When you hear Binondo, your mind probably goes straight to dimsum, beef noodles, and egg tarts—and rightly so. We’re proud of the long history behind the world’s oldest Chinatown and the rich food heritage that fuels its thriving food crawl culture. But in recent years, this district has quietly started brewing something different: a growing café scene.

No more gatekeeping! Hidden along the busy streets is a new wave of coffee shops offering solid coffee selections, cozy atmospheres, and modern aesthetics. Here are five café stops worth adding to your next Binondo food trip.

5 Cafes Worth Adding to Your Binondo Food Trip List 

Apologue Coffee and Pastry

Location: 934 Benavidez St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila

Facebook: Apologue Coffee and Pastry 

Instagram: @apologueph

Credits to @apologueph on Instagram 

Cozy, homey, and warm—this is what it feels like to walk into Apologue, tucked among the old buildings of Benavidez Street. You’re welcomed by the hum of happy conversations, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, and the friendliest baristas in the area. Pieces of Binondo’s identity are scattered around the space, from photo displays, to merch, to a wall mural designed by Manila Girls.

Credits to @monicupps on Instagram 

You can tell that Apologue takes its coffee seriously. Whether you go for a well-balanced Americano or their playful, Binondo-inspired creations like the Pei Pa Koa drink, every cup is crafted with thought.

And don’t sleep on the pastries—their huge see-through kitchen on the second floor that is visible from the entrance is where the magic happens. We are talking about palm-sized cookies, moist tres leches, and a tiramisu that really stands out. 

The Den Manila 

Location: HUB Make Lab, First United Building, 413 Escolta St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila

Facebook: The Den 

Instagram: @thedenmanila 

Credits to @thedenmanila on Instagram  

Housed inside the historic First United Building on Escolta, The Den is a hidden gem well worth the detour, a familiar home for artists and creatives. Rustic yet modern, the space complements The Hub’s creative energy like an extension of Escolta’s cultural revival. It’s perfect for quiet work sessions or slow mornings surrounded by art, culture, and inspiration.

Credits to @coffeeartchitect__ on Instagram  

Their artisan coffee selection showcases Philippine beans sourced from local farmers. A personal favorite is the Berg’s: a blend of espresso, coconut milk, and muscovado syrup—named after the iconic department store that once occupied the space where HUB Make Lab now stands.

Owned by the Sylianteng family, Berg’s closed its doors in 1982, but its spirit lives on in this creative space that supports local artists and revives the charm of Manila’s once-thriving shopping district. Truly a must-try! 

Credits to @thedenmanila on Instagram  

Sun Cafe Manila  

Location: 586 Quintin Paredes, Cor Ongpin St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila

Facebook: Sun Cafe Manila 

Instagram: @suncafe.manila 

 

Credits to @suncafe.manila on Instagram  

Alt Text: Sun Cafe exterior and signage  
File Name: Sun Cafe exterior and signage (C) @suncafe.manila

 

Nestled at the corner of Ongpin and Quintin Paredes, right across Binondo Church, Sun Cafe Manila stands out like a breath of fresh air. 

Bright, polished, and charming, the space leans more “BGC brunch spot” than “Chinatown heritage cafe,” which is exactly what makes it a pleasant surprise. Its clean interiors, warm wooden accents, and well-decorated corners make it an ideal setting for everything from catching up with friends to solo coffee journaling.

Credits to @epakg.ph on Instagram  

Alt Text: Sun Cafe interior and seats 
File Name: Sun Cafe interior and seats (C) @epakg.ph

Their drink menu leans trendy but well-executed. You’ll find your usual espresso favorites, plus crowd-pleasers like Spanish lattes and creamy matcha blends. And if you’re looking to go beyond coffee and sweets, they also offer hearty brunch plates and rice meals that don’t disappoint.

Beanstro Coffee  

Location: Tytana Plaza Building, Binondo, Manila

Facebook: Beanstro Coffee 

Instagram: @beanstro.coffee

Credits to @monologueincolor on Instagram   

From food truck beginnings to a full-blown café, Beanstro Coffee is a new neighborhood favorite along Tytana Street. Its bold orange door is hard to miss, and it hints at what’s inside: a retro space carefully curated that is great to work in, catch up with friends, or enjoy a relaxing afternoon. 

Credits to @beanstro.coffee on Instagram   

Their food and beverage lineup is standard but playful–from the dependable espresso options to standout pastries and hearty meals, to their seasonal offers that reflect their creative flair. It’s the kind of spot you stumble into once and find yourself coming back to, again and again. 

CBK Cafe Manila   

Location: Roofdeck A, CBK Building, 493 Quintin Paredes, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila

Facebook: CBK Cafe Manila

Instagram: @cbkcafemanila

Credits to @anneventuress on Instagram   

You do not have to go far to experience a nice rooftop cafe. Located at the very top of the CBK Building, this Binondo cafe gives you a rare view of the old from above. The view? Vintage rooftops, church domes, and the Manila crowd unfolding below.

Credits to @ang3lcastro1011 on Instagram   

You cannot go wrong with CBK Café’s trusty menu from familiar drinks to a selection of light snacks and pastries that complement each other. Whether you choose to sit inside the sunlit lounge or grab a spot on the outdoor deck, it’s a wonderful experience either way. 

 

Don’t Miss These Coffee Shops on Your Binondo Food Trip

The emergence of these cafés doesn’t replace what Binondo is known for. Rather, it adds a new layer to its charm. Whether you’re a heritage foodie, a coffee lover, or just someone looking for a quiet corner to unwind, Binondo’s growing café scene offers something refreshingly different.

After lining up for dumplings or hunting for hopia, consider grabbing a cup from these coffee shops! Stay a while, and savor the blend of old and new. See for yourself how Binondo is not just about bao; it’s also starting to offer good brews!

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