Sip & chill: Discover the coziest coffee shops in Gateway Mall 2

“Tara, kape!”

It’s a phrase that almost every Filipino has said or heard at some point. While it literally means “let’s grab some coffee,” it often carries a meaning that goes far beyond the drink itself. It could signal a quick break, a much-needed catch-up, or simply the fuel to power through a busy day.

Coffee moments are deeply personal: the aroma that perks one up, the warmth that feels like a mini-hug, or that first sip that makes everything seem a little better. They spark conversations, fuel productivity, and offer the perfect excuse to reconnect with friends, family, or colleagues.

Recognizing just how important these coffee rituals are, Araneta City has been stepping up its coffee scene. At Gateway Mall 2, visitors can find a mix of classic favorites, bold new experiments, and fun, Instagram-worthy drinks to suit every mood and personality.

Here’s a look at some coffee spots worth checking out — one of them might just become the next go-to “tara, kape” spot.

UCC

Ground Floor, The Lagoon

With roots tracing back to Osaka, UCC brings decades of Japanese coffee craftsmanship to every cup. Its syphon-brewed blends, like the smoky Sumiyaki, deliver a smooth richness that turns brewing into a performance. For something playful, the Kori Kohi serves frozen coffee cubes with milk poured over, letting the flavor intensify sip by sip. From classic lattes to indulgent creations like Brown Butter Latte, UCC is a must for those who want both tradition and innovation in one café.

 

Ya kun Kaya Toast

Upper Ground A , Gateway Mall 2 

Ya Kun Kaya Toast is a Singaporean classic that pairs bold kopi with its signature kaya toast, a combination that has charmed coffee lovers since the 1940s. The menu features variations like Kopi O for a strong, no-frills kick or Kopi C for something lighter and smoother. Value set meals make it easy to enjoy sandwiches alongside a drink, turning a coffee stop into a simple but satisfying meal. It’s a comforting taste of Singapore’s breakfast culture, right in Araneta City.

Sūg by Palm Grill

Upper Ground B, Palenque

Sūg by Palm Grill is a rare treat for those craving proudly Filipino flavors in their coffee. Helmed by Tausug chef Miggy Moreno, the café showcases the heritage of Sulu coffee, highlighted by the bold and smoky Kahawa Itum. Options like the creamy Mestizo or the sweetened Kahawa Malimu add comforting twists, whether served hot or iced. With prices starting at just ₱85, it’s an affordable way to sip Mindanao’s rich traditions without leaving the city.

Tindeli Filipino Deli & Cafe

Upper Ground B, Palenque

Chef Tatung Sarthou’s Tindeli blends comfort food and coffee with a distinctly Filipino flair. Using beans sourced from Mt. Apo, the café offers classics like Americano and Mocha alongside playful creations such as the Coconut Cream Latte and Cream Bru Lee Latte. What truly sets it apart, though, are its Pinoy pairings: the TINDESALs (giant pandesals with unique fillings) and a decadent Christmas Ensaymada with wood-smoked ham. It’s the kind of café where coffee feels right at home with hearty, nostalgic flavors.

MN+LA Artisan Café

Upper Ground B, inside MN+LA Quantum Skyview

Playful and modern, MN+LA Artisan Café is the place to go when one wants a coffee break to feel like a treat. Freezoccinos in flavors like Chocnut, Lotus Biscoff, and Coffee Jelly add a fun, dessert-like twist to the usual caffeine fix. For something refreshing, the Orange Espresso Fizz offers a zesty surprise that exceeds expectations. With drinks priced between ₱120 and ₱180, it’s a lively stop perfect for adventurous sippers (and Instagram feeds).

FR Coffee House

Level 2, inside Furniture Republic

FR Coffee House is a café hidden inside Furniture Republic, making it one of the mall’s quirkiest finds. Here, one can sip a cappuccino or latte while literally sitting on furniture that’s for sale, the chair where one is lounging in, or the table where one is holding a coffee could go home with. The drinks menu ranges from essentials like Americano to flavored picks like Hazelnut and Salted Caramel Latte. With pastries and sandwiches to match, it’s a coffee break that doubles as casual window-shopping.

Cong Cà Phê

Level 2

Cộng Cà Phê brings an authentic slice of Vietnam to Araneta City, complete with rustic interiors that feel like a nostalgic Hanoi home. Its signature phin-brewed coffee highlights bold flavors, whether one can choose the strong Đen (black coffee) or the sweeter, milk-layered Nâu. Standouts include coconut-based creations like the Coconut Coffee and Coconut Green Rice, drinks that are both indulgent and refreshing. With its cozy vibe and inventive menu, it’s a café that almost insists one to linger a little longer.

Piccola

Upper Ground B, Quantum Skyview

Fashion label Plains & Prints ventures into coffee with Piccola, a café that’s simple yet stylish. Beyond the classics, what makes it special are the plant-based specialty lattes, such as the mellow Banana Latte and the savory Sea Salt Latte. The Coffee Affogato—espresso poured over vanilla ice cream—bridges dessert and pick-me-up in one. Paired with croissants, sandwiches, or cakes, Piccola is proof that coffee breaks can be as chic as they are satisfying.

With its diverse lineup of cafés, Gateway Mall 2 proves that there’s always a new way to say, “Tara, kape.”