You might wonder why so many coffee and tea lover flock to the Philippines. It’s because the country is home to some of the best coffee and tea in the world! While there are many international chains that have recently opened up shop in the Philippines, there’s nothing quite like getting your caffeine fix from a local spot. It’s no surprise that filipino teas and coffees are some of the most popular in the world.
So whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or want to sit down and relax with a cup of tea, be sure to check out these local spots for the best coffee and filipino teas in the Philippines.
Difference between Coffee and Tea
Before we get into the best places for coffee and tea, let’s first address the difference between these two popular beverages. Knowing the difference between coffee and tea can help you choose the right drink for your mood and preferences. So here’s a quick rundown of the difference between coffee and tea:
-Coffee is made from coffee beans, which are roasted and then ground up. The resulting powder is mixed with hot water to create coffee. Coffee is typically stronger than tea and has more caffeine.
-Tea is made from Camellia Sinensis, a plant that is native to Asia. The leaves of this plant are dried and then steeped in hot water to create tea. Tea can be either caffeinated or decaffeinated, depending on the type of tea leaves used.
-Coffee is typically darker in color than tea.
-Coffee has a slightly bitter taste, while tea is more mellow and smooth.
-Unlike coffee, tea can be enjoyed both hot and cold.
-When it comes to caffeine, coffee has more than tea. A cup of coffee typically has around 100 milligrams of caffeine, while a cup of tea has around 50 milligrams.
Coffee and Tea Production in the Philippines
You might not know this, but the Philippines is actually one of the top coffee-producing countries in the world. In fact, the country produces over 60,000 metric tons of coffee each year! The Philippines is also the 8th largest tea-producing country in the world, with over 15,000 metric tons produced annually.
Most plantations in the country can be found in mountainous regions, as these areas offer the perfect climate for growing coffee and tea. The filipino teas and coffee are some of the best in the country and are exported all over the world.
If you’re interested in learning more about how coffee and tea are produced, be sure to check out one of the many plantations located throughout the Philippines. You can even participate in a tour and learn all about the process from start to finish.
What Makes Filipino Coffee and Tea Unique?
Now, what makes filipino coffee and tea so special? Let’s take a closer look at what makes these two beverages unique:
-The filipino teas are known for their smooth and mellow flavor. It is due to the fact that the filipino teas are made from young leaves, which are less bitter than older leaves.
-The filipino coffees are known for their rich and full-bodied flavor. This is thanks to the perfect climate and soil found in the Philippines, which helps the coffee beans to develop a strong flavor.
-You can find filipino coffee and tea all over the world, but there’s nothing quite like enjoying a cup of tea or coffee in the Philippines. The experience is truly unique and something that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
So whether you’re a coffee lover or tea drinker, be sure to check out the filipino teas and coffees during your next trip to the Philippines. You won’t be disappointed!
Different Types of Filipino Teas
You might be confused about why there are different types of filipino teas. After all, tea is tea, right? Well, not exactly. Just like coffee, there are different types of tea that come from different parts of the plant. The type of tea you drink can impact the flavor, caffeine content, and even the color of your beverage. Here’s a quick rundown of the different types of filipino teas:
➣Black Tea
Black tea is made from the Camellia Sinensis plant leaves. The leaves are allowed to oxidize, which gives the tea its signature black color. Black tea is typically stronger in flavor than other types of tea and has more caffeine. And unlike other types of tea, black tea is typically best enjoyed with milk and sugar.
You can find black tea all over the Philippines, but it’s especially popular in the southern regions of the country. It’s often served iced or hot and makes for a refreshing beverage on a hot day.
➣Green Tea
Green tea is made from the unoxidized Camellia Sinensis plant leaves. This type of tea is lighter in color and has a more delicate flavor than black tea. Green tea is also high in antioxidants and has many health benefits.
But what sets filipino green tea apart from other types of green tea is the fact that it’s made with young leaves. It gives the tea a smooth and mellow flavor that is perfect for those who don’t like bitter-tasting beverages.
➣Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is made from partially oxidized Camellia Sinensis plant leaves. This type of tea is somewhere in between black and green tea in terms of flavor and caffeine content. And like green tea, oolong tea is also rich in antioxidants and has many health benefits.
Filipino oolong tea is typically light and refreshing, with a slightly sweet taste. It’s a popular choice for those who want to enjoy a cup of tea without any milk or sugar.
➣Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is made from a variety of different plants, fruits, and herbs. This type of tea doesn’t contain any caffeine and is often used for its medicinal properties. What makes this type of tea so popular in the Philippines is the fact that it can be made with locally-grown ingredients.
If you’re looking for a filipino herbal tea, be sure to check out tsaoko tea. This type of tea is made from the leaves of the tsaoko plant, which is native to the Philippines. It’s often used to treat stomach problems and is said to have a calming effect on the body.
Different Types of Filipino Coffee
If you’re not a tea drinker, don’t worry – the Philippines has plenty of coffee to offer as well. Just like tea, there are different types of filipino coffee that come from different parts of the country. And each type of coffee has its own unique flavor and aroma. Here’s a quick rundown of the different types of filipino coffee:
➣Kapeng Barako
Kapeng barako is a type of coffee that is grown in the province of Batangas. This coffee is known for its strong flavor and aroma. It’s also one of the most expensive types of filipino coffee due to its limited availability.
If you’re looking for a truly unique coffee experience, be sure to check out kapeng barako. This type of coffee is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before.
➣Mountain Coffee
Mountain coffee is grown in the mountainous regions of the Philippines. This type of coffee is typically darker in color and has a more intense flavor than other types of filipino coffee. And because it’s grown at high altitudes, mountain coffee is also said to be higher in caffeine.
So if you’re looking for a strong and flavorful coffee, be sure to check out mountain coffee. This type of coffee is sure to give you the caffeine fix you need.
➣Arabica Coffee
Arabica coffee is a type of filipino coffee that is grown in the province of Benguet. This coffee is known for its smooth and mellow flavor as well as its distinctive aroma. Arabica coffee is also said to be lower in caffeine than other types of filipino coffee.
If you’re looking for a filipino coffee that is both flavorful and easy to drink, be sure to check out arabica coffee. This type of coffee is perfect for those who want to enjoy a cup of coffee without having to deal with the bitter taste.
Top 3 Spots for Coffee in the Philippines
Now that you know a bit about the different types of filipino coffee, it’s time to find out where you can get your hands on some of the best coffee in the Philippines. Here are three of the best spots for coffee in the Philippines:
🧡Ilocos Sur
Located in the northwestern region of the Philippines, Ilocos Sur is home to some of the best coffee in the country. The coffee here is known for its strong and distinct flavor. And because it’s grown in a relatively cool climate, the coffee beans here are said to be of higher quality than those grown in other parts of the country.
You can find plenty of cafes and coffee shops in Ilocos Sur that serve up fresh and delicious filipino coffee. And if you’re looking for a truly unique experience, be sure to check out the coffee plantations located in this region.
🧡Benguet
Located in the northern part of the Philippines, Benguet is another great spot for coffee. Unlike other parts of the country, the coffee here is more mellow in flavor. And because it’s grown at high altitudes, the coffee beans here are said to be of better quality.
Some of their Filipino coffee is also said to be lower in caffeine content. If you want to try a cup of Filipino coffee that’s both flavorful and easy to drink, be sure to include Benguet on your list of places to visit.
🧡Batangas
Another great spot for coffee is Batangas. When you think of Batangas, you probably think of kapeng barako. But this province is also home to some of the best Filipino coffee. The coffee here has various intense and bold flavors that are sure to please even the most discerning coffee drinker.
So whether you’re looking for something strong and bold or something smooth and mellow, be sure to check out Batangas. You’re sure to find the perfect Filipino coffee for your taste here.
Top 3 Spots for Tea in the Philippines
Now that you know a bit about the different types of filipino tea, it’s time to find out where you can get your hands on some of the best tea in the Philippines. Here are three of the best spots for tea in the Philippines:
🧡Baguio
Since Baguio is located in the northern part of the Philippines, it’s no surprise that you can find some of the best tea in this region. The cool climate here is perfect for growing high-quality tea leaves. And because of that, the tea here is said to be of better quality than tea is grown in other parts of the country.
But it’s not just the quality of the tea leaves that makes Baguio a great spot for tea. The tea here is also known for its great consistency and flavor. So if you’re looking for a cup of tea that’s both delicious and refreshing, be sure to check out Baguio.
🧡Davao
Davao, as a whole, is actually known for its coffee. But did you know that this region is also home to some of the best tea in the Philippines? In fact, the tea here is so good that it’s even exported to other countries.
Unlike other types of filipino tea, the tea here is more on the sweeter side. And because of that, it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a cup of tea without having to deal with the bitter taste.
🧡Cebu
Located in the central part of the Philippines, Cebu is another great spot for tea. Here, you can find both local and imported tea. And because Cebu is such a popular tourist destination, you can be sure that the tea here is of good quality and served with a smile.
You can pair your tea with some of the delicious food that Cebu has to offer. Or you can just enjoy a cup of tea on its own. Either way, you’re sure to have a great time in Cebu.
How to Make the Perfect Cup of Filipino Coffee
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect cup of Filipino coffee, look no further. Here’s how to make the perfect cup of Filipino coffee:
✔Choose your beans.
One of the most important things you need to do when making coffee is to choose the right beans. For Filipino coffee, we recommend using arabica beans. These beans are known for their strong flavor and rich aroma.
If you can’t find arabica beans, you can also use robusta beans. But keep in mind that these beans are more bitter and have less flavor. And because of that, they’re not as popular among coffee drinkers.
And if you’re not into raw coffee beans, you can also use ground coffee. Just make sure to choose a brand that’s of good quality. Some of our favorites include illy and Lavazza.
✔Grind your beans.
Once you’ve chosen your beans, it’s time to grind them. You can use a coffee grinder to do this. But if you don’t have one, you can also use a food processor or even a mortar and pestle.
When grinding your beans, it’s important not to overdo it. You want to grind them just enough so that they’re in a powder form. If you grind them too much, they’ll be too fine and will result in a bitter cup of coffee.
✔Brew your coffee.
Now that your beans are ground, it’s time to brew your coffee. If you’re using a coffee maker, follow the instructions on how to brew coffee. But if you’re making coffee manually, here’s how to do it.
First, boil some water and let it cool for about 30 seconds. Then, pour the water into a pot or French press. Next, add your ground coffee to the water. After that, let the coffee steep for about 4 minutes.
✔Add sugar and milk.
After 4 minutes, your coffee should be ready. But before you enjoy it, don’t forget to add sugar and milk to taste. For Filipino coffee, we recommend using condensed milk as it gives the coffee a richer flavor.
For a more traditional cup of coffee, you can also use evaporated milk. But if you want to keep things simple, you can just use regular milk. And there you have it! The perfect cup of Filipino coffee.
How to Make the Perfect Cup of Filipino Tea
The process of making tea is pretty similar to that of coffee. But there are a few things you need to keep in mind if you want to make the perfect cup of filipino tea.
✔Choose your tea leaves.
When it comes to tea, there are many different types of leaves you can choose from. For Filipino tea, we recommend using black tea leaves. These leaves are known for their bold flavor and rich aroma.
If you can’t find black tea leaves, you can also use green or white tea leaves. But keep in mind that these leaves are more delicate and have a more subtle flavor. And if you’re not into loose tea leaves, you can also use tea bags.
✔Boil water and let it cool.
Once you’ve chosen your tea leaves, it’s time to brew your tea. First, you need to boil some water. But before you add the tea leaves, let the water cool for about 30 seconds. It will prevent the leaves from getting burned. After that, pour the water into a pot o teapot.
✔Add the tea leaves.
Next, add your tea leaves to the water. If you’re using loose tea leaves, we recommend using two tablespoons for every cup of water. And if you’re using tea bags, we recommend using one bag for every cup of water.
✔Let the tea steep.
After that, let the tea steep for about 3-5 minutes. The longer you let it steep, the stronger the flavor will be.
✔Add your favorite toppings.
Once your tea is ready, it’s time to add your favorite toppings. You can add some milk, sugar, or honey to taste. You can also add some lemon or lime if you want a little bit of citrus flavor.
Best Time to Visit the Philippines for Coffee and Tea Lovers
While you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea any time of year, there are certain times of the year when the experience is even better. For coffee lovers, the best time to visit the Philippines is during the harvest season, which runs from November to February. During this time, you’ll be able to see how coffee is grown and harvested.
You’ll also be able to try some of the best coffee in the world as the beans are at their freshest. For tea lovers, the best time to visit the Philippines is during the summer months of March to May. This is when you’ll be able to try some of the most popular Filipino teas like tsaoko and balangay.
And if you’re not available during those times of the year, don’t worry. You can still enjoy a cup of coffee or tea any time you visit the Philippines. Regardless of when you visit, you’re sure to have a great time.
How to Take Your Coffee and Tea Experience to the Next Level
Now, if you’re looking for a truly unique coffee and tea experience, you can try some tips from the experts. Here are a few things you can do to take your coffee and tea experience to the next level.
👍Visit a coffee plantation or tea farm.
One of the best ways to learn about coffee and tea is to visit a plantation or farm. This way, you’ll be able to see how the beans are grown and harvested. You’ll also be able to learn about the different types of coffee and tea. And if you’re lucky, you might even be able to try some of the beans or leaves right from the source.
If you’re interested in visiting a coffee plantation, we recommend checking out the Philippines’ very own Coffee Science Center. For tea lovers, we recommend visiting the Balangay Tea Plantation in Benguet.
👍Take a coffee or tea brewing class.
Another great way to improve your coffee and tea experience is to take a brewing class. This way, you’ll be able to learn about the different ways to brew coffee and tea. You’ll also be able to taste some of the different brews.
If you’re interested in taking a coffee brewing class, we recommend checking out the Coffee Academy. For tea lovers, we recommend checking out the Tea Institute of the Philippines.
👍Join a coffee or tea tasting tour.
Another thing you can do to take your coffee and tea experience to the next level is to join a tasting tour. Some things you can expect to do on a coffee or tea tasting tour include an introduction to different brewing methods and cupping sessions.
What’s more? A lot of these tours also come with a food pairing. So you’ll be able to try some delicious Filipino dishes with your coffee or tea. You might find that certain flavors go better with certain dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Which is better: coffee or tea?
This is a question that has been debated for centuries, and there is no clear answer. It really depends on your personal preferences. Some people prefer the taste of coffee, while others prefer tea. There are also those who enjoy both equally.
2.What makes Filipino coffee and tea unique?
One of the things that make Filipino coffee and tea unique is the climate. The Philippines has a warm climate which is ideal for growing coffee and tea. Additionally, the country has a rich history when it comes to coffee and tea.
3.Is it okay to drink coffee or tea while pregnant?
While there is no definitive answer, it is generally advisable to limit your intake of caffeine while pregnant. So if you’re pregnant and looking to drink coffee or tea, we recommend consulting with your doctor first.
4.How much caffeine is in coffee and tea?
The amount of caffeine in coffee and tea can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of bean or leaf used, the brewing method, and the length of time the coffee or tea is brewed. However, on average, coffee contains more caffeine than tea.
5.How can I make my coffee or tea taste better?
There are a few things you can do to make your coffee or tea taste better. One is to use fresh beans or leaves. Another is to experiment with different brewing methods. And lastly, you can try adding some flavorings like milk, sugar, or spices.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer coffee or tea, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your favorite beverage. And if you’re looking to take your coffee and tea experience to the next level, we recommend trying some of the tips from this article. From visiting a plantation or farm to taking a brewing class or joining a tasting tour, the Philippines has a lot to offer when it comes to coffee and tea. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring today! For more Philippine getaway ideas, check out our list of the best things to do in the Philippines. And if you’re looking for more travel inspiration, make sure to follow our site!
