This Former Sari-Sari Store in Rizal is Now a Japanese-Inspired Coffee Shop

Filipinos have a knack for turning something old and used into something modern and charming. This is exactly what Typica Coffee Drew Magana founder did when he transformed a sari-sari store into a Japanese-inspired coffee shop in Rizal.

Located in Taytay, Typica Coffee banks on simplicity or shibui, a common style of Japanese architecture and interior design. “[It] denotes a subtle and unobtrusive style that quietly draws attention to itself,” one of its Facebook posts said.

While other cafés are decked in warm and dark colours to provide a soothing experience, Typica Coffee is dominantly white in its overall design, just like a lot of the quaint cafés in Japan. This gives it an uncluttered appearance. There’s also an alfresco dining area which is ideal during the pandemic.

Also read: 12 Relaxing Cafes in Antipolo to Escape Manila’s Busy City Life

How this charming coffee shop in Taytay came to be

Typica Coffee had its former home in Antipolo. Like many establishments of its kind, the branch closed down due to the pandemic after being open for just a few months. During quarantine, Magana made an effort to study more about coffee and create different coffee recipes.

The former Starbucks barista then started selling his coffee products online, from where he was able to grow funds to build the new Taytay branch. According to an interview by Manila Bulletin, it took Magana a month to reconstruct the sari-sari store in his neighbourhood.

Also read: 17 Picturesque Cafes Worth the Road Trip from Manila

What you can buy from Typica Coffee

Among the beverages you can buy in the two-storey Taytay branch are brewed coffee for ₱60 and cold brew, which is freshly made and bottled, for ₱70. Best-sellers include caramel and hazelnut for ₱90 each, and mocha for ₱100. They also sell white mocha and caramel macchiato for ₱100 each.

To go with your choice of drink, you can try their best-selling Cheese Tart and Basque Cheesecake. There’s also the Hokkaido Cheese Tart, Nutty Brownies, and more.

Typica Coffee had their soft opening earlier this month and will officially launch on 14 Nov 2020. When visiting, remember to wear your face mask and maintain social distancing. You can visit this amazing new coffee shop in Taytay at 72 E. Rodriguez Avenue in Barangay San Isidro from 10am to 10pm daily.

All images credited to Typica Coffee | Official Facebook Page