Café Mithi is a tiny yet quaint cafe filled with good food, inspiring and motivational messages, and workshops on calligraphy, painting, and crafts. In case you don’t know, MITHI means wish, dream, and ambition in Filipino, and the place certainly lives up to its name! A quick glance at the cafe’s interior reveals fluffy clouds, dreamcatchers and paper cranes. There are also inspiring messages about art, travel, adventure and ambition made by its workshop attendees. The setting is meant to inspire its customers to dream, and it truly lives up to its purpose!
The restaurant is owned by third-time entrepreneur Pao Leonardo, a pursuer of dreams. Her desire to help people find their passion, chase their dreams, do what they love, and love what they do inspired her to create the cafe. As such, Cafe Mithi is founded on the things that she loves and every bit of what she’s passionate about: coffee, arts, travel and adventure. These attributes make it a promising addition to the famous Maginhawa Street in Quezon City.
One thing that makes Cafe Mithi a standout is its support of monthly volunTOURism. Through volunTOURing, Pao travels around the country to appreciate its beauty while helping the local community. Last year, she trekked the mountains of Kalinga province to send presents to pupils and their families. Here, she got the chance to take an adventure while doing something worthwhile.
Another thing that makes Cafe Mithi a standout is its menu that features the Philippines’ local delicacies. As a part of her advocacy to support local businesses, local artists and local tourism; Pao’s food and drinks are produced and sourced locally: coffee from Kalinga, Sagada, Benguet, Mt. Province or Batangas, tablea from Davao, Surigao, Pangasinan and Baguio. Scroll down below to check out some of their bestsellers!
Marahuyo (v., be persuaded, attracted) – P85
An ordinary ensaymada is usually topped with cheese and sweet butter. It’s light and it’s perfect for your merienda. What if you have an ensaymada with an added twist, though? A cacao dip, perhaps? If you’re interested, then order Cafe Mithi’s very own Marahuyo. Enjoy a local dessert dipped in a pure cacao tablea dip.
Gunita (n., memory, recollection)- P65
Ever had your childhood chocolate treat in cupcake form? Cafe Mithi’s Gunita proves that it’s very much possible. Their dessert called ‘Gunita’ is made out of Chocnut, which is a classic local favorite. Once you’ve tasted this lusciously distinctive peanut butter cupcake, you’ll be surprised by the one-of-a-kind flavor that Chocnut can bring.
Simaron (adj. wild) – Croc Tapa and Croc Sisig (Croc Tapa) – P200
Before you back away from crocodile meat, remember that there’s no harm in trying something new. What does crocodile taste like? You’ll be surprised to find out that it tastes just like chicken. If you want to know what I’m talking about, then try it out.
Masagana (adj., bountiful) – P135
If you ever find yourself craving for golden brown mojos and potato wedges, then order Cafe Mithi’s Masagana. This big bowl of crispy mojos is a crowd favorite that definitely lives up to its name!
Check out the next page for more unique local delicacies!
