Marikina is no stranger to diverse cuisines, as the city is home to nearly every Asian cuisine imaginable, and Ca Phe Saigon is no exception. At first glance, the name seems to be a play on words, but it is not. "Cà phê" is the Vietnamese word for coffee, and Saigon refers to the name of the city itself in its early incarnation.
Ca Phe
Saigon is the go-to spot for authentic Vietnamese specialties in Marikina, as
you probably already know. Believe it or not, the Café has already reached its 11th
year in business since 2014 and has survived the pandemic by adjusting with the
times and technology.
The
establishment's humble origins in Marikina continue to be a favorite among
residents, but it has since expanded to Antipolo and Mandaluyong, and soon
Tagaytay.
Concept and Inspiration:
The
inspiration for Ca Phe Saigon came from Chef George and Apple
Bonifacio’s mother (bro and sis), and family matron, Mary Rose Bonifacio
(Huynh Thi Houng, dec. 2024), who has introduced the taste of Vietnam in
Marikina, and thus kept its authenticity through the years. The logo, a
silhouette integrated into the Ca Phe Saigon name, is inspired by the
matron herself on her bike, wearing Vietnam’s national costume called Áo dài.
The café and
the coffee's name itself pay tribute to the thriving coffee culture of Saigon,
which has been shaped by the city's history as a major commerce hub and its
French colonial past. The coffee grounds are soaked in boiling water through a
small metal filter known as a phin, which is a distinctive method of
preparing Vietnamese coffee, especially Cà phê Sài Gòn. Believe it or not, the
distinctive coffee grounds of CPS are still imported all the way from Vietnam.
That’s authenticity for you.
The method,
in conjunction with the inclusion of sweetened condensed milk (in varieties
such as cà phê sữa), has resulted in the popularity of Cà phê Sài Gòn on a
global scale. This blend produces a strong and concentrated brew that just
works with the sweetness of condensed milk.
Ambiance/Art
Inspiration of Restaurant Interior:
Vietnamese street food culture is brought indoors to this
intimate café. Picture a cozy, inviting setting where every nook and cranny
begs for a chat, and the aroma of steaming banh mi, fresh spring rolls,
and fragrant pho would be served. Flavorful, simple, and full of
life—just like the streets of Vietnam, but served to you at your table.
Resto
Format:
Dine in and
Online delivery is available via Grab, Food Panda.
Quirk:
Their
catchphrase, "farm-to-fork freshness," stems from the wide use
of fresh herbs and vegetables on their menu.
Chef
George himself intimated that
they have their own small garden of herbs and some notable vegetables that are
cultivated and grown in the vicinity of Ca Phe Saigon. Additionally,
first-time customers might think the café's entry is where the marquis sign is,
but in fact, after you go through the overhead door, the actual entrance is
just on your right.
Furthermore,
don't get confused if you see the Sweet Apples Creation name
next to the Ca Phe Saigon sign, as the former was the first restaurant
establishment to be built before CPS first opened.
- Where: #14 Red Cedar Street, Marikina City, Philippines
- Contact: 09267342630/ 86461438; caphesaigonhq@gmail.com
- Typical spend: ₱200–₱500 per person
Management:
Mrs. Apple
Delos Santos, General Manager and Company Head.
Mr. George
Bonifacio, Head Chef, Co-owner and Product Development Head.
Specialties
- Pho: a classic Vietnamese noodle
soup made with fresh ingredients and flavorful broth.
- Bahn Mi: A Vietnamese sub and sandwich
filled with various meats, pickled vegetables, and cilantro, served on a
crispy baguette.
- Bun Thit Cha Gio: A dish featuring vermicelli
noodles, springy and crunchy textures, with sweet, tangy, and peanutty
flavors.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh, fried, or steamed options
available. Filled with shrimp, vegetables, or chicken.
- Vietnamese Coffee: Strong and sweetened with
condensed milk served hot or iced.
Check other options from their Resto Menu…
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