There’s a new cafe in town that wants to own your all-day brunch cravings, as Elephant Grounds prepares to open in Manila. One of Hong Kong’s favorite go-to specialty coffee places, Elephant Grounds has gained a cult following for its great coffee and its signature ice cream sandwiches. I got a chance to take a sneak peek before the official opening, and here’s what’s in store for you.
The first thing you see when you walk in is the beautiful interior, designed by the same group that did the Hong Kong branches. The combination of the wood finishes, natural light, and frankly hipster vibe is a chill sight to behold. Take your pick with any of the regular dining tables, or maybe kick it back a bit more by staying on the elevated seats.
Food categories are similar to Hong Kong’s, which is to be expected, but thanks to the added flair brought by Chef Nicco Santos of Your Local and Hey Handsome fame, we have some local delights thrown into the mix, such as the Tapa Donburi and the Twice Cooked Adobo Pork Belly. The Prawn Paste Chicken was also awesome and is easily my easiest recommendation from their rice bowls.
We can’t talk about Elephant Grounds without talking about their coffee and I’m happy to report that their coffee is great, and their selection covers the whole spectrum of choices for every coffee drinker. Are you the discerning type, or do you like your coffees with a little something extra? They’ve got you covered through both sides of the spectrum. Sweet tooths will enjoy the Black Tie, a mix of 2 espresso shots, cream, and milk. If that sounds indulgent, it’s because it is, but man does it have a great kick to it. Latte art fans will also love it here and will definitely have something for the ‘gram when they’re done. And of course, take your pick between their single origin offerings, brewed to precision for your enjoyment.
There’s more to unpack with Elephant Grounds when they officially open, but it’s safe to say that there’s a great amount of excitement looming in the air with their launch. Word from the grapevine tells me that they’re looking to expand more, and I’m looking forward to that as well. If you’re looking for your next all-day brunch hangout in BGC, I don’t think it’ll get any cooler than at Elephant Grounds.
Elephant Grounds opens on June 28 at One Bonifacio High Street, BGC.
Elephant Grounds
LG/F One Bonifacio High Street Mall
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Caffeination 