Written by: Claire Chingkoe
Photos by: Enrik Benedicto
Inspired by their travels, clean aesthetic, and love for coffee, Common Folk is a coffee bar serving cups of joe for the average Joe. Ashley, Kenneth, Mielle, Isabelle, and Choi gave birth to this safe haven of a coffee bar just last December, bringing forth a warm and welcoming vibe that breathes their motto: no bad days and good things ahead.
Tucked in Katipunan Avenue just along White Plains, Common Folk boasts soft interiors that are pleasing to the eye, making way for any customer who wants to relax or quietly get some work done.
The Iced Chai Latte (P160), Flat White (P140), and Cafe Mocha (P160) were some of the drinks that we were able to enjoy from their coffee menu, with the Cafe Mocha being a personal favorite. While most of these drinks were designed to appeal to the everyday palate, coffee junkies more well-versed in the language can request for the friendly baristas to perform various third-wave coffee brewing methods (Kalita Wave, Aeropress, Chemex, etc.) of their choice. These are done right in front of you, allowing you to become a part of the experience.
Hot chocolate (P120) and various kinds of tea, including Matcha tea (P140/hot, P160/iced), are also being offered should you reach for a different type of drink.
While coffee is the main driving force behind these operations, Common Folk also serves all-time favorite dishes that everyone can enjoy, ensuring you that their meals are tasty and filling. Even if their dishes are slightly pricier than your typical Starbucks snack, their servings are pretty generous and worth the entire visit.
One of their best sellers, Say Cheese (P260), is an absolute beauty with its three cheeses cascading down the toasted edges of the sandwich, served together with a small bowl of tomato soup and a side of chips with dip. While this is quite the contender, the Salmon to Love (P260) stole my stomach away. With smoked salmon and herb cream cheese atop mini slices of toasted bread, the undertones of pickled red onions, micro greens, and chili flakes complement the pairing by giving it a nice kick of flavor.
If you’re looking to satisfy that sweet tooth, allow their Chewy Chocolate and Sea Salt Cookies (P65) and Overload Chocolate Chip (P65) to melt in your mouth and send you into overdrive while completing the experience with some steamed milk. Other sweet treats include Milk and Cookies, Banana bread, and the Brouffle ala Mode.
There’s a very non-disruptive and easy going atmosphere that allows you to feel relaxed and at ease, which makes it perfect for people who just want to unwind, quickly catch up with a friend, or get some steady focus going on. Common Folk has pretty decent Wi-Fi as well as outlets conveniently placed by each table so you won’t have to worry about packing that extension cord. Hopefully, you’ll also get to score the most comfortable seat in the house, paired along with an overhead neon sign of their mantra that will surely secure a spot on your instagram feed.
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Though still on their soft opening, stay tuned as there are some exciting ideas in the works including off-the-menu items to order, special dishes for special occasions (read: Valentine’s Day), and more items to develop the menu further! From what we have seen, it sounds like it’s going to be worth the wait. Common over!
Common Folk
79 Katipunan Ave, White Plains, Quezon City
commonfolkph@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/commonfolkph/
