VISIT SANTA CRUZ | WHEN IN SANTA CRUZ | FOODIES

Shake off the island heat at these local beverage shops

Take out some locally crafted drinks before island hopping

The home-based entrepreneurial boom that swept many localities across the Philippines is one of the few positive outcomes arising from the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and travel restrictions. And yes, Santa Cruz entrepreneurs were not spared of the delightful fever. From a town that can only offer three-in-one coffee sachets to its caffeine-craving tourists pre-pandemic, there are now a number of selections around the Poblacion (downtown) to choose from to quench that pre- or post-island hopping thirst. 

 

BREWISTA

From slow-brew and artisanal coffee to handcrafted frappés and shakes, Brewista is your top choice for a caffeine fix while in the area. Located right along the main downtown street of Mabini in the poblacion barangay of Pag-asa, the café promises top graded, properly roasted coffee beans to perk up your island hopping experience. 

COCOTIME

Craving for some pearls and pudding on your tea? Check out Cocotime’s selections of flavored milk teas along Bonifacio St. in Barangay Bagong Silang. Pair it up with their shawarma or siomai and get that energy booster for your next stop around Santa Cruz. Our favorite: Cocotime’s Cream Cheese Cookie Choco – a sweet ending after a long day under the sun. 

TEATOK (NI EJ)

Looking to capture your next #wheninsantacruz reel or Tiktok video? Head out to Barangay Maharlika and grab one of EJ Pitpit’s (the owner) tea concoctions. Teatok is just another proof that local Santacruzins are able to adapt to challenges and the changing times. EJ – Teatok’s owner is a former supervisor of a global coffee chain who thought of setting up a milk tea shop at his hometown during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through marketing savvy and an undaunted entrepreneurial spirit, EJ was able to stimulate local taste for milkteas and now operates two other branches in Marinduque. Consider your craving for Okinawa or Wintermelon served in EJ’s milktea shop. 

PERRY’S FOOD GARAGE

Although burgers are Food Garage’s main specialty, you can also get your daily vitamin boost with their fresh fruit shakes. Ask for the seasonally available fruit for the full island experience. The guyabano shake will make you come back for more although their version of Mango Graham is always a trusted choice by locals.