The Niche Cafe: Java Chip Frappe, Burgers, and more!
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| The Niche Cafe |
I remember back in high school, after school hours, we had to stay at a nearby fast food restaurant just to study or do some group work. Not ideal due to the fast-moving customers and clamorous environment, but that's the most convenient option we had at that time. In college, coffee shops are the popular places to study but that is if you're lucky to find a good comfy spot and you afford what's on their menu. Little did I know that a classmate of mine from MaSci (Manila Science High School) would fulfill this wishful thinking of having a conducive place to study even during late nights.
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| small area with several private spaces |
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| lower space | upper space |
This unique cafe is located along Orosa Street, across Court of Appeals and just a few walks from Robinsons Place Manila - Faura exit. As it is on the second floor of a building and is not so visible to passers-by, frequent goers (usually students) refer to it as a "secret hideout". The place itself is not spacious but managed to create several private areas. I term it as "unique" as this is the first time I encountered a cafe with such concept. Each space has a mini table, a set of pillows and mats, lighting, and outlet. The overall tone is playful and light in hues of blue and green.
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| read, study, play, eat |
Though meant to be a study place, The Niche Cafe is not limited to students. Young professionals looking for a place to hangout or finish their work, or goers who wanted to enjoy board games and good drink/snacks are very much welcome here.
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| upper space | lower space |
The Niche Cafe serves coffee, frappe, milk tea, a variety of burgers, and other snacks such as fries and nachos. Just like the origin of the cafe name "niche", a biology term for an environment where one thrives, their burger are associated with scientists and may come in colorful buns.
Java Chip Frappe (16oz - 90Php, 22oz - 100Php)
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| Java Chip Frappe |
Overflowing whipped cream, chocolate chip topping, oozing chocolate syrup -- this Java Chip Frappe is not all about an enticing look as it tastes good as well! Coffee strength is evident but is well-balanced by the milk and the chocolate components. It convinced the no-longer-coffee-drinker in me to give coffee another chance, but it should be in this form and this taste.
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| Java Chip Frappe | Wintermelon Milk Tea |
Wintermelon Milk Tea (16oz - 80Php, 22oz - 90Php)
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| Wintermelon Milk Tea |
I no longer drink coffee but I love milk tea! The Niche Cafe's Wintermelon Milk Tea is something to look forward. I've tasted a lot of wintermelon milk teas from popular tea shops and this is something I would rank at a higher place. Most of those I've tasted are either too sweet or too strong. But this one is closer to wintermelon taste, at the same time, you know it is a milk tea. I like that the tea component is not overpowering the fruit flavor.
Oreo Frappe (16oz - 80Php, 22oz - 90Php)
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| Oreo Frappe |
Another delightful drink is this Oreo Frappe. If you love Oreo, and would want something with texture and non-coffee, this is a good option.
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| Everything for just a bit over Php500! |
Watson & Crick Cheeseburger with Bacon (110Php)
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| Watson & Crick Cheeseburger with Bacon |
What's a burger without bacon? Well, still a burger but man, bacon just makes everything special. And for Watson & Crick Cheeseburger with Bacon, there is a generous amount of crispy bacon that you'll definitely taste in every bite.
Newton Egg Burger with Cheese (75Php)
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| Newton Egg Burger with Cheese |
Rise and shine for this Newton Egg Burger with Cheese. For me, it's like a breakfast burger simply because of the egg part. Or it can also be your usual cheese burger made even more special with egg.
Aristotle Cheesy Mushroom Melt (120Php)
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| Aristotle Cheesy Mushroom Melt |
The Niche Cafe's line up of burgers are mostly a combination of ingredients. For instance, Hooke Egg Burger will have egg, Pasteur Cheeseburger will have cheese, while Newton Egg Burger with Cheese will have both. So this Aristotle Cheesy Mushroom Melt completely stood out for me as the ingredients are different. The cheese is what I really love here! It is almost at par with the mushroom melt burger of a popular American fast food restaurant.
Cheesy Fries (65Php)
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| Cheesy Fries |
Double cheese for this Cheesy Fries as it is not only covered in cheese powder but was also drizzled with cheese melt. Perfect to snack on while studying.
Cheesy Meaty Nachos (60Php)
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| Cheesy Meaty Nachos |
Cheesy Meaty Nachos is love! Of course, we do not expect authentic Mexican style nachos here. I would say that this is the kind of nachos suited to Filipino taste buds. The combination of mayo, ketchup, and cheese is a familiar taste to us -- simple, uncomplicated. But what made this awesome are the crunchy bacon bits! Those bacon bits made this snack so addicting munch after munch.
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| with the owners Mar Angelo Ramos and Kassandra Masa |
The Niche Cafe's style may be targeted for students but a lot of people would definitely find this place very useful and interesting. Although they have a (at least) one-order-per-person policy, it still amazes me how they managed to keep their menu affordable knowing they expect customers to stay for hours. Their snacks are simple joys but the drinks and the nachos are what I'll be back for.
The Niche Cafe
Second Floor, 1193 Building, Maria Orosa Street, Ermita, Manila
Disclaimer: I was invited as a blogger to feature this restaurant. I did not pay anything. Pictures with my watermark are mine.
