Cubao Foodserye | Cakes and Craft Beer at Cab Cafe

Araneta Center in Cubao is a grand transportation terminal – from the LRT, buses, jeepneys, and vans. It's where travelers and commuters converge. But this place also offers more than just a way to get to places; it's also a great destination for foodies.

Located along Manhattan Row, a few strides from the Kia Theater, Cab Cafe is a cozy foodscape serving a wide selection of cakes and pastries. 

The branch is actually the second one; the first being in Kapitolyo in Pasig. I've also been to the Kapitolyo branch and this one in Cubao is nicer-looking when it comes to the space. It's simple yet posh, like Starbucks if it's less intimidating and has a red color scheme.

The moment you enter Cab Cafe's premises, you'll be welcomed by a glass display case of all things yummy and sweet. All of which looks delicious.

Luckily, we got to try most of their offerings. We were served Mini Sansrival (Php130), Choco Almond (Php150), Tiramisu (Php120), Mini Turtle (Php130), Blueberry Cheesecake (Php92/slice), White Chocolate Cheesecake, Mini Moist (Php130), Mini Sinful Php140), and Mini Berry Yogurt Cheesecake (Php135). 

My favorites, however, are the Mango Cheesecake (Php91/slice), and the Napoleones. The former is refreshing and is just the right amount of sweet – a great way to highlight our beloved mango. The latter's also delicious. Crusty on the outside, creamy and custardy on the inside, it goes well with tea. Or beer, if you feel like it. 

Cab Cafe also carries Bogsbrew– a craft beer from Negros, one of the first ones in the country. I had a taste of it and it's fruity. You could recognize muscovado sugar on its undertones. Surprisingly nice to pair with cakes. 

Additionally, aside from these, Cab Cafe also serves traditional Bacolod dishes like LaPaz Batchoy and Chicken Inasal. Owner Mark Magalona is originally from there hence the influence.

Cab Cafe's staff knows patrons appreciate a kind of distance so it's great that they're not very fussy. They're helpful and accommodating, sure, but what I like is that they seem to understand the kind of crowd they attract – the kind that wants either a quiet alone time or an intimate meeting with friends and colleagues. The whole place just seem very thoughtful. 

Honestly, the first time I went to Cab Cafe, I wasn't happy with the tiramisu. But that was my mistake, not theirs. I was expecting something sweet but I ended up with something bitter and coffee-like (which, I know, is how it's supposed to taste but I was a noob so forgive me). Good thing I was able to try their other offerings because those Napoleones are the bomb. And that craft beer is actually quite nice too. 

Mode of Payment: Cash, Card

Parking: Street, Mall (at nearby Gateway or Alimall)

Wi-fi: Yes

S - 002, Manhattan Tower 2, 22 General Malvar Ave Cubao, Quezon City

+63 2 332 0608

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9AM to 9PM

Want in on more awesome places to eat? Check out these Foodscapades.