Highlands Coffee

Whenever I go to my store in Jollibee Plaza I pass by a sign “Highlands Coffee Opening Soon” and since I am a coffee addict I was very excited.

Highlands Coffee, a Vietnamese import, opened their latest branch at Eton Emerald Lofts on the same street as Jollibee Plaza and only a 1 minute walk away.

It’s summer in Manila and it’s hot, hot, hot so I ordered the Cafe Sua Da or iced coffee with condensed milk.

Highlands Coffee menu (click to enlarge)

cakes & pastries

I liked the open display of their sandwiches, salads, pasta and drinks. It reminded me of Pret A Manger.

sandwiches, salads, pasta

The sweet potato chips caught my interest but I found the very light bag too expensive at P75. I will try it one of these days if I can find it in the supermarket. Click here for Annette’s Kamote Crunch Facebook page.

Anette’s Kamote Crunch

The premium three cheese sandwich looks interesting.

I also want to try the rosemary chicken sandwich and smoked salmon egg salad sandwich.

I ordered my iced coffee to go. I was surprised that they poured my coffee from a pitcher instead of making it from a Vietnamese drip filter (cà phê phin). Maybe they just use it for dine in orders. I was also initially dismayed that P119 (US$3) got me only half a small cup of coffee and lots of ice.

I changed my opinion as soon as I took a sip. Oh boy was it strong and sweet!! I take my coffee strong, I also enjoy drinking espresso with a dash of cream and sugar so I’m definitely not a coffee wimp but this coffee was so strong I had to wait for some of the ice to melt. I wanted to do the happy dance with every sip. Next time I will just request for less condensed milk since it was a tad too sweet for me.

Even though the coffee was strong it lacked aroma or any distinct flavor nuance. I don’t mind though since the strength was enough to give me my morning wake up shot and more.

Note: The manager told me I wasn’t allowed to take pictures thankfully after I’ve finished taking all these shots. He claimed, “We have to protect our store identity.” I found that strange since any industrial spy can just enter any of their stores to look at anything they want. I guess they don’t understand the benefit of free advertising from blogs like mine. Oh well….

This was the only the second time in my 4 years of blogging that I’ve been told not to take pictures. Both times in the Philippines.

Highlands Coffee
Emerald Eton Loft
F. Ortigas Jr. Rd. (Emerald Ave. cor Garnet Road) 
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
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