Pampanga is hailed as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines for a reason. Located in Central Luzon, Pampanga has a rich cuisine that is home to a wide variety of delectable dishes and delicacies, including some exotic dishes. Popular Kapampangan dishes like sisig (chopped pig’s face), tocino (Spanish bacon), morcon (braised meat roll), and tibok-tibok (Carabao’s milk pudding) have won the hearts of many Filipinos, even non-Kapampangans.
If you’re located in Metro Manila, Pampanga is only about an hour’s drive away. Perfect for those days when you feel like going on a quick road trip, with a little culinary tour on the side.
Apart from being the birthplace of diverse flavors and mouthwatering dishes, did you know that Pampanga is also home to several cafés? Get to know five coffee shops to add to your next café-hopping trip.
Kalidad Coffee
Looking for a minimalist neighborhood coffee shop conducive to studying? Kalidad Coffee is the answer to your question. Located at the heart of Fil-Am Friendship Highway in Angeles City, this Japanese-inspired café can be your next comfort space for good conversations. Their drinks are priced from ₱100 to ₱170. Don’t forget to try out their signature Dirty Horchata.
Kalidad Coffee also serves baked goods like Pain au Chocolat and Kouign Amann. Truly an ideal spot for afternoon hang-outs and study sessions.
Moon Café
This Korean-inspired coffee spot is a must-visit when you’re in Pampanga. Just located a few steps from Kalidad Coffee, Moon Café will surely wow you with its snapshot-worthy interiors and racks donned with magazines where you may see your favorite Korean idols and celebrities. Not to mention, this quaint café boasts large windows that make way for natural light to come in—allowing you to capture well-lit photos.
What’s amazing about Moon Café? They don’t only serve coffee but delicious meals as well, such as pasta, sandwiches, and pastries. Not fond of coffee? Fret not because they also offer non-coffee drinks like Strawberry Milk and Honey Citron Ade.
Moon Café is located at Unit 107, Ominstellar Building, Fil-Am Friendship Highway, Angeles City, Pampanga.
Amand Coffee Bar
A spacious aesthetically-pleasing area with a variety of dishes and drinks and picturesque scenery outside? Amand Coffee Bar has it all. Hidden inside Villa Dolores Subdivision in Angeles City, this coffee shop is an excellent choice for when you want to laze around while reading a good book. It also has a couple of pools around the area where you can take photos for Instagram.
Craving pizza and pasta? Don’t worry because Amand has those on their menu. They also offer a wide variety of flavors, such as Margherita, Gorgonzola, Truffle, Pepperoni, and Speck & Fig for pizza. For pasta, the choices are Marinara, Putanesca, and Truffle. This café also has rice bowls, pastries, and both coffee-based and non-coffee-based drinks. Don’t have the appetite for heavy meals? Amand also serves appetizers like salads and fries.
Jungle Base Grounds
Have a furry friend you want to bring to your Pampanga visit? Take them to Jungle Base Grounds. Aside from being pet-friendly, this coffee shop also cares for the environment. Yes! They even serve your drinks with eco-friendly straws.
The best thing about Jungle Base Grounds? You won’t run out of food to choose from. Almost everything is available in this tropical-inspired café. Aside from their coffee drinks and non-coffee beverages, they also have appetizers, salads, breakfast meals, rice bowls, sandwiches, pasta, and dessert. Some of their best-sellers include Sea Salt Honey and Barista Breakfast. You should also try their Kimchi Fried Rice with Lechon Kawali and Grilled Cheese.
You can find Jungle Base Grounds at Marlboro Road corner MacArthur Highway, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
1798 Lifestyle Studio
Finding a spot in Pampanga where you can dine, unwind, and relax? You might want to check out 1798 Lifestyle Studio. Surrounded by a rustic farm and lush greenery, a visit to this glass café is surely worth the hour-long drive.
Aside from having Instagram-worthy natural scenery and a range of beverages to try, 1798 Lifestyle Studio also offers sumptuous comfort food like pizzas, sandwiches, and pasta. If you’re health-conscious, you might also want to try their variety of salads.
1798 Lifestyle Studio is located at 112 Dizon St., Tibby’s Farm, Angeles City, Pampanga.
