Malate has become infamous for its rowdy and rousing streets; it’s the last place that people would want to go to for a laid-back rendezvous with friends. It may be a shock for some that Malate was actually the Poblacion back in the day.
Malate was a tranquil residential area filled with life. Residents would be seen strolling along its picturesque alleys and undisturbed boulevards, enjoying everything that it has to offer.
Fast-forward to today. It may be far from the way it used to be, but it still has that quaint charm in some places, such as Latitude Bean + Bar.
Latitude Bean + Bar is a neighborhood café owned by a group of friends that is situated at the very heart of Malate. It’s nestled amidst residential homes, which makes it a hidden gem waiting to be found.
It’s one of those coffee shops that will make you put down your phones to have a pleasant chat or read a good book amidst its cozy and airy ambiance instead. The alluring scent of coffee and the sun-lit glass walls beautifully complement the minimalist and modernistic nature accents within.
While the interiors of this café are already enough to draw anyone in, what really merits Latitude Bean + Bar a visit would be its specialty drinks and honest-to-goodness snacks and pastries.
Their Nori Chips (P120) and Mushroom Grilled Cheese Sandwich (P180) are good starters.
The latter is a personal favorite with its long stretch of irresistible cheese sandwiched in a sourdough loaf, It’s heavenly when dipped in tomato sauce.
The homemade seaweed powder of the potato crisps doesn’t fall behind, either!
An excellent drink to pair those two with is their Dusk Till Dawn (P140), a homemade strawberry lemonade with blue butterfly pea. This drink tastes as colorful as it looks, having a delicate balance of sweet and sour.
Stir it and watch the color mix into a beautiful hue.
You may also opt to go for the Chai Latte (P140 | Hot / P150 | Iced), best paired with a slice of cheesecake (P150).
For a heavier meal, savor some truffle goodness through their “M” Truffle Pasta (P250). This linguini tossed in creamy truffle white sauce is sure to become an instant favorite. Its generous serving for a reasonable price makes it even more appealing.
Coffee connoisseurs will also love their selections. With beans sourced from a local roaster, Latitude Bean + Bar serves excellent coffee that is undeniably good in taste, aroma, and presentation.
They have a unique variant of coffee called Coco Brew (P155).
It’s a mellowed-down version of your typical cold brew as it makes use of coconut water – a unique take that’s worth trying.
Latitude Bean + Bar is also planning to launch bar selections next year, so you’ll have even more beverage choices.
The affogato (P165) is a sight to behold, as well. They pour a strong espresso over a scoop of vanilla gelato, which passes as a delectable energy-boosting dessert.
Make it a combo by ordering a Waffle with Vanilla Gelato (P110).
Latitude Bean + Bar is open from 11AM to 9PM from Monday to Saturday, and 11AM to 8PM on Sunday. Delivery via Grab or Food Panda is also available.
Latitude Bean + Bar
1851 Pilar Hidalgo Lim cor. Remedios St. Malate
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latitudebeanbar
Instagram: @latitudebeanbar
