Akiba Café: Evening Trifle Tea & Cake Delight

About three months ago, my date and I got to visit Akiba Café, a cosmopolitan Japanese-Filipino coffee shop inspired by Tokyo's famed gizmo and gadget district, Akihabara. Although we've enjoyed the café's best-selling Green Tea Cheese Cake and Banoffee Pie, I had an unfinished business as I wasn't able to sample Akiba's famous trifle drinks.

Akiba Cafe Trifle Teas

Fortunately, our newly-established food club, The Foodies Circle, decided to pay Akiba Café a visit to enjoy the shop's sweet offerings over a serious group planning session, and random chitchat here and there. Of course, with this very timely visit, I made sure to finally get my hands on Akiba Café's trifle tea.

Unlike the usual tea or coffee-based beverages, Akiba Café's trifle drinks are topped with a special three-blended cream. If you've had Happy Lemon's Rock Salt & Cheese, or the foamy layer atop Gong Cha's Milk Wintermelon Tea, then Akiba Café's trifle cream is as special, just minus the waiting time in an unbelievably long line.

Extra Trifle Cream P30 Chai Trifle Tea Large P100

Eager to finally try a trifle drink from Akiba Café, I ordered a large Chai Trifle Tea (P100) which was a beautiful blend of spiced black tea with a strong hint of cinnamon sitting beneath a creamy, sweet yet salty foam. Since the beverage was served without a straw, I immediately savored every sip from the tall glass to the point of drinking up all of the trifle cream. Good thing our server, Christian tipped that they offer Extra Trifle Cream (P30).

Matcha Trifle Tea P100 Signature Trifle Kohi P100

My friends on the other hand, had a large Matcha Trifle Tea (P100) -- a creamy, bittersweet and salty blend of matcha and the special trifle foam, and a large Signature Trifle Kohi (P100) -- the strong coffee version of a trifle drink. Although these two beverages were very different from what I had, all of us agreed that each one of the trifle drinks was good on its own. Basically, one's choice of a trifle drink will depend on taste preference.

Nutty Macadamia Kohi P130 Macadamia Yogurt P140

Although the trifle drinks were enough to satisfy our taste buds, our server recommended us to try their best-selling hot beverage, the Nutty Macadamia Kohi (P130). And Christian was right, it definitely left our group wanting for more. The coffee blend, although not as strong as I'd love to, was smooth, creamy and slightly sweet. It had a very evident hind of the macadamia flavor, and a lovely aroma from the sesame seed topping.

We also got to try the Macadamia Yogurt (P140) which is the yogurt chiru version of the hot macadamia beverage we oh-so-love. Although the macadamia flavor on this cold drink was still evident, the yogurt base definitely overpowered the whole beverage making it a blend of sweet and sour.

Of course, you wouldn't expect us to down all the beverages without something for the tummy, especially when Akiba Café has a glass display chiller of sweet treats housing a selection ranging from classic chocolate pastries to a cute Hamtaro look-alike puppy cake.

Akiba Cafe Cake Display
Kawaiken Puppy Cake P130 Slice P1200 Whole
Kawaiken Puppy Cake P130 Slice; P1,200 Whole

Being cake lovers, our group wanted to try the best. Unfortunately though, the Green Tea Cheese Cake and Banoffee Pie which are the most sellable, were already sold out. And since we didn't want our server to brutally murder the head of that cute puppy, we just opted to get three of the best-selling cakes available during our visit.

Sweet Potato Cake P130

We first had a slice of the Sweet Potato Cake (P130) which was a soft, light and creamy sweet potato goodness. Made from the real thing, our group just can't get enough of this subtly flavored cake. And although this is something new to the local pastry scene, our server told us that this is a hit among the café goers in Japan.

Akiba Tiramisu P120

Our group also got to try the Akiba Tiramisu (P120) which we thought was misnamed. Although the top part of the pastry had fine coffee powder, the creamy base cake was sweet with a hint of saltiness. Unlike other tiramisu I've had, Akiba's tasted like a mixture of semi-sweet chocolate and trifle cream. All three of us loved how this cake was not overly sweet yet still very satisfying. However, I'd rather have this treat named as Trifle Cake.

Double Choco Mousse P130

To end the cake bonanza with a bang, we had the Double Choco Mousse (P130) which was an explosion of chocolatey goodness. With thick and rich chocolate-flavored soft cream, this baby melts in your mouth with every bite. And although I love chocolate, a person without a pair of tonsils like myself, can find this treat overly sweet.

My friends and I weren't able to catch the Afternoon Cake Delight where every slice of cake can be availed for only P99 between 1PM to 5PM. However, I'm letting you in on this one so you can better enjoy the sweet treats at Akiba Café.

Afternoon Cake Delight

However, even if you don't catch the Afternoon Cake Delight like we did, your stay at Akiba Café will still be a memorable one not only because of the great-tasting cakes and beverages, but also because of the great service from friendly, accommodating and very knowledgeable baristas ready to serve you.

Akiba Cafe Christian and Madel
The ever-friendly and ever-ready Akiba Café baristas, Christian and Madel

THE VERDICT

After this second trip to Akiba Café, I know for a fact that I still have an unfinished business with this shop. With cakes and drinks impressively good, a location with a hip and stylish look, and an impeccable service to boot, then I don't see a reason why I won't be visiting Akiba Café again some time soon.

Taste - 4.5/5
Ambiance - 3.5/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 4/5
Overall Value - 4/5


Akiba Café, SM Megamall
2/F SM Megamall, Bldg. A
EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Ave.
Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila
Philippines
Official Website
Facebook Page
Twitter

57 comments:

  1. Unfinished nga.

    Just seeing the photos ng mga coffee and cakes... definitely something to go back to talaga. Even me will drool and would want to taste that. Shocks. :( haha! #ifonly ang drama :))

    ReplyDelete
  2. Not sure why, but whenever I pass by, limited lang lagi yung cakes na nasa display. :(

    http://www.dekaphobe.com/

    ReplyDelete
  3. super enjoyed our akiba experience! :) Ang kulet nung cutest cake nila haha! :) Syang d kami nkaabot sa afternoon cake delight promo nila yesterday :(

    ReplyDelete
  4. love the combo of sweet chocolate and salty cream cheese! your blog, photos make us want to eat at Akiba soon! =)

    ReplyDelete
  5. drooling over those cakes! sana malapit lang SM megemall samin.

    ReplyDelete
  6. i like the cake! it's soooo cute!!!

    hmmm, i'm curious what is this rock salt and cheese milk tea???

    0,o

    ReplyDelete
  7. @T.R.Aurelius: That variant is from Happy Lemon and it's their best-selling line of drinks if I'm not mistaken.. :) It's a cream that tastes both sweet and salty. You can check my post about it Happy Lemon's Rock Salt & Cheese drinks if you like ;)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I guess I should try this. I'm a fan of sweets. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Umaiiiiiii!!! Everything looks good! :D Treat me there please, hahaha. (jealous ^_^)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I think its difficult to finish your business with Akiba. It will always leave you wanting for more. Plus, aside from the drinks, they continuously introduce new cakes pa. =D

    ReplyDelete
  11. nice! super affordable ha!
    omg. this post made me crave! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. macadamia yogurt sounds deliciously interesting!!! sarap naman lahat, sumi!

    ReplyDelete
  13. masarap dyan..my friends and I are already went there saka mabait mga tao

    ReplyDelete
  14. Yum!!! I'll definitely try this place:)

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm not sure if they have a branch in Cebu, but I'd love to try the Macadamia yogurt!

    ReplyDelete
  16. we already tried Akiba, i like their Nutty Macadamia Kohi and their cakes :), it's good and inexpensive :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. I want to try the Macadamia Yogurt! I think it's the first time I've heard of such a drink. Is this a local establishment or a franchise?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Ang ganda nag pagkaka picture mo Sumi! Parang ang sarap! Ilibre ninyo ako dyan ni Stacy!

    ReplyDelete
  19. wow ha that was really a good photos it made me urge for latte,

    ReplyDelete
  20. wow, ang sarap naman! ginutom ako bigla! thanks for sharing this. sa SM Megamall lang pala yan, malapit sa amin. :) btw, awesome photos!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh lala! Sweets....

    The food is so tempting...but I hate to wait a very long time waiting for my orders...

    Specially when you order and then after 30 minutes the waiter or waitress comes back and tell me "Sir your order is not available" which means you will wait another 30 minutes...

    Pag ganun ang nangyari magwawalk out talga ako.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh my God!!! Delightfully sinful! All those cream and sweets. The drinks and cake all look tempting and the descriptions make me want to try them. I think I will give in one of these days! :D

    ReplyDelete
  23. Looks and sounds good. I have a sweet tooth myself which I can't indulge so much right now because of my pregnancy. Hope my hubby and I can visit Akiba after the baby comes. Thanks for this post.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Sounds so Japanice! I want the Akiba Tiramisu! Sinful treats!

    ReplyDelete
  25. @Itin Bique Calvo: Unfortunately they don't have other branches yet.. :(

    @Rowena Wendy Lei: Yeah, most of their drinks are actually original! :) And it's a homegrown establishment too sis.

    @ALEX|INQUISITOR: Akiba Cafe wouldn't make you wait! :) Service is super friendly and fast. I think our orders were served in just under 10 minutes.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I like how you took the drinks! SEEMS DELICIOUS! I like everything especially the cake! akala ko 130 lng per slice pala! too expensive! Haha

    ReplyDelete
  27. Your food shots made me drool!!! From your previous post which I also read, I still have not tried going to Akiba... I must make a stop there soon! Love to try thos Trifle and the sweet potato cake! :9

    What camera do you use for your shots? Will definitely PIN some of your photos again ;)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Nice photos! I have to give this a try when I go to SM Megamall. I can't wait to try Kawaiken puppy cake ; p

    xoxo
    MrsMartinez

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'm drooling on the cakes and drinks! Great to know about them, I might drop by if even I'll be going to Megamall.

    By the way, great photos you have here.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Grabe naman yan Sumi. I wonder how you were able to try all these drinks and sweets for a review without having a full stomach.

    Actually, I was reading your descriptions and poor me, I don;t know the ingredients (etc.) you were mentioning -- thanks to your photos! I am getting an idea how it might look at, hahaah.. Wala lang talaga akong alam sa mga pagkain kasi ang alam ko lang, basta masarap, kinakain ko :) hahaaha..

    ReplyDelete
  31. wow Sumi, have u tried all? since adik na rin aq ngaun sa amoy ng coffee, I will definitely try that. tnx for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I read Japanese coffee shops are good so next time I am in Manila, will try to check this place out. Love the looks of the desserts :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. I've been reading a lot about Akiba. I think the signs are clear -- must visit the place real soon.

    ReplyDelete
  34. oh my that tiramisu!

    will add this to my list of go-to's

    and btw, are those sesame seeds in the coffee?

    ReplyDelete
  35. hope they open a branch here in gensan :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. Here again! Still looks delicious even after a day (lol) ....seriously, bring me there ha! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Ang dami ko nang nababasa about Akiba Cafe pero since walang Akiba sa Cebu, titingnan ko nalang ang mga pictures! Haha

    Can't help but adore the Puppy Cake. Parang hindi masarap kainin kasi masisira ang pagka-cute ?

    ReplyDelete
  38. loved how you described each beverage. can't wait to actually taste each one of them. thanks for sharing this... galing ng pala ng pic shots mo. Yahweh bless.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I always enjoy reading your posts Sumi! They are filled with things that already answers the question in my mind. Haha! I encountered some food blog kasi that only post photos of their food and mention the price but didn't say anything about how it tastes or their personal feel abou the food. Anyway... I am seriously going to try this! Ang layo nga lang, SM Mega. But I will as soon as I get a chance to drop by. Thanks Sumi :D

    ReplyDelete
  40. Nakakataba lahat!!! pero hindi naman ako tabain eh kaya
    PWEDE lahat sa kin yan. :)

    DELICIOSO !

    ReplyDelete
  41. Was there last Wednesday- my first time.
    i tried the tiramisu- 'like it.

    definitely, i'll be back. Hope they'll have their own wifi (hehe)

    jun

    ReplyDelete
  42. one of my regret during my soon to end vacation is i wasn't able to eat out and taste all those featured restos and foods on various blogs...maybe on my next vacation i can try this one out...

    ReplyDelete
  43. Nice, it's in Megamall, will stop by one of these days, though I'm not a cake-fanatic, seeing those photos made me drool,and the drinks are sooo inviting too :D

    ReplyDelete
  44. ang cute nung Kawaiken Puppy Cake haha. parang ayoko kainin pag binili ko :D

    ReplyDelete
  45. hmm i remember i commented on this earlier but i can't find the comments or maybe this is another post haha. anyway, i like the Kawaiken Puppy Cake and want to know what's in it? i can't have coffee or tea so the drinks may not be an option unless the macadamia nuts are just purely chocolate and milk! thanks

    ReplyDelete
  46. The cakes are sinfully delicious. (drooling literally here)

    ReplyDelete
  47. Akiba's trifle tea must be worth the queue. Was it? Kids would love the Kawaiken Puppy cake. I'm getting as much hankering over these yummies as your photography. I'll have a look at your food club as soon as I send this comment.

    ReplyDelete
  48. kawaiken puppy cake loooks soooo goood!!! yum!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Their tea concoctions look heavenly!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Would be great if they have enclosed dining area for improved ambiance.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Wow, I love the coffee concoctions they offer. It looks like a nice place to hang out to. :)

    ReplyDelete
  52. Cool stuff you have and you keep overhaul every one of us café en ligne

    ReplyDelete
  53. Utilize the holiday seasons being a time and energy to present your organization startup's getaway brighten about social media marketing. Become imaginative within your social media marketing promotions you need to include any occasion perspective together with each and every submit which you help make. Link that directly into the products, and also checkout savannah things to do there is a getaway menu regarding extra explains to you, enjoys, and also uses.

    ReplyDelete

Powered by Blogger.