Mobile Coffee Shops are Popping Up All Over the Country—Here are 8 to Check Out

Denise Fernandez

Last updated 4 Jun 2021

Photo Credit (L-R): @cityboybrews on Instagram and facebook.com/Kapihan-Sa-Jeep

Meet the mobile coffee shop: a new and efficient way to get your coffee fix in the new normal!

It’s a well-known fact that Filipinos are among the biggest coffee drinkers in the world. The cafe scene iis flourishing and various types of coffee are sold in multiple places, with consumers in pursuit of that one beverage that fuels hectic mornings and busy work schedules ahead. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit globally, a number of establishments had to cease operations, with some closing down for good. And that doesn’t exclude coffee shops around the country.

Enter the mobile coffee shop. Very much similar to ventures such as food trucks, food carts, and mobile bars, the concept isn’t exactly the newest, especially to Filipinos used to the usual fishball stalls or taho cart. It’s basically a coffee shop with no fixed structure or location. Baristas and coffee vendors are consistently on the go, strolling around in a vehicle of sorts, be it a jeep, car, trike, or even a motorcycle. They usually set up shop in one location to make coffee for people or motorists within that community, before transferring to another location on another day to do the same routine. Another option is to head to an unconventional spot that isn’t the most easily accessible, for example, at the foot of a mountain, where they can reach out to travelers about to go on a hike!

In the midst of businesses shutting down, many Filipinos needed to find a way to make a living. So, more locals started jumping on the trend and set up multiple mobile coffee shops around the country, from the capital of Metro Manila to as far down south as Davao City. The idea is ingenious in the time of the new normal, where not many people can travel too far or have the luxury of heading to an actual cafe. Now, let the coffee head to you!

If you’re a coffee lover, then experiencing your favorite beverage in a whole new way is something more than worth the shot. So if you’re in the mood for quality drinks without the hassle of traveling to a fixed coffee shop, go ahead and check out the one that’s nearest you:

Citiboy Brew (Marikina)
Kapihan sa Jeep (Quezon Province)
The Coffee Mobile (Cebu)
Sikap Coffee (Quezon City)
Cafe Movil (Mount Malindang, Zamboanga)
Kapeweñoz Specialty Coffee (Davao)
Artisan Brew (Davao)
Lost Ranger Cafe (Pampanga)

1. Cityboy Brew

Unlike most mobile coffee shops that use cars or vehicles as their main mode of transportation, Cityboy Brew runs on two wheels—a bicycle! The Metro Manila-based coffee shop has its usual spot set up along the Marikina Riverbanks and usually operates around the early morning hours or the late afternoon/early evening time when people are on the way to work or home. Owner Mong Vicente updates the Citboy Facebook page on operation hours and is an active member of the mobile cafe community. Menu offerings include Barako, house blend Arabica, black cold brews, and even tablea hot chocolate!

Cityboy Brew

Price Range: PHP 35-PHP 80
Contact Details: Official Facebook Page

2. Kapihan sa Jeep

Going around Quezon Province, Kapihan sa Jeep combines Filipinos’ favorite drink with a charming mobile jeep setup. It’s usually found along Bypass Road in Brgy. Mateuna, but they update followers on Facebook should they be moving around the location. Apart from coffee from Sagada, Benguet, and Quezon, the establishment also sells freshly baked cookies for about PHP 20 each. Their drinks retail for PHP 35—a great value for money for any coffee lover passing by the area. Go for any of their local coffees and match it with a large sized red velvet cookie for a satisfying meal.

Kapihan sa Jeep

Price Range: PHP 20-PHP 35
Contact Details: Official Facebook Page, 0905 560 2120

3. The Coffee Mobile

Like most mobile coffee shops, The Coffee Mobile was born in the middle of the pandemic, founded by motorcycle and coffee aficionado, Paul Anzano. The business started with Anzano simply selling his coffee creations to his neighbors until he ventured into mobile carts along the way. The Coffee Mobile doesn’t have a set location and travels around different locations in Cebu, with updates given on their Instagram and Facebook stories. They also do pop-ups and occasional events. Currently, they’re known for three products: pour over coffee, cold brew beverages, and espresso beverages.

The Coffee Mobile

Price Range: PHP 100-PHP 140
Contact Details: Official Facebook Page, 0956 478 8370

4. Sikap Coffee

Quezon City-based Sikap Coffee is recognized for its iconic motorcycle setup as well as notable advocacy, which is to vouch for coffee ethically sourced from farms in the Philippines. The three entrepreneurs behind Sikap Coffee launched various cold brew beverages while working with farms and associations from local provinces. During their soft opening, they set up shop in Quezon City then eventually traveled south to Imus, Cavite to spread the word. They also do occasional pop-ups and events in various areas.

Sikap Coffee

Price Range: PHP 60-PHP 100
Contact Details: Official Facebook Page

5. Cafe Movil

Planning to trek up to Mount Malindang? This mountain range in Mindanao is famous for its wide scale reaching up to three provinces, but no one would expect it to have a humble coffee shop sitting somewhere at its foot. Cafe Movil sets itself right there amidst the foggy roads near the range, welcoming travelers who set foot in the area with good coffee and freshly-baked goods. In fact, their slogan is “Nature in a cup” since the owners behind Cafe Movil want to bridge the gap between nature and people. Their pour over coffee costs around PHP 50 and cookies retail for PHP 15.

Cafe Movil

Price Range: PHP 15-PHP 60
Contact Details: Official Facebook Page

6. Kapeweñoz Specialty Coffee

Kapeweñoz Specialty Coffee can usually be found by Carmelite Church in Lanang, Davao City. They advocate for local farmers and make sure to source their beans locally. The establishment is run by John Rey “Biboy” Plaza, one of the most renowned baristas in Davao. Apart from selling coffee to his customers, Plaza also enjoys educating them about specialty coffee, from the various flavors they could get to the grounds’ texture. Customers may also buy their own Kapeweñoz beans here and make coffee themselves from the comfort of their homes.

Kapeweñoz Specialty Coffee

Price Range: PHP 50-PHP 70
Contact Details: Official Facebook Page, 0951 458 5841

7. Artisan Brew

Artisan Brew, found “all over Davao,” as mentioned on their social media accounts, promises great tasting drinks using their high quality coffee beans. Aside from setting up shop on streets to cater to passing travelers, they’re also very active in partnering with other establishments for events, such as birthday parties and small gatherings. Much like everyone brewing specialty coffee, the people behind Artisan Brew love to educate customers on coffee beans and ethical sourcing from local farmers. And of course, how to make your own cup of tasteful coffee at home!

Artisan Brew

Price Range: Starts at PHP 75
Contact Details: Official Facebook Page, 0906 417 8212

8. Lost Ranger Cafe

Lost Ranger Cafe was a concept born out of a pickup truck and the minds of a barista tandem who used to work overseas. Based in Pampanga, what sets this cafe apart from the other mobile coffee shops on this list is their extensive menu that includes snacks such as sandwiches and waffles! They don’t just sell coffee and hot/cold drinks, but also milk tea and spritzers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic! As per usual, Lost Ranger Cafe is open to setting up at events or pop-ups around the province.

Lost Ranger Cafe