Imagine this: you sink your fork into a towering soufflé pancake—its edges golden, the center cotton-soft, melting into your mouth with the earthy tones of the tart kiss of strawberries, and the indulgent sigh of melting ice cream. It’s a dessert that doesn’t just taste good—it feels like a warm hug from a friend you haven’t seen in years.

They use the hand-drip method to brew their coffee, giving each cup a smooth, rich taste. Made with carefully selected Arabica beans, the result is a warm, aromatic drink that feels thoughtful and unhurried—just right for slow mornings or quiet afternoons.

Welcome to Hoshino Coffee, where dreams are served on porcelain plates and every bite tells a quiet story of Japanese craftsmanship and Western comfort. This café-restaurant, originally from Japan, is quietly becoming my go-to spot, and I’ve visited multiple branches with family—each time leaving just a little more in love.

Why Hoshino Coffee Feels Like a Cozy Escape in the City

Hoshino Coffee is the kind of place that’s basic in the best way. It’s not trying to be the next trendy third-wave café—it just does its thing, and does it well. The warm lighting, vintage interiors, leather booths, and low-key Japanese jazz give off a cozy vibe that feels like a break from the usual mall madness. You’ve probably walked past it a bunch of times, but if you ever need a breather (or just a fluffy soufflé pancake that looks like it belongs in a Ghibli film), this spot delivers. The hand-dripped coffee is smooth, the service is chill, and it’s the kind of place you can linger without anyone side-eyeing your second drink order. Hoshino Coffee doesn’t reinvent the wheel—but sometimes you just want a quiet booth and something warm in your cup.

The interiors are rich and the golden lighting that flatters even your sleep-deprived face. Inspired by the nostalgic charm of Japanese kissaten (traditional coffee houses), the ambiance mixes elegance with comfort. It’s the kind of place that invites lingering: for long brunches, overdue catch-ups, solo dates with your journal, or moments of much-needed self-care. And honestly? We all need more of those.

Pancakes Full of Delights

Now, about those pancakes. Let’s be real—Hoshino’s Pancake Soufflé Style deserves its own fan club. They arrive thick, jiggly, and dramatically beautiful, like something out of a Ghibli dream sequence. Whether you choose matcha or the strawberry version with ice cream, they taste like soft clouds with just the right touch of sweetness. But do not dilly-dally. The ice cream waits for no one—it melts fast, and the soufflé deserves to be savored warm.

But pancakes are just the beginning. Hoshino’s menu takes a bold step beyond the usual café fare by embracing a unique Japanese-Western fusion (yōshoku). From hearty brunch plates to flavorful pastas and thoughtfully steeped teas, this is where comfort food gets a gourmet twist.

Something That Keeps Coming Back For

• Strawberry Pancake Soufflé Style – Php 398 (Single)
  Light, earthy, and whimsical. The strawberries cut through the sweetness, making each bite a satisfying balance of flavors. You’ll wish forks had softer tines to not disturb the fluff.
• Omurice with Beef Steak and Salad – Php 688
  A full-on comfort plate. The rice is wrapped in a soft, buttery omelette, the steak tender and seasoned with quiet brilliance. The salad is fresh, crisp, and not just there to fill space—this was my personal favorite, hands down.
• Brunch Plate with Teriyaki Chicken – Php 488
  Sweet, savory, and dependable. The chicken is glazed perfectly, and the dish as a whole is filling without being heavy.

Other delicious picks we’ve tried across visits:

• Matcha Pancake Soufflé Style – because one round of pancake love is never enough.
• Omu Soufflé Tonkatsu Curry Rice – playful textures and rich curry sauce wrapped in souffle and tonkatsu.
• Hot Fruit Tea & Iced Fruit Tea – refreshing and fragrant, with actual fruit pieces that feel like edible jewelry.
• Matcha Latte – creamy and cozy, like a warm sweater for your soul.
• One of their Sandwiches – light, flavorful, and perfect for merienda moments.

Cultural Influences in Hoshino Coffee’s Menu

There’s deep intentionality in every item on the menu, blending modern comfort with age-old culinary values:

• Kissaten Tradition
  Hoshino preserves the old-school kissaten vibe with hand-dripped coffee and nostalgic comfort food, emphasizing slow dining and craftsmanship.
• Yōshoku Flavors
  Their signature dishes reflect Japan’s adaptation of Western cuisine, including:
  • Sukiyaki Spaghetti – A clever twist on the beloved hotpot dish, with sweet-savory sukiyaki sauce clinging to pasta.
  • Omu Rice with Lobster Bisque – A luxurious take on a homey staple, combining rich French-style bisque with Japanese omelet rice.
• Matcha and Hojicha Beverages
  Rooted in Japan’s tea culture, these beverages offer earthy complexity. Hojicha, in particular, adds a roasted depth that complements the sweeter fare.
• Brunch Plates with Japanese Proteins
  Think teriyaki chicken, pork cutlet, or beef tapa plated with greens and eggs—classic Filipino brunch with a Japanese twist in presentation and taste.

Things to Know Before You Visit

• Price Range: Mid-range (Php 400–700), but well worth it for the quality, ambiance, and overall experience.
• Hand-Dripped Coffee Ritual: Unlike typical espresso-based chains, Hoshino uses the meticulous hand-drip method with specially roasted Arabica beans, delivering a rich, aromatic brew that feels personal and refined.
• Global Yet Local Appeal: Though it originated in Japan, Hoshino Coffee has adapted its offerings to local tastes across Asia while preserving its authentic charm.
• Branches: Multiple locations around the Metro Manila, Philippines. Each one I’ve visited has been consistent in quality and vibe.
• Pro Tip: Come hungry and with a little time to spare. The food is made fresh, and the best way to enjoy it is unrushed.

Final Thoughts

Hoshino Coffee is becoming more than just a café I like. It’s becoming a comfort spot—a place that always delivers, whether I’m craving fluffy pancakes or good food. It’s where atmosphere, and memory come together gently, without trying too hard. And maybe that’s what makes it so special.

So yes, bring your family, bring a friend, bring your curiosity. But most importantly, bring your appetite—for good food, good coffee, and good moments.