From being just a simple bean-to-bar company to now an established coffee shop along the quieter streets of Bonifacio Global City, Auro Chocolate keeps its spot at the forefront of everyone’s minds when talking about proudly Filipino artisanal chocolate.
I have always been a fan of Auro Chocolate since the beginning and sought after it whenever I craved a bittersweet pick-me-up. I was in awe of how they rapidly grew to become a globally-recognized name, bagging awards, collaborating with international artisans, and expanding its product line to include bread and pastries. So it hardly came as a surprise when they opened their own cafe in BGC with an expansive menu that included brunch items, rice bowls, and savory appetizers.
The cafe, located in One Maridien Tower along 27th avenue, is rather spacious with plenty of cozy seating indoors and alfresco. Staying true to its roots, every single thing you see and touch in the cafe is proudly Filipino made, from the mesmerizing wallpaper designed by artist Raxenne Maniquiz, to the lamps shaped like cacao pods by Rita Nazareno, to the woven baskets and pillows from Iloilo and the comfy bamboo chairs from Cavite’s Winners Furniture. Even the cacao tree at the cafe’s retail area is not to be missed, designed by Nazareno and Auro Chocolate’s very own Mark Ocampo, who also spearheaded the overall design and visual direction of the restaurant.
But of course, the main highlight of Auro Chocolate Cafe is its food and drinks. I was able to try a few of their savory dishes, namely the Muhammara & Moutabal Dips (PHP495), consisting of roasted red pepper with walnut and smokey eggplant with ciabatta bread; the Calamansi Buko Pandan Kaya Toast (PHP220), which is calamansi coconut pandan jam mixed with white chocolate and sea salt all smeared over a gigantic fluffy slice of milk bread; the Bibingka Dutch Pancake (PHP420) served with toasted coconut milk latik and tablea syrup; and the Beef Tapa (PHP450) served on the side of your choice of grains and a unique pickled papaya in cacao vinegar.
To say I was impressed by the quality and serving size of each dish would be an understatement. Everything was delicious and stood out in its own way, all expertly developed by the Auro Chocolate team.
Aside from these dishes, I made sure to try Auro Cafe’s many pastries as well. I highly recommend the Ube Halaya White Chocolate Sourdough Pan De Tsokolate (PHP95), the crowd-favorite Roasted White Chocolate & Cashew Sourdough Pan De Tsokolate (PHP95), the Fudge Brownie with Hazelnut (PHP115), Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookie (PHP120), Pistachio Danish (PHP200), Almond Croissant (PHP200), and the Custard Apple Pie (PHP120). All of these and more were skillfully crafted in collaboration with pastry chef Leti Moreau, the owner of online dessert shop Simone & Amelia.
But can you truly say that you visited Auro Chocolate Cafe without indulging in any of its drinks? As a Spanish Latte lover, I couldn’t say no to a cup of it (PHP200, hot) along with its rich and creamy Classic Dark Choc Au Lait (PHP180, hot). They also cater to non-coffee drinkers too with their many smoothies, juices, shakes, and iced teas.
Auro Chocolate Cafe isn’t just a breakfast, lunch, and merienda spot though. With its store hours extending to 10 PM every day, Auro Chocolate Cafe is open for the late-night diners too, offering alcoholic beverages and refreshing Tiki drinks crafted in collaboration with local cocktail bar Run Rabbit Run that are not to be missed!
Auro Chocolate Cafe is definitely the spot to fall further in love with unique Filipino flavors, where cacao and chocolate come into the mix to give you a comforting sensorial experience like no other. I’ll surely be back whenever I find myself in BGC, and I’ll endeavor to try more of the sweet and savory goodness that they have to offer.
Auro Chocolate Café
G/F One Maridien Tower, 27th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
(+63) 917 113 3599
Open every day from 7 AM to 10 PM
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