From morning rituals to mid-day pick-me-ups, coffee has become a beloved staple around the world. But behind every cup lies a rich history, fascinating varietals, and evolving methods that have transformed coffee culture as we know it.
☕ A Brief History of Coffee
Coffee traces its roots back to the 9th century in Ethiopia, where legend tells of a goat herder named Kaldi who noticed his goats becoming unusually energetic after eating berries from a certain tree. Word spread, and eventually coffee found its way to the Arabian Peninsula, where it became a vital part of daily life and social culture.
By the 15th century, coffee was being cultivated and traded across the Islamic world. Coffeehouses, known as qahveh khaneh, emerged as important community hubs. Eventually, coffee reached Europe and Asia, becoming a global phenomenon and a symbol of comfort, connection, and creativity.
🌱 Coffee Varietals: Arabica vs Robusta
There are many coffee species, but two dominate the global market:
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Arabica (Coffea arabica): Known for its smooth, nuanced flavors, lower caffeine content, and bright acidity. Grown in high elevations, Arabica beans are delicate and require precise growing conditions.
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Robusta (Coffea canephora): Higher in caffeine, bolder in taste, and often more bitter, Robusta beans are hardier and more resistant to pests.
Arabica accounts for about 60–70% of global coffee production and is favored for premium and specialty coffee due to its complexity and flavor profile.
🌟 What is Specialty Coffee?
Specialty coffee refers to the highest quality beans, typically Arabica, sourced through meticulous farming, harvesting, and roasting practices. These beans are graded and scored for flavor, aroma, and body — only the top scoring beans are considered “specialty.”
The majority of specialty coffee blends feature Arabica beans due to their refined acidity, floral notes, and layered complexity — a stark contrast to commercial-grade blends that often rely on Robusta.
🇵🇭 Coffee Culture in the Philippines:
The Philippines has a long-standing relationship with coffee — in fact, it’s one of the few countries that produces both Arabica and Robusta beans. Today, as third-wave coffee shops flourish, Filipinos are becoming more discerning with their brews — favoring origin-specific beans, lighter roasts, and balanced flavor profiles.
At Dylan Patisserie, we’re proud to contribute to this growing appreciation for specialty coffee in Manila.
🔄 Popular Brewing Methods:
How a coffee is brewed plays a big role in how it tastes. Here’s a look at a few café favorites:
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Espresso – Rich, concentrated, and the foundation of lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites.
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Pour Over – Clean and bright; a method that highlights the bean’s flavor clarity.
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French Press – Immersion-style brew with a full-bodied, rich taste.
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Cold Brew – Steeped in cold water for 12–24 hours; smooth, low in acidity, and refreshing.
At Dylan, our baristas are trained to bring out the best in every cup — from silky espresso to slow-brewed perfection.
☕ Coffee at Dylan Patisserie:
At Dylan Patisserie, we’re more than just handcrafted cakes and pastries — we’re also one of the rising destinations for the best coffee in Manila.
Aside from our signature whole cakes and French-inspired patisserie, our patrons love our coffee. We’re a go-to Manila specialty café for those looking to unwind, work remotely, or catch up with friends and family over a sweet treat and a perfectly brewed cup.
We proudly serve specialty-grade coffee using a unique blend of Arabica beans designed for balanced acidity and body — smooth enough for black coffee, rich enough for espresso-based drinks.
📍 Visit Us: Enjoy a cup of coffee at Dylan Patisserie
Unwind at any of our beautiful locations and experience one of the best cafés in Manila for cake and coffee:
✨ Find Your Perfect Pairing
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, taking a well-deserved break, or simply love a great cup of coffee, Dylan Patisserie offers a premium café experience — from the first sip to the last bite.
