Candid Coffee has opened its 11th branch at SM North EDSA, marking a new chapter for the homegrown specialty coffee brand as it deepens its commitment to Philippine-grown coffee and locally inspired flavors.
As Candid Coffee celebrates its ninth year, the brand is revisiting one of the ideas that shaped its beginnings: serving more locally sourced coffee and helping more people discover the potential of Philippine beans. This direction, reflected in this year’s theme, “Going Back to Our Roots,” was inspired by the team’s recent farm trips to Mt. Apo and Bukidnon.
Seeing firsthand the passion and progress of local coffee producers renewed the team’s excitement about Philippine coffee. While sourcing local beans that consistently met the brand’s quality standards was challenging when Candid Coffee started, the industry has made significant progress over the past nine years.
A space inspired by local roots
The local story of the SM North EDSA branch extends beyond the menu. Its interiors combine elements inspired by old Philippine architecture with contemporary materials.
Exposed brick, wood, and cement give the café a sense of familiarity, while stainless steel details represent progress and a modern future. Broken brick elements were deliberately incorporated into the design to symbolize letting go of the old and making way for something better.
Hints of yellow throughout the shop reference the Philippines’ tropical climate and abundance of fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and pineapples.
Introducing the Starburst Blend
Coinciding with the branch opening is the launch of Starburst, Candid Coffee’s newest blend and its first new house blend in nine years.
The blend grew from the team’s discovery of Philippine coffees with bright, fruit-forward characteristics that go beyond the chocolate, caramel, and nutty notes often associated with local beans.
Made with Philippine coffee, including beans from Finca de Garces in Bukidnon, Starburst highlights clarity and brightness, with notes of strawberry and a soft, rounded finish.
Its name reflects the experience the brand hopes customers will have: a moment of surprise upon discovering how expressive and fruity Philippine coffee can be.
Visitors can also try the branch’s Coffee Flight Menu, featuring a Starburst Flat White with Meiji Milk, a select local pour-over, an exclusive signature beverage, and pastry pairings.
Familiar fruits, new coffee experiences
The branch also introduces three exclusive signature beverages: Pineapple Dole Whip, Mango Milkwash, and Banana Gin Fizz.
The collection draws inspiration from familiar Philippine fruits while exploring the tropical characteristics that can naturally occur in specialty coffee.
The Pineapple Dole Whip takes cues from the tropical character of a piña colada, while the Banana Gin Fizz draws inspiration from the refreshing structure of a classic gin fizz. The Mango Milkwash uses a milk-washing technique often found in cocktail making to create a cleaner expression of mango and coffee.
Through these drinks, Candid Coffee transforms familiar flavors into unexpected specialty coffee experiences.
A bigger vision for Philippine coffee
Beyond its newest branch, Candid Coffee hopes to help build greater demand for Philippine specialty coffee.
The brand acknowledges that consistency, accessibility, and price remain challenges when sourcing local beans. However, as producers continue to improve quality and consistency, Candid Coffee sees more opportunities to integrate Philippine coffee into its cafés as a meaningful part of the brand’s identity.
After nine years and 11 branches, Candid Coffee has learned that Filipino coffee drinkers have diverse tastes. Its focus remains on making specialty coffee more approachable, relatable, and accessible to a wider audience.
With its SM North EDSA branch, Candid Coffee brings together its past and future through locally inspired design, tropical flavors, and a new blend built around Philippine-grown beans.
For the brand, going back to its roots is also a way of moving forward and contributing to a future where Philippine specialty coffee earns greater appreciation at home and recognition abroad.
For more information, visit Candid Coffee’s social media pages:
Facebook: Candid Coffee PH
Instagram: @candidcoffeeph
