By Johamin Inok
Photos by Hamdan Badrudin/Marhom Ibrahim
As early as the mid-17th century, coffee had already found its way to the Philippines. Since its official introduction during historical eras, it has not only spurred economic growth in the nation but has also instilled Filipinos with an insurmountable pride in preserving the country’s cultural identity, representing its distinctive flavors and timeless traditions.
In recent statistics, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was hailed as the top coffee producer in the country during the 2nd quarter of 2023, with 710 metric tons, or 25.6% of the total coffee production.
With this level of production in the region, it’s no surprise that every “carinderia,” the local term for a cafeteria, offers its best-selling, potent, and dark native coffee.
The Bangsamoro people indeed have a deeply-rooted passion for coffee, and they wholeheartedly welcomed it into their homes. It has also become their faithful companion throughout the day. In fact, it’s an integral part of their daily routine, and without it, it’s simply a bad day.
In a world moving forward at a dynamic pace, Cotabato City has seen several coffee shops rising to prominence. Local coffee enthusiasts will now delight in savoring coffee’s rich taste, with a variety of flavors to choose from, and relish the enticing aroma along with innovative presentations.
Let’s explore these must-try cafes in the city.
- QAHUA THIRD WAVE COFFEE
As soon as you step into Qahua Third Wave Coffee’s premises, you’ll be greeted by the aroma of its finest coffee beans, which have undergone world-class processing.
“Qahua” is an Arabic word meaning coffee. Being the first third-wave coffee shop in the city, this shop never compromises on the quality of its products.
Sourced directly from farms in the Bangsamoro region, the coffee beans undergo meticulous quality processing. Beans are typically sourced from individual farms and are lightly roasted to bring out their distinctive flavors, making it a true “third-wave coffee.”
From green grading to examining moisture content, to meticulous coffee cupping, and checking saturation, Qahua never skips a beat in serving the best.
An interesting feature is the “Coffee Bean of the Month,” where you can discover intriguing facts about the highlighted bean. The owners emphasize that this shop is a place for “conversations.” Their slogan, “Satisfy your curiosity,” encourages customers to inquire about their coffee to learn the story behind every sip.
Kirk Jay Ahmed Khan, co-founder of Qahua Third Wave Coffee and a certified coffee connoisseur, has been in thecoffee industry since 2012. He shared, “Do not rely too much on aesthetics. Do not compromise the quality of your coffee.”
- NORIE COFFEE
With its brutalist and industrial architecture-inspired motif, NORIE Coffee exudes a unique and calming atmosphere. You’ll be captivated by its interior designs with Thai influences as you enjoy your coffee.
This cafe is one of the few third-wave cafes in the city that places the highest importance on the quality of the coffee beans it uses. Through a unique roasting method, this shop preserves the distinct taste of their signature drinks.
Are you up for a challenge? I recommend trying the “Cortado,” a beverage composed of 50% milk and 50% coffee, which offers a smooth, strong aftertaste. The store also proudly introduces oat-milk-based drinks as appealing alternatives.
The fun doesn’t stop there. The cafe features a “Menu of the Month,” where customers can try new recipes for a more diverse coffee experience.
Don’t wait any longer; visit NORIE Coffee at 006 Moreno Subdivision, Rosary Heights 2, Notre Dame Avenue, Cotabato City. The shop is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Norzalon Unas, 31, owner of NORIE Coffee, stressed, “We eagerly anticipate the day when people begin to recognize quality coffee as well as what they are drinking.”
- GREATEA SMART CAFÉ
Traveling to Japan has always been a dream for many, but now it’s within your reach! Yes, you read it right!
Known as the First Smart Café in the Philippines, Greatea Smart Café is a Japan-inspired coffee shop that offers coffee in an elegant environment.
Greatea Smart Café is a haven for coffee enthusiasts. With its digitalized self-order feature, you can personally select various recipes, from coffee beverages to creamy pastas, mouth-watering rice dishes, and healthful salads.
Elevate your coffee experience, such as the espresso, with the ultrahip interior designs of this shop.
It is best for connecting with friends, family, officemates, and students because of its conducive environment.
With its voice-activated controls for the chandeliers, blinds, and almost every facility in the store, getting astonished is just a “normal” reaction.
Feel the comfort of Japan within your proximity at Greatea Smart Café, located at Notre Dame Avenue (fronting Pag-IBIG Fund), Cotabato City. They are open from 10 a.m. to 12 midnight, and 1 pm to 12 midnight during Fridays and Sundays.
For Yusop Dimaporo, owner of Greatea Smart Café, it is high time that Bangsamoro region embraces and keeps pace with contemporary trends. Innovations in establishments exemplify how Bangsamoro is positioned to harness the benefits of modernization while preserving its unique identity and heritage. He said, “To our future entrepreneurs, help in providing opportunities to our out-of-school youth who would like to get a job. Let us rise as one.”
- PADAYON CAFÉ
Padayon Café, a two-story minimalist and cozy establishment, is your escape space! If you’re seeking a relaxing ambiance to de-stress, this is the place.
“Padayon,” a Visayan term meaning “carry on,” is the inspiration behind this shop.
This café is a safe haven where you can feel at home while enjoying the shop’s signature drinks. Strawberry matcha and Nutella lattes are among the new beverages you can try. For coffee, Spanish latte is their best-seller.
But that’s not all! With the “BER” months here, this shop introduces its Holi-YAY Drinks. Plus, on Friday nights, the café tradition includes showing movies for FREE!
Indeed, Padayon Café is all about you and your cup of coffee against the world. Hurry up and visit this shop at Block 20, Notre Dame Village, Rosary Heights 8, Cotabato City. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Justine Ikkah Gonzales, Padayon Café’s owner, underlined, “When starting your own business, make sure that taking risk shall define who you are as a person, your own story, or others’ life stories.”
There’s no wonder why Bangsamoro citizens can’t resist the rich flavor and the feeling of satisfaction that superb coffee brings. It not only makes every moment special but also turns every sip into a story worth sharing.
As we continue to advance and innovate in the world of coffee, let’s not forget to honor our genuine identity as Cotabateños, with vibrant cultures coloring our beloved homeland and magnificent traditions passed down through generations. Let’s also extend our support to our supreme heroes—our Bangsamoro coffee farmers.
