I found Tabléa Chocolate Cafe on the ground floor of JY Square in Salinas Drive, just a few steps away from the neighborhood McDonald's. It’s a quiet, traditional space that feels more business-like and formal than your typical neighborhood cafe—making it an ideal spot for work-from-cafe sessions or professional meetings. But I wasn't there for the WiFi (they don't have any); I was there for a deeper, older connection to Filipino culture: the chocolate.
The Sikwate Standard
I ordered the Special Set (₱175), a traditional trio featuring Sikwate, fresh mango, and Puto Maya. In a city where mass-produced coffee dominates, this variety of tableya options is a unique and refreshing commemoration of Filipino cacao traditions. The fresh mango was a bit on the sour side during my visit, and the Puto Maya, served heated but perhaps not as fresh as it could be, had a texture that left me wanting a bit more.
However, the Sikwate—the heart of the ritual—was a revelation. It was, quite simply, the best tableya I’ve ever had. Perfectly thick, rich, and authentic, it carried the deep, bittersweet essence of local cacao with a consistency that only comes from traditional preparation. If you're coming here, come for the Sikwate; it’s the undisputed highlight of the menu.
"I spent so much time taking photos of the counter and the food that people started staring. But in a city of modern facades, seeing someone commemorate Filipino cacao tradition is worth the attention."
Quiet Craft
The service at Tabléa is efficient; my order arrived in just five minutes. While the staff were friendly, they couldn't share much about the shop's history as there was no owner on-site to tell the tale. The space itself is compact, seating about 15 people, and while it lacks some modern amenities like WiFi or background music, the quality of their cuisine serves as their most effective advertisement.
My tip for visitors: focus on the counter and the food. It beautifully commemorates our local traditions even in this small, business-like space. I look forward to returning to sample additional selections from their menu—mainly for that incredible Sikwate experience. It’s a quiet monument to a craft that deserves to be celebrated.
The Highlight
The Sikwate (Tableya drink). Perfectly thick and authentic. Easily the best thing on the menu and a must-try for cacao lovers.
Environment
Quiet, formal, and traditional. Best for focused work or small business meetings where silence is appreciated.