A NEW blend to try has yet again arrived in the city, and if you happen to be looking for a new cafe to cross off your cafe-hopping list, Street Kōhī might just be perfect for you!
Founded by a 27-year-old entrepreneur, Giel “Gio” Angelo Aragon, Street Kōhī cafe offers a new scenery that blends Japanese aesthetics with Filipino Street Cafe’s local vibe.
The cafe offers more than just a place for a tambayan. Its Ghibi-inspired design and minimalistic aesthetics are curated to tell a story that will truly stay in one’s memory.
Born during the pandemic, Aragon’s unique idea came after his return to the Philippines from Japan. In a press release, he shared how he saw a sorbetero (an ice cream street vendor) that sparked his thought of “Oo nga ‘no, wala pang naglalako ng kape dito.”
Upon creating the cafe, he first thought about naming it ‘Kalye Kape,” however, he ended up not going through that as it felt “very Filipino,” leaving out the essence of the Japanese culture that he wanted to blend with the local one.
He further became creative but mixing the word kōhī (coffee in Japanese) and by combining it with the word “street,” he was able to successfully combine two cultures, which he deeply values, now known as Street Kōhī.
Just like their creative space, their menu is also curated according to what was originally conceptualized.
The Poblacion Latte and the Maginhawa Drink are listed as their best-selling drink, with their Poblacion Latte adding a twist on the famous Spanish Latte through the mixture of espresso, milk, condensed milk, and vanilla; and the Maginhawa Drink being a coffee-based cocktail/mocktail that embodies the vibe of their original Maginhawa branch.
In 2023, he first launched his branch in Maginhawa, Quezon City. The cafe immediately gained the attention of their target market (Gen Zs and Millennials) for their creative and aesthetically pleasing concept. Of course, their coffee was also a hit amongst people as it offers a new taste that people surely enjoy
The cafe was later rebranded as “Gallery Cafe,” as it approached its minimalistic era. As it starts with a single Toga sofa, this later became an inspiration amongst other cafes.
Street Kōhī was later relocated to 24 Mayaman Street, Quezon City in January 2024 and was rebranded as a Ghibli Cafe on where it hosted events for fans who are interested in anime and Japanese culture.
Sticking with their Filipino-Japanese culture twist, the cafes continue to be curated with the ambiance of a homey interior. According to the owner, he wanted the customers to feel like their visiting his home. “Kaya ganito yung design niya, very homey, and yung mga gusto ko talagang designs, makikita niyo dito. So ito, pinapakita ko talaga kung sino ako.”
For nearly five years in the business, Street Kōhī continues to be loved by people–-witnessing their further expansion without altering their original homey vibes. Their cafe will continue to be thriving thanks to those who continue to appreciate and support the local business.
More than just a cafe or your next place of tambayan, Street Kōhī wouldn’t be just known for its unique ambient style and drinks, as the cafe itself is built with a strong community through the unwavering love and support from the customers.
“I listen to them. ‘Yun yung pinakaimportanteng part sa pag-eengage sa community,” Mr. Gio said. “Nung nasa Maginhawa ako, yung purpose nung togo sofa namin is to sit there, and ako, andun lang sa side, makikinig sayo.”
