It has been close to 10 years since I first tasted Blugre Coffee in Davao City, the place where it all began. Now, the coffee chain is up for bigger things and will be opening three branches in Metro Manila this week alone. Way to go!
Yesterday, I attended the launch of the first Blugre Coffee in Manila which is right within the confines of Malacañang Palace itself, near St. Jude Catholic School. It is all quite symbolic since President Duterte, as well know, was Davao City Mayor for a long time.
“Davao City is now in the national spotlight. We’ve put off expanding for so long, but now we think it’s a good time for Blugre to go to Manila,” said owners Benjamin and Victoria Cuaresma.
The Malacañang and BGC branches have been franchised to the Kapandesal Multi-Purpose Cooperative. The interiors are bathed in wood and gray. Wood because Blugre is proudly an all-Filipino coffee chain serving varieties you can’t find anywhere else. It became famous for its durian coffee, but it also offers rice and mangosteen coffee.
For those in Manila and have not tasted this in coffee, Blugre’s specialty Durian Coffeeccino is a must-try. This would be a good introduction to tasting just a hint of durian in your beverage, without the funky smell and after-taste.
But I must say I really loved Dutertea, a creamy concoction of durian and matcha (green tea). It’s like ice cream in a cup, quite heavenly because the sweetness is mild and yet, it’s all so pleasant. I didn’t notice I was on my second cup already.
Aside from the drinks, Blugre serves an assortment of pastas and sandwiches just like any coffeeshop. The sweets are worth trying. I heard the durian cheesecake is very good, but it wasn’t available during our visit.
The corner shelf also had these interesting takeaway items like durian jam, durian chips and coffee wine, among others.
Here’s part of the beverage menu. I would recommend the Durian Artic Blast for a different experience. Average price range for drinks is from P110 to P175.
Blugre BGC, opening tomorrow, Feb. 10 is at the South of Market while Blugre at Club Manila East in Taytay, Rizal opens on Feb. 12.
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