fruit tea

Escape the holiday rush at The Cabean Cafe

With the Christmas season now in full swing, the mad rush to finish pending year-end work and holiday shopping do seem overwhelming. At times like this, wouldn’t you appreciate the chance to just sit back and sip some good brews or munch on some tasty chews and just pass the time?

If that’s the case, this quiet haven for coffee and comfort in Quezon City called The Cabean Cafe should be right up your alley.

Coffee and Comfort

Named after a play on the word “cabin” – a type of lodging constructed from logs that provide a restful abode for settlers in the American wilderness – this Quezon City coffee destination brings forth a feeling of calmness and serenity amidst the wild and chaotic goings-on in the metro.

Thanks to its minimalist design given warmth by wooden furnishings, books and knick-knacks and other homey accents, along with free WiFi and power outlets to keep your devices connected and charged up, The Cabean Cafe is the perfect venue for some alone time – whether for studying or resting – or for intimate gatherings with friends or family, all while enjoying your favorite brew.

And if you want to peek out into the wider world outside its walls, you can always choose a spot in The Cabean Cafe’s al fresco veranda.

Handcrafted Brews

Despite its relaxing ambiance, The Cabean Cafe certainly takes its brews seriously. Its fresh and high-quality Arabica coffee beans are purely local, ethically sourced from farmers in Sagada. These are then carefully selected and expertly roasted to bring that fullness of flavor that coffee lovers look for.

Taking its theme of sustainability to heart, the cafe employs environment-friendly packaging from biodegradable dining ware down to sugarcane straws.

So go ahead and take your pick among The Cabean Cafe’s handcrafted beverage creations for something to perk you up for the day or to soothe and relax you after your work is done.

Tasty and healthy bites

Should your appetite kick in while you’re holing up here, there’s no need to worry: The Cabean Cafe serves up yummy meals and snacks, along with delectable desserts, to give you fuel you up or give you that much-needed energy boost.

So if you’re looking for a place to enjoy some peace and quiet along with a good ole’ cuppa and some bites, be sure to check out The Cabean Cafe!

PS: Want to perk up your events? If you’re planning a workplace meeting or a casual get-together, why not bring Coffee Everywhere? The Cabean Cafe’s Mobile Coffee Cart can serve up heartwarming brews starting at Php7,700 (for 50 cups and 3 hours of service.

PPS: If you’ve taken your love for coffee to the next level and have become an aspiring barista, you can brush up on your coffee knowledge at The Cabean Cafe’s Barista Workshops held every Friday and Saturday. Learn the art of making premium brews from the masters and you just might get started on your own coffee business for just Php5,000 (or take advantage of the promo price of Php3,500 when you scan the QR code below).

The Cabean Cafe is located at 131 D. Tuazon Street, Santa Mesa Heights, Quezon City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 10am to 9pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 3pm to 11pm. For inquiries, call +63 2 70066598 or email thecabeancafe@gmail.com.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting event held at The Cabean Cafe. Food and beverage items were served in exchange for honest feedback.

Fresh Thai beverage possibilities at Jelly G, Market! Market!

Now that the strict quarantines and strictures on going out are behind us, it’s time to treat ourselves to a little bit of adventure, isn’t it?

While our budgets may prohibit us from traveling overseas to experience different cultures and taste exotic flavors, we can always go on an exciting flavor adventure that’s a little closer to home.

One such adventure is delving into the wondrous varieties to enjoy Thai beverages at the Jelly G store in BGC’s Market! Market!

For instance, while Thai milk tea is not as ubiquities as its Taiwanese counterpart, it’s been a favorite among foodies for quite some time. Normally, this exotic drink can only be enjoyed in Thai restaurants, but Jelly G has been serving it up in various flavorful guises, along with other Thai beverages, since 2010.

The store takes pains to make its Thai milk tea as authentic as possible while still appealing to the Pinoy taste buds. Made with assam black tea – the variant with the boldest and more complex flavor – and enhanced with crushed anise and tamarind seeds, then sweetened with condensed milk – all imported from Thailand – Jelly G’s Thai signature drink is a welcome break from our usual thirst quenchers.

Enjoying your Thai milk tea also has the added bonus of being good for you:

It helps to reduce cancer risk as it’s made from black tea leaves which are rich in anti-oxidants
It helps in your blood circulation as consuming it expands your arteries
It helps in weight loss through its stimulating caffeine content

Specials

Cheesy Thai Milk Tea (Php165/Php195). The classic Thai milk tea is given a deliciously cheesy twist with the addition of cream cheese plus generous toppings of grass jelly and grated cheese.

Pink Sala Milk (Php135/Php155). Here’s another reason to drink milk: how about flavoring it with sala syrup and topping it with luscious coconut jelly for a refreshing boost of energy?

Chocolate

Chunky Oreo (Php120/Php160). Want a sweet dessert in a drink? Check out this concoction of chocolate milk topped with cream cheese and chunks of chocolate cookies.

Lychee Fruit Tea (Php95/Php115). Enjoy a healthy lychee flavored fruit tea topped with yummy strawberry poppers.

Thai Coffee

Prince Coffee (Php115/Php135). Freshly brewed Thai coffee made from imported arabica beans is mixed with condensed milk makes for quite a pick-me-up experience. Plus, you can enjoy this hot or cold!

Milo Cream Christmas

Milo Thai Milk Tea (Php145). Welcome the holidays with a blend of the exotic Thai milk tea given fresh twists that takes you back to your childhood: toppings of decadent cream cheese and gooey Milo!

By the Bottle

Want to get more of your favorite Jelly G drinks to enjoy at home or share with family and friends? You can get them freshly steeped by the bottle for Php300, in flavors that include Thai Milk Tea, Tamarind, Sala Milk and Hazelnut Coffee, among others.

Try your hand at whipping up new ways to enjoy your Thai drinks at home using these bottled drinks and your favorite ingredients!

As you can see, with the myriad possibilities in Thai beverages available at Jelly G, you can go on an exciting adventure without leaving the metro!

Did you know you can party with friends on delicious drinks from Jelly G for just Php499? Take its Chakrii’s 5 offer and enjoy the following:

Cheesy Thai Milk Tea
Caramel Thai Coffee (Sugarfree)
Pink Sala Milk
Wintermelon Red Assam
Lychee Fruit Tea

This Jelly G branch is located at the Third Floor of Market! Market!, 26th Street corner C5, Bonifacio Global City Taguig. Other branches are located at:

Cinema Level, Fifth Floor, Ayala Malls Feliz, Dela Paz, Pasig City
Ground Floor, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City

Jelly G also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

To know more about Jelly G’s products and promos, follow it on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.

Check out my other posts about Jelly G:

Healthy Thai Milk Tea at Jelly G, UP Town Center

Jelly G Thai Milk Tea, Ayala Malls Feliz

Enjoy Thai milk tea at home with Jelly G

#FruitTeaParty at Colobaba Cafe

In these last few days of summer, don’t you sometimes feel the need for ways to relax and refresh yourself as well as a break from the monotony of responsibilities at work and at home?

How about getting together with your pals for a refreshing Fruit Tea Party at Colobaba Cafe?

This fruit tea brand originated from Taiwan and has now spread to over 500 branches worldwide. One of its outlets in the Philippines is located along Timog Avenue in Quezon City.

Here, you and your buddies can relax in the laid back atmosphere as you feast your eyes and sate your tummy on wondrously colorful and refreshing drinks and snacks on offer.

With the reinvigorating blend of fresh fruits and premium Taiwanese tea, Colobaba Cafe’s drinks are high on both taste and nutritional content.

Taking center-stage, of course, is Colobaba Cafe’s Fruit Tea Party (Php298). This is the 1.5-liter version of the Superfruit Tea which is made of Taiwanese tea infused with apple, pineapple, watermelon and calamansi.

If you want to make your fruity drink even healthier, you can always go for a Yogurt Baba (Php188), which is made by blending fresh fruit juice and yogurt. To enjoy this drink, simply shake then gulp it down!

Of course, what would a party be without some delicious food? Colobaba Cafe’s got this covered, thanks to delectable snack offerings.

Snack Pack (Php268). A filling combination of potato fries, chicken chops, chicken popcorn and sausage.

Orange Chicken + Veggies (Php198). A satisfying rice bowl topped with chicken glazed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, a sunny-side-up egg and vegetables.

Nothing caps a meal quite like some sweet delight, so Colobaba Cafe’s got some treats to give you and your friends your just desserts!

Chocolate Souffle (Php188). Fluffy Japanese style pancakes topped with cheesy cream foam, drizzled with chocolate sauce and sprinkled with crushed Oreos.

Egg Tarts (Php150/pcs | Php200/6pcs). Portuguese-style pastries composed of a flaky and buttery shell housing creamy egg custard.

So take heart, you harried urbanite. Some welcome rest, respite and refreshment await you and your buddies at Colobaba Cafe. Drop by any of its outlets in the metro:

Quezon City: Unit 9 ITC Commercial Complex, Timog Avenue corner Panay Avenue, Quezon City

Manila: Unit 104 The Manila Residence Tower II, Taft Avenue, Manila

Pasay: Magdalena Jalandoni Street, CCP Complex, Pasay City

Don’t have the time to drop by a Colobaba Cafe branch? Have your reinvigorating drinks and re-energizing snacks delivered to you via GrabFood or FoodPanda.

To keep updated on its latest offers and promos, follow Colobaba Cafe on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended a food-tasting held at this restaurant where food items were served at no cost to the attendees.

A boss-level treat for moms: #TrueBoss Gift Set

What’s your idea of a true boss?

In my career which spanned over two decades, I was lucky enough to have been managed and mentored by women who encouraged my curiosity, nurtured my drive and celebrated my achievements.

To me, they are true bosses.

At home, moms take on the same roles for their family:

Moms manage the family’s schedule and ensure that everyone has what they need to do well.
Moms optimize various resources for the family’s benefit.
Moms cultivate their kids’ talents and support them to achieve their full potential.

With these roles, we could say that moms are the true bosses of our families.

Well, true bosses deserve boss-level treats from time to time, right?

How about healthy and refreshing teas from True Boss?

These drinks contain fruit enzymes made from fermented fruits and vegetables and are packed with nutrients that help the body perform better by aiding digestion and giving the immune system a boost.

Instead of refined sugar, True Boss drinks make use of cane sugar which is easier for the body to process.

Lastly, fresh fruit toppings give the drinks some added taste and texture.

Here are some of True Boss’ tasty beverages that are definitely good for everyone, especially moms:

As a special treat for moms and the rest of the fam, these four drinks are available in a True Boss Gift Set for just Php599!

So give your mom a healthy and refreshing tea break, one fit for the True Boss of the family! Order online or visit or call any of these True Boss branches:

E. Rodriguez: +63 2 79002076 | +63 906 2945070
West Avenue: +63 2 77473171 | +63 916 2709916
Wilson: + 63 2 75271451 | +63 966 3276351
Mall of Asia: +63 2 77464608 | +63 967 4524087

To stay updated on its products and offers, follow True Boss on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

2D Themed Cafe in QC: Kurimi Milk Tea Bar

Nope, entering this milk tea bar doesn’t magically land you into a cartoon world.

Instead, it welcomes you into a place where you can take Instagrammable pics while enjoying your freshly made milk tea.

Check out Kurimi Milk Tea Bar!

This little store in the foodie-friendly Tomas Morato area in QC serves up the Pinoy’s new favorite beverage – milk tea, of course – in a quaint and picturesque setting. Every wall, nook and cranny has been painted white with thick black outlines to give that interesting 2D effect. Yes, it’s walking into a cartoon!

Here you can enjoy a wide array of Japanese style tea drinks, from Kurimi’s signature milk tea, cheesecake and cream cheese series as well as specialty drinks that include:

Hang out here with your frinds and take a pic: you and your drink will be the pops of color against your cute 2D background.

This Kurimi Milk Tea Bar branch is located at 88 Scout Limbaga Street, Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City, open for dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup and delivery via GrabFood.

For inquiries or orders, call +63 951 3558571.

Give in to your tummy’s rumblin’ at Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Foodies, if there is one thing you can count on, it’s the fact that your Tita Jellybeans is always on the prowl for new and exciting gastronomic experiences to share with you.

And, boy, do I have great news!

There’s this restaurant along Mayon Street in La Loma, Quezon City (a place I’m a bit unfamiliar with but I didn’t let that stop me from going on this foodie adventure) that specializes in takoyaki and milk tea called Gulu Gulu.

If you’re thinking that it’s just another snack bar or street food stall, you’ve got another think coming. For one thing, the place is not a stall at all but a beautifully designed and well-appointed cafe. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the interiors in bright, natural light while Japan-inspired murals add color to the interiors. Tables and cushioned chairs are spread in the sprawling space, giving diners comfortable seats in which to enjoy their food. Comics and short story books are also displayed, adding to the relaxing cafe feel. Almost every nook and space can be an Instagrammable spot.

Plus, you can watch Gulu Gulu’s takoyaki masters in action in the open kitchen as they prepare the food fresh upon order.

Gulu Gulu’s real claim to fame, of course, is its food.

With a name derived from the sound of a rumbling stomach, Gulu Gulu strives to satisfy hunger with delicious and filling fare that are definitely worth several return visits.

First of these is its takoyaki, claimed to be the best ones in town and unlike any other takoyaki balls you may have tasted. I really can’t argue with that claim. Made with the freshest ingredients like chopped octopus, cabbages and onions, they come in wondrous and creative variety, giving even the takoyaki connoisseur new ways to enjoy this delicious snack.

If you feel like having something more substantial, you can always opt for a sushi roll. Here, Gulu Gulu does not scrimp on the variety either. Take your pick among these sushi flavors: California Roll (Php220/8pcs), Crazy Maki (Php280/8pcs), Cheese Mango Roll (Php260/8pcs), Crispy Maki (Php250/8pcs) and Salmon Aburi Roll (Php230/8pcs).

You can also mix ’em up by getting a 12-piece sushi box with 4 pieces each of California Roll, Crazy Maki and Cheese Mango Roll for just Php230!

If you’re feeling really peckish, you can always go for a Rice Bowl, consisting of a Japanese meat dish topping a steaming bowl of fluffy Japanese rice. Choose from these rice bowl options: Torikatsudon (fried breaded chicken cutlet – Php210), Katsudon (fried breaded pork chop – Php210), Ebi Tendon (shrimp tempura – Php210), Gyudon (beef strips – Php230), Grilled Salmon Steak (Php290) or Japanese Curry (Chicken or Pork – Php240).

You can also add a serving of Ebi Tempura (deep-fried batter-coated shrimp – Php150/3pcs | Php240/5pcs), Yakisoba (stir-fred noodles – Php200) or Kakiage (deep-fried batter-coated veggies – Php125) to complete your meal.

Now, what to drink as you eat your fill of those delectable Japanese food? Gulu Gulu’s got you there as well with its extensive line of teas that make use of the finest and first-boiled black, green, red and jasmine tea leaves, lusciously chewy black pearls, nata de coco, grass jelly and other add-ons to bring you the highest quality drinks in amazing variants.

Milk tea flavors include: Original with Pearl (Php100/700ml), Milk Tea with Nata de Coco (Php110/700ml), Milk Tea with Grass Jelly (Php110/700ml), Taro Milk Tea with Pearl (Php115/700ml), Chocolate Milk Tea with Pearl (Php110/700ml), Matcha Milk Tea with Pearl (Php115/700ml0, Original Cheese Tea (Php130/500ml | Php150/700ml), Chocolate Cheese Tea (Php135/500ml | Php155/700ml) and Brown Sugar Milk Tea (Php120/700ml).

Definitely not to be missed is the Salted Egg Milk Tea (Php130/500ml | Php155/700ml) which should appeal to the Pinoy’s penchant for sweet and salty combos.

If fruit teas are more your thing, you can select your favorite blends from among: Signature Fruit Tea (Php130/700ml | Php160/1000ml), Special Lemon Tea (Php80/500ml | Php100/700ml | Php130/1000ml) or Orange Tea (Php80/500ml | Php100/700ml).

You might also want to check out the new fruit tea flavors Mango Gulu, Strawberry Gulu and Dalandan Tea.

So if you happen to be in the area and you feel your tummy rumblin’, you know where to go!

Don’t miss out on these special offers you can enjoy in this Gulu Gulu branch until February 28:

15% off on sushi rolls and rice bowls
2 Taro Milk Teas for Php165

To know its latest promos and offers, follow Gulu Gulu on Facebook or Instagram.

This Gulu Gulu branch is located at 405 Mayon Corner Calamba Street, La Loma, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 83595787, +63 916 2125964 or +63 932 6144675.

Other branches are located at Savemore Nagtahan, SM North EDSA, SM San Lazaro, SM Sta. Mesa, Sto. Domingo Avenue, QC and Dapitan Street corner Maria Cristina Street in Manila.

Don’t want to leave home? Have your takoyaki and milk tea delivered right to your doorstep by coursing your Gulu Gulu order via GrabFood or FoodPanda.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting here together with fellow foodies. Food items mentioned here were served to let us sample the fare and elicit our honest feedback.

Get “Berry Much in Love” with these newly relaunched strawberry drinks from Moonleaf Tea Shop

Who can resist strawberries?

That vibrant red color, the rich plumpness of the fruit, the heady beckoning fragrance and the burst of fruity sweetness as you bite into it with just a bit of tanginess to make it all the more intriguing to the palate. Any encounter with this fruit is a sensual delight.

It’s hardly surprising, then, that this fruit becomes so prevalent around Valentine’s Day.

Moonleaf Tea Shop brings strawberry lovers fresh ways to enjoy their favorite fruit with the relaunch of its strawberry line of drinks under its Berry Much in Love category.

These drinks pair the fruity sweetness of strawberry with Moonleaf’s house-brewed black or green tea, creamy milk, and chewy coconut nata. This line includes:

Strawberry Milk Tea with Nata (Php120).

Strawberry Black Tea with Nata (Php100).

Strawberry Yakult with Nata (Php120).

Strawberry Milk Slush with Nata (Php160).

Since these drinks are best enjoyed when shared with our special someone, Moonleaf makes this drinks available on special deals which give great savings:

2 Strawberry Milk Tea with Nata for Php199 (save Php41)
2 Strawberry Black Tea with Nata for Php179 (save Php21)
2 Strawberry Yakult with Nata for Php189 (save Php51)
2 Strawberry Milk Slush with Nata for Php249 (save Php71)

Enjoy these deals until March 31, 2021.

Can’t wait to get “Berry Much in Love” with these drinks? Grab yours now by dropping by your nearest Moonleaf Tea Shop branch or ordering from GrabFood, FoodPanda, Shopee and Lazada.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature article.

Photo credit: Massimiliano Martini on Unsplash for the strawberry photo

Have a taste of Taiwan’s No. 1 Drink at Tea 101, California Garden Square

Milk tea fanatics have another reason to rejoice with another brand joining the milk tea fray.

Tea 101 has been hailed as Taiwan’s No. 1 Drink owing to the premium experience in drinking it. The process starts from harvesting the potent tea leaves from the heart of Taiwan, careful packaging and brewing in the traditional way without the use of metals or machines, to the mixing with various flavors and sweeteners to make Tea 101’s signature drinks.

But first, a lesson on tea history… a Tea 101, if you will… 🙂

Tea leaves are harvested from camellia sinensis, a plant that grows in tropical and sub-tropical climates. After harvesting, these are dried then packed loose or wrapped in tea bags.

Drinking tea as a beverage was first recorded in China in 10th century BC and it eventually became popular throughout East Asia by 200 BC. It spread to the rest of the world via international trade in the 19th century.

Tea was brought to Taiwan from China in the 18th century. By the 19th century, tea plantations have flourished in Taiwan with tea becoming one of the country’s top three exports.

It has also become an integral part of Taiwanese culture with most social activities involving tea service from the welcoming of visitors into a household, dinners, business meetings, weddings and funerals.

Taiwan is also the birthplace of bubble tea in the 1980s which was said to be a concoction of black tea, tapioca pearls, condensed milk and syrup.

Today, bubble tea has a wide assortment of flavors and variants from fruits, yogurt, yakult, coffee and chocolate and more, many of which are included in the menu of Tea 101’s branch in Mandaluyong.

Choose your fave from Tea 101’s featured drinks:

Regular (Php85 for tall, Php105 for skyscraper, Php125 for empire sizes)

Milk Tea Series: includes Wintermelon, Okinawa, Pearl, Caramel, Green, Lychee, Strawberry, Taro and Matcha
Fruity Fresh Milk Series: includes Blueberry, Green Apple, Grass Jelly and Strawberry
Heal Tea Series: includes Black, Green, Yakult Green and Yakult Lychee
Choco Craze Series: includes Chocolate, Chocolate Mint, Choco Strawberry Milk and Choco Slush
Iced Slush Series: includes Green Apple QQ, Mango, Strawberry, Lemon Yakult, Taro Milk Tea, Lychee Nata and Matcha
Lemonade Series: includes Lemonade, Strawberry, Green Apple and Blue
Fruit Tea Series: includes Green Apple QQ, Lychee Aloe Vera and Strawberry Aloe
Freaky Milk Tea Series: includes Rocky Road, Strawberry, Tiramisu, Green Tea and Rainbow

Premium (Php95 for tall, Php115 for skyscraper, Php135 for empire sizes)

Taiwan Favorites: includes Milk Tea with Oreo, Chocolate Milk Tea with Oreo and Nutty Choco Matcha

Rock Salt Series: includes Rock Salt Milk Tea, Rock Salt Chocolate Milk Tea and Rock Salt Black Tea
Brown Sugar Series: includes Brown Sugar Milk Tea, Brown Sugar Fresh Milk with Grass Jelly and Rock Salt Brown Sugar Milk Tea

My personal preferences run toward the sweeter and creamier variants such as the Chocolate Milk Tea with Oreo and Brown Sugar Milk Tea.

Many thanks to Ms Ani Conanan of Tea 101 for the drinks and to Harvard of AlwaysHungryPH for extending the invitation!

This Tea 101 branch is located at Ground Floor, Anaheim Tower, California Garden Square, Domingo M. Guevarra Street, Barangay Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City.

Other branches are located at:

Hole in the Wall, Fourth Floor, Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue, Barangay Poblacion, Makati City
Ground Floor, South Wing, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex Pasay City

Disclosure: Together with fellow food bloggers, I attended this resto’s grand opening where drinks were served to enable us to sample the fare and to facilitate honest reviews. Said drinks were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Check out my reviews of other milk tea joints:

Scientifically delish eats at Bubba Lab, Graceland Plaza

Labmates, are you ready for a bout of experimentation and discovery?

Well, check out the foodie adventure that my fellow foodies and I embarked on at Bubba Lab Graceland Plaza in our pursuit of food knowledge and verifiably delicious eats.

(And, in keeping with Bubba Lab’s theme, and just for kicks, this blog post will be formatted in line with the scientific method.)

Statement of the Question:

Where in Marikina do we go for imaginatively concocted drinks and tasty snacks?

Being a resident of the East, I usually gravitate towards Marikina for foodie adventures since this city is packed with great foodie finds: fresh concepts, creative food executions and enterprising owners.

Hypothesis:

Hmm, the Bubba Lab branch at Graceland Plaza sure seems worth checking out. I already sampled some of its drinks at its Lamp Quarters branch and those were pretty interesting.

Bubba Lab is a homegrown chemistry-themed cafe which set its roots in the foodie haven Marikina. This branch is the second of the brand’s three existing outlets and has recently undergone some renovation to include some botanicals into the space. The change made the cafe even more inviting and Instagrammable, a perfect place for yuppies and young ‘uns to relax and grab a bite while working/studying (there’s free WiFi) or hanging out with friends.

Data Gathering:

Yeah, but what about the food?

Well, let’s see… During its recent Bloggers Event, Bubba Lab treated us to some of its menu items which included:

Labcuterie (Php270). Bubba Lab’s version of a charcuterie, it is comprised of slices of bratwurst. kielbasa and Hungarian sausages served with honey mustard dip and coleslaw.

Supernova (Php260). Named after the stellar explosion, this collection of finger-foods – battered fish, squid fritters, jojos (crispy battered potato wedges) and nachos – served in individual containers in a stand for easy access and served with spice-infused vinegar and three dips of one’s choice are sure to lead to explosions of flavor.

Chicken Slaw Croissant (Php160). Truth be told: the chicken salad croissant is one of my all-time favorite sandwiches. When one of the fast-food chains eliminated it from its menu, I was near-heartbroken. I’m so glad that this sandwich has made its home at Bubba Lab, and is just a short drive away.

Crinkly Fries (Php75). Crisp and freshly made fries in your choice of flavor: sour cream, BBQ or cheese.

Tater Tots (Php80). Crisp deep-fried balls made from grated potatoes.

Lab Treats. Seasonal creations baked fresh daily which include muffins (Php75 each) – Cheese Overload, Red Velvet, Choco Chip and Chocolate Moist – and huge cookies (Php35/pc) – Oatmeal and Choco Chip.

Bubba Lab takes particular pride in its beverage offerings, and, in keeping with its chemistry theme, the store’s drink menu takes after the table of elements, with each refreshing drink assigned its own symbol.

Stp – Strawberries and Cream Candy Frappe (Php140 medium | Php150 large). Sweet and fruity, a dessert-drink for those with a sweet tooth.

Scp – Salted Caramel Frappe (Php140 medium | Php150 large). A creamy concoction with that sweet-salty flavor.

Mx – Mango Tea Frost (Php105 medium | Php115 large). Another fruity drink, with the sweetness of the mango-flavored tea complemented by the nata de coco.

Cu – Cucumber Cooler (Php105). A zesty refreshing drink perfect for hot summer days.

Bu – Bubba Lab Milktea (Php100 medium | Php110 large). The store’s best-selling drink made from freshly brewed tea leaves accented with chewy tapioca pearls.

Analysis:

Bubba Lab’s finger-food and sandwiches are well-suited as snacks or light meals, and go well with the store’s beverage offerings.

The drinks, on the other hand, are creatively concocted and affordably priced.

The store’s newly renovated premises also provide an attractive and comfortable backdrop for solitary work or lively meetups with friends.

Conclusion:

I therefore conclude that Bubba Lab Graceland Plaza is the place to be for milk tea lovers, where they can also enjoy yummy snacks as they work or hang out with friends.

Many thanks to the management and staff of Bubba Lab for the warm welcome and tasty treats, and to Aileen of Aileen Loves To Eat for extending the invitation!

This Bubba Lab branch is located at Graceland Plaza, JP Rizal Avenue, Marikina City, open daily from 10am to 10pm.

Other branches are located at:

Extension B, C&B Circle Mall, Liwasang Kalayaan Avenue, Marikina Heights, Marikina City
Lamp Quarters, Gil Fernando Avenue, Bgy. Santo Nino, Marikina City

Disclosure: Together with fellow food bloggers, I attended a foodie meetup held in this restaurant. Food and drink items mentioned here were served to enable us to sample the fare to facilitate honest reviews and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Check out my reviews of other milk tea joints:

Fun and fresh flavors at Juice Cubi, SM MOA

Just when you thought that all possibilities for tea drinks have been thoroughly exhausted, here comes a tea brand from Macao with something new up its sleeve.

Juice Cubi began its Philippine invasion at its first branch at SM Ecoland in Davao, and just this week, established its presence in Metro Manila by opening its store at the SM MOA Complex.

Juice Cubi definitely has a fun and fresh take on tea drinking. From its pastel-themed and highly Instagrammable store accented with its alien mascot Cubi, to the cute and reusable tumblers and cups its drinks and served in, to the drinks themselves, which usually have visual or taste elements that tickle the senses.

During its Media Day, Juice Cubi treated attendees to its pretty and refreshing drinks; there’s really something for everyone. No matter the mood or the craving, Juice Cubi allows you to express yourself in every cup!

Just take a look at some of the drinks I was able to sample during the event:

Starry Night (Php160). Inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpiece, this drink that turns from blue to purple has starry edible glitters.

Lady in Red (Php160). A tribute to femmes fatale everywhere, this drink has the strong heady taste that excites and thrills.

Ocean Breeze (Php150). A drink for those who yearn for the sea, its white layer approximates wind-blown clouds racing across the blue waves.

Dark Knight (Php160). Feel like a caped crusader? This boldly flavored drink is the one for you!

Caramel Cheese Milk Tea (Php120). Juice Cubi’s signature milk tea topped with a foamy layer of caramel cheese.

Cubi Special Milk Tea (Php140). What makes this drink so special? Is it the subtle sweetness that’s pleasantly light on the tongue? Is it the slight tartness from the layers of yogurt? Or is it the fact that despite its name, this drink does not actually contain milk? You decide.

Juice Cubi is definitely a welcome addition to the tea and beverage shops in the metro. More than ever, exciting choices for refreshing drinks abound and I just couldn’t be happier!

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to stay long enough to sample the other flavors. But hey, that’s what the next visits are for. 🙂

Many thanks to the management and crew of Juice Cubi for having us and for the wonderful drinks!

Juice Cubi is located at Ground Floor, NU Tower, Coral Way Avenue corner Seaside Boulevard, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I attended a foodie meet-up held in this restaurant. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Check out my reviews of other milk tea joints: