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The great Anthony Trollope once pondered, “What on earth could be more luxurious than a sofa, a book, and a cup of coffee?”
How about enjoying a cheapo cup in a 19th century ancestral home?
If that sounds like your cup of tea, we’ve got three words for you: Kasa Antigua Cafe.
A gem in a small town
Tucked in sleepy Cajigas Street in Cavite City, Kasa Antigua stands out with its quaint brand of hip: small, capiz panels, antique door, a countertop from recycled wood sourced from a junk shop – all located on the ground floor of an old wooden house, that, as one patron recalls, “seemed ready to give up.”
The house is owned by Ivan Reyes’ family, half of the duo that envisioned and founded the cafe. As with the case of his childhood friend Darlon Castor, the pandemic has forced Reyes out of employment, and in April this year, the two concocted a plan to turn part of Reyes’ home into a cafe.
Castor, who worked as a barista, is responsible for handcrafting the cafe’s specialty brews. Meanwhile, Reyes, whose experience includes a kitchen stint in a passenger ship, labors on the cafe’s well-loved snacks and sandwiches. With their combined experiences, the cafe quickly amassed a dedicated following and now sells over 100 cups of coffee in a single day.
Great-tasting yet affordable offerings
As a neighborhood coffee joint, Kasa Antigua keeps its offerings high-quality and the prices pocket-friendly. Most of their caffeinated drinks sell for P60 for an 8oz cup up to P115 (16 oz), and can be enjoyed either hot or cold.
They offer hot and iced coffee, flavored coffee; and specialty coffee from Bukidnon, Atok in Benguet, and Mt. Apo (all available for P110). Non-caffeinated drinks like chocolate, caramel latte, matcha, and milk, are also available.
Add-ons such as mocha espresso, chocolate, and steamed milk can be requested as well. The cafe sources their beans from homegrown brands like Crescendo, in an effort to also support the local economy.
Enjoying their brews in their modest storefront is an experience in itself, of course, but for those who can’t (or won’t) go out, they also deliver bottled coffee – a line called Monster Brew, created by Castor himself.
The cafe’s beverages are best paired with their best-selling Romaine salad (P55) and grilled sandwiches (cheese or tuna at P55, and chicken ham or chicken cheese at P60). Their French Toast, which come in Classic, Choco Hazelnut, Banana brulee, and Blueberry flavors (P65 to P75 each), are a hit, too.
If you ever find yourself in Cavite, craving local brews, this is one cafe you shouldn’t miss.
The Essentials
- Business name: Kasa Antigua Cafe
- Address: 1013 Cajigas St. Caridad, Cavite City 4100 Cavite, Philippines
- Contact: 0965 277 3557
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kasaantiguacafe
- Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/4w5YubJxkkdZWUcGA
