For the uninitiated, pairing a rice bowl with coffee is definitely a thing here in Manila. If you’re tired of the open-faced toasts and plain pasta common in your usual upscale neighborhood cafe, then let Caferista spice things up. While there, we pair our coffee tonic with a kielbasa plate and bacon slab rice bowl, and let’s just say that we’re very impressed. Their simple but well-thought-out food menu is viable as a weekly staple for neighborhood folks.
Being a barista is often a side hustle, the baristas here are a mix of part-timers balancing college schedules and full-time baristas who usually have second careers in the art or music worlds. They’ve managed to create a community of regular, like minded customers, creatives in their own industries. College students often choose to work as a part-time barista because it’s a productive way to spend free time during college. You get to meet new people every day while earning extra income and learning a new skill. Working double shifts on both your passion and as a barista can be difficult, but the best ones figure out how to use their creative voice as a tool to connect with customers through meaningful conversations. More often than not, people bond with their neighborhood barista. Relationships like this can help create a flourishing community and build a stress-free environment for both the barista and the customer. A chat with one of Caferista’s baristas is a great example, so drop by for a first-hand experience!
