The Hideout Tea and Coffee House: An Overloaded Treat for Your “Bes” Buddies

At first glance, you might be wondering if The Hideout is exactly where the good frappes you keep hearing about in Malabon are being concocted—not too posh, yet not too shabby. What this place probably lacks in space and exteriors, though, it makes up for with a menu that is so long, you’ll resolve to try the rest of their offerings on your next visit. It’s not just your ordinary hangout place during the afternoons, either; you can also come in for snacks or stay for dinner at this crowd-favorite joint in Concepcion.

To avoid the influx of customers (word gets around that it is insanely jam-packed on weekends), we came to the coffee shop on a fine Monday afternoon, fully expecting that the commute is all worth the hassle, and The Hideout didn’t disappoint. We were treated to a combination of sweet-tooth munchies, cool “panulak” and feel-good food.

As the cold beverages take some preparation, we were provided with board games to keep us entertained while we wait. It’s a nice idea, so customers won’t succumb to boredom, especially since the waiting time can take a while given the epic line of customers wanting to get a taste of their famous menu.

You can ogle at some of the photos of The Hideout’s specialties on their Facebook page. One post says, “Long weekend, mga bes, kulayan nyo na yung drawing nyo. Ituloy nyo na ang food trip ngayong weekend. Sulit to bes. May board games pa kaya hindi boring, di gaya ng EX mo.” It is this kind of language that appeals to customers’ humor, and makes them decide that it could indeed be a fun place to hang out. Check out this cool telephone on display, which proves to be a good conversation piece.

Snack Basket (Php290) / Good for 5-6 people

If you’re planning to bring your family or barkada, make sure to avail of The Hideout’s Snack Basket, a group meal consisting of mojos, nachos, Hawaiian Pizza rolls and French fries, and served with three kinds of dip: catsup, garlic mayo and cheese spread. Instead of ordering ala carte, you can treat everyone in your group and still afford the cost.

Lasagna (Php110)

For pasta lovers, there’s the lasagna to satisfy your cravings. The pasta is cooked al dente and topped with meaty sauce. According to its owner Reden Dayao, it is what the customers often come back for.

Carbonara (Php100)

There is also the creamy carbonara — a real deal if you’re looking for a meal that will make you feel full.

Of course, the feast won’t be complete without thirst quenchers. The Hideout’s famous frappes are loaded with yummy garnishes like in the photo below.

Strawberry KitKat frappe (Php120)

This frappe is topped with a KitKat finger, pinipig ice cream, an ice cream cone, a graham cracker, marshmallows, wafers, berry knot pretzels and rainbow-colored wafer sticks. It can actually be a meal on its own! This is perfect for those penny-pinchers who just can’t say no to a refreshing treat.

Choco Hazelnut Oreo frappe (Php125)

Here is another frappe concoction topped with the same sweets, except for the KitKat finger, which is replaced by chocolate balls and an Oreo cookie sandwich.

Oreo Overload (Php110)

Still another frappe—because we just can’t get enough of their presentation—is this cookies-and-cream, non-caffeine blended beverage.

The Hideout also serves rice meals priced at Php55 to Php90. It won’t open until 3pm, though, so maybe the best time to have these budget meals would be around dinner time. The shop operates until 12 midnight to accommodate the night crowd,so you can come by after school or work.

If reading this feature makes you salivate in envy, head over to The Hideout and indulge in a satisfying afternoon snack. We just hope this place expands soon; we can sense that the already massive following from the Malabon locals will also include those coming from the other places. Like we just did.

Want to treat your “bes” buddies to a snack feast? Join the “The Hideout Barkada Contest” and get a chance to win a GC! Here’s how to join:

1. Like When In Manila and The Hideout Tea and Coffee House on Facebook.

2. Post your best and wackiest barkada photo on the comment section of this post, with the hashtags #WIMxTheHideout and #TaraNaBes.

3. Tag at least three of your friends you want to share the meal with in the same photo comment.

The top 3 best shots will win one GC each, valid for availing The Hideout’s famous Snack Basket. Note: Only those photo comments with the given hashtags and tagged people are eligible for the contest.
The contest is open for Philippine residents only. Winners may claim their prizes at The Hideout and by calling the store at 09266240229.

Contest deadline is on October 16. Winners will be announced on October 20, 2016.

UPDATE: Contest Winners

Congratulations to the following winners!

Trix Capili Genota
Alberto Kie
Gelyn Sarmiento

Winners will be contacted separately. Thanks to everyone who joined!