If I had to pick between a big chain coffee shop or a neighborhood cafe, I’d always choose the latter. There’s something about neighborhood cafes that feels more personal and cozy. Drinks and food are generally more affordable. They are (usually) less crowded, and you get a unique experience every time you go cafe-hopping. Plus there’s always the fun factor of discovering something new.
If you’re looking for a coffee shop in the Maginhawa area that has a unique vibe and has long business hours, you might want to hunt down De’Ja Brew.
De’Ja Brew has gotten some buzz for their rather unconventional signature drinks inspired by two iconic Filipino dishes: Kare-kare and Adobo. Yup, you heard right. They serve Kare-Kare Coffee and Adobo Coffee, along with regular coffee, all-day breakfasts, waffles, rice meals, and more.
The neighborhood cafe on a quiet residential street (literally Matahimik Street) is open daily from 7am to 2am, making it ideal for those who want to unwind solo or catch up with friends at any hour over coffee.
The cafe is a haven for geeky stuff and collectibles as well. As you step inside, you’re immediately greeted by an impressive display of Gunpla, anime figures and other collectibles. I spotted Gundam plastic model kits, scale models of anime characters like Demon Slayer, mecha figures, WWE action figures, LEGO minifigures, Bionicle action figures and more. There are also books, Trese comics and other rare finds here. There was a large-scale model of Gundam with framed posters from the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise in the main dining area.
I found the diecast model motorcycle figures pretty cool. There are a few Tomica and miniature models of touring, adventure, and off-road motorcycles including a KTM motocross/enduro motorcycle.
There are a few tables outside for al fresco dining, but the cafe also has an air-conditioned space inside with a few tables and couch seating. The indoor space feels more like a private den, with a vintage bike and musical instruments on the wall, and loads of posters, books and board games for customers. It’s not your typical minimalist or “aesthetic” coffee shop that have all started to look the same, that’s for sure.
Their drinks are just as colorful as the ambiance, with flavors you wouldn’t expect to find in coffee. I admit, I got intrigued by the spin on Filipino flavors and had to try the Kare-Kare Coffee, served as a hot latte as bizarre as it sounded. I mean, Kare-Kare and Adobo Coffee, come on.
I'm not sure what I was expecting (maybe just something a little nutty?) but I could really taste the thick peanut butter flavor and distinct bagoong paste in the latte that I usually associate with the traditional oxtail stew. I personally prefer those flavors with tender meat bits, vegetables and rice, but that’s just me.
Based on their menu, the Adobo Coffee (which you can get iced) makes use of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and black pepper syrup with americano. They also serve a Banana Marble Coffee with homemade banana syrup and a Chilicano with homemade chili syrup.
While their signature drinks are not for everyone, adventurous coffee drinkers might want to try these drinks for the novelty. All of the signature drinks cost P180 a pop.
In case you prefer more classic coffee flavors, De’ Ja Brew also serves Espresso, Americano, Latte, Cold Brew, Nitro Cold Brew, Einspanner, Spanish Latte, Mocha, Vietnamese Coffee, Portuguese Mazagran, and Pour Over Coffee using premium guest beans from a micro roastery in Binan, Laguna. Classic coffees range in price from P120 to P200.
They also serve other beverages like lemonade, chocolate, horchata, babyccino, matcha lattes and tea for non-coffee drinkers.
If you’re hungry, you can pair your coffee with their bestseller chicken fingers with fries (P300) or rice meals like tapsilog (P240), chicken ala king (P250), pinoy arroz ala cubana (P290), pasta dishes, waffles, burgers and chicken sandwich and more. Most breakfast and brunch meals cost from P180 to P350.
The place seems popular for tambike sessions as it’s in a peaceful area in the neighborhood away from the main strip of restaurants and it’s generally easy to park. Whenever I pass through the area on weekends, I always see big bikes parked and the place always seems packed. The cafe’s popularity is apparent from all the moto stickers plastered on the door and walls inside the cafe. For cyclists, there’s a bike rack where you can easily park your rides.
The early and late hours make this worth a pit stop for post-biking breakfast before it gets too hot, and after-dinner coffee rides when other neighborhood restos are closed.
I dropped by recently on a weekday mid-afternoon after LTO-related errands when it was relatively quiet. During the day, the cafe can be ideal for coworking since they offer free WiFi and tables have enough sockets inside for you to charge gadgets. You can spend a couple of hours here with work or study buddies and enjoy a more peaceful vibe.
De' Ja Brew Cafe. 118 Matahimik Street, Diliman, Quezon City. Open daily from 7am to 2am.
