In the food industry, a “hidden gem” has come close to buzzword status. But with the rise of secret haunts tucked beneath unassuming places, the name has now bloomed into something much more literal. If local bars inside convenience stores had viral moments years back, the spotlight is now shed on quaint cafés behind secret gates. And like most things these days, it’s partly thanks to TikTok.
What You Need to Know About “Secret” Aesthetic Spot Ito Kish Cafe
In a video with now more than 1.2. million views, TikTok user @soaaap.mp4's search for a café turned into a confusing yet hilarious scavenger hunt, when she and her friends ended up in a “warehouse parking space” right next to a gas station.
After receiving directions from the café and deciding to “follow the nature” for signs of life, they spotted a doorway with “How are you today?” greeting its guests. There, they finally found their destination, as a moody entrance unveiled an artisan coffee haunt.
The café in question is the brainchild of Ito Kish, the celebrated Filipino furniture designer and interior design consultant. Known to be a visual storyteller with his works, the ride to the café makes a fun tale in itself, if the viral video isn’t proof enough.
“Your landmark is the dark brown gate (excuse the not-so-nice gate) right after the Shell station on the left if you are coming from Rockwell, which is just about 500 meters away,” the official directions read. “Once you see Shell, slow down and make a right signal to the gate, HONK! And the door will open. If asked, say you are going to ITO KISH.”
Inside, the café is every bit of Ito Kish’s design DNA. Like the entrance, greenery and tiny trees surround its minimalist, no-nonsense interior. Visitors will spot the wall of menu tags, which display the café’s varied drink and snack offerings. They can then bring it to the cashier, but they shouldn’t miss the nugget of wisdom and insightful advice written behind each tag.
Ito Kish’s drink menu ranges from fizzy favorites to old-school brews. Concoctions like the Mojicap (P170) offer a subtle buzz with its honey and lime espresso tonic mix.
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The espresso (P120), on the other hand, is a bespoke blend that is 100 percent Filipino coffee. Pro tip: For an added slice of info, the café suggests asking their barista about its origins and tasting notes.
Seeking something more on the icy side? Ito Kish Café takes a page out of their founder’s hometown in San Pablo City, Laguna with the Pandin (P180), an iced drink that combines nata de coco, coffee, and a helping of sweet coconut milk.
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Their drinks are paired well with their slew of baked goods, fresh from the ovens of small local bakeries. Get nostalgic about panaderya and small-town merienda favorites with bread like the Kalihim (P50).
The visit doesn’t stop at the café, either. Adjacent to the food hub is the Ito Kish store, where guests can take in the artist’s spin on Filipino craftsmanship. A fitting way to wrap up a trip!
Ito Kish Café is located at 1120 JP Rizal Avenue, Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City. Starting February 2023, the café is open from Fridays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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