Way before fancy coffee drinks were introduced to us, we drank coffee plain or with milk and sugar. We Filipinos drink a lot of coffee since we’re the only Asians who drink more coffee than tea. Just like tea, coffee drinking is a social thing that’s why local kapehan flourished where you get to drink the best brewed coffee and listen to local gossips before they hit the news stands.
Sadly, one of these local coffee shops, the La Corona Café was already closed. The owner apparently got sick and nobody wants to take over the place. Now, where would their patrons go? Team Tikim need not search far since a few steps away from where La Corona was located in Hilado St. is the recently opened Kaffe Sadtu.
I missed the Kaffee Sadtu building since I was expecting some fancy coffee shop. Kaffee Sadtu is located in a decrepit, post-war building that has seen better days. The 1950’s building had been through several facelifts, it used to be a hardware store, an ice cream house, and Aristocrat Bazar whose iron signage is still attached on the building.
That’s exactly what Team Tikim did at Kaffe Sadtu, we chatted and feel a little guilty for overhearing the topics from the other tables. But you certainly will not feel guilty for spending P15 for a cup of coffee. It’s the best you can buy with your P15. The coffee is strong but without the bitter taste and there’s no coffee residue on your cup. They also serve light breakfast with a corned beef or sausage meal with buttered toast and scrambled eggs priced at P35. It’s also homemade so there’s no tin-can aftertaste on your corned beef.
Lo and behold! It’s a Martian invasion! Where was I when these little contraption which makes these little flying saucer sandwiches became the craze? It probably became in vogue in the 70’s. They’re so cute and would make any kid and the kids-at-heart excited to eat. There will be no spills from your sandwich fillings too. We were the first to try the flying saucer sandwich which Dane is planning to sell at P20. But not all about Kaffe Sadtu is old. They have free wifi connection, mind you.
One reason why I couldn’t say no to a Team Tikim review was I really wanted to meet Carmen, wife of the owner and one of my avid readers. It was nice that I finally got to meet her in person when we only used to exchange emails and comments. Just a few minutes of talking to her and I like her already. I actually love the profile of my readers whom I’ve already met. They are people who bring their kids to museums, love history, and can recognize a gem even in a rundown 50’s era building.
Not everything that’s new must be embraced and not everything that’s old should be forgotten. Kaffe Sadtu is one of those places that keeps old traditions alive. They may not filter their coffee with a sock or serve your coffee in a sartin (enamelware) cup but they still make coffee the old fashion way. No frills. Just perfectly roasted locally grown coffee, freshly brewed for your satisfaction.
If you’ve been to Kaffe Sadtu, please share with us your experience at the comments section. Please help guide our visitors by giving your ratings with 5 stars as the highest.
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