes sour and you can enjoy the nutty bitterness the coffee gives.

The Verdict:

I have to give it to Subspace’s Espresso for its crema, body, aroma, and taste. Although, all three of them are still worth trying.

https://www.instagram.com/p/tkAhWIPTMu/

 

Doppio may not be your cup of tea, but it definitely is worth a try. Here’s a tip: consume it when it is still warm and the crema hasn’t dissipated yet and never order it to go. You might enjoy the darker side of coffee, appreciate the tiny cups and forget looking at the price.

Locations:

Subspace Coffee House
Unit 103, GF Grand Emerald Tower,, F. Ortigas Jr. Road corner Garnet Road Ortigas Center, Pasig City

Mr Parks’ Bread and Cake
Eton Emerald Loft, Garnet Rd, Ortigas Center, Pasig

The Breadery
Unit 101, Emerald Mansion, Emerald Ave, San Antonio, Pasig