I used to envy the plethora of quality coffee shops and cafes you find hidden under railway arches or on graffiti covered corners in East London. There’s still more energy and creativity happening over there.

However, South West on the other side of the river in Battersea, the Filipino force for delicious bakes and brews is powerful. On top of that it’s delicious!

As of 2024 Kapihan now has 2 stores in the area. One small and one big Kubo.

There used to be only one behind Fosters & Partners until 2021. The landlord forced Kapihan out, due to unreasonable rent increases and there was one last massive queue on the final day. Everyone dreaded it might be the very last time they ever got to taste a slice of paradise. Luckily, all that changed with the opening of the small Kubo in January 2023.

With number two only a short walk from our creative headquarters we visit once or even twice a week. It’s our third space. We generate ideas at Kapihan over a delicious Sikwate (Filipino Hot Chocolate) or coffee. The team is brilliant and friendly. Quite honestly, if we could we’d love to move in.

Their bakes are authentic and high quality. During the time that Kapihan was closed the brothers travelled extensively in the name of research and returned armed with recipes and knowledge that even garnered them a star for the Great Taste Awards.

The go-to bake is the pandesal. Because the Spaniards colonised the Philippines this bread basically means “salt bread” (pan de sal). It’s like the French leaving behind their baguette recipe after invading Vietnam. Gracias and Merci!

For the chocolate lover, there’s two options. You have the Bibingka topped with Malagos chocolate and the Spanish Chocolate Bread. Both are divine.

The Bibingka won the team the Great Taste Award and is a baked rice cake. It’s chewy, moist and lovingly wrapped in a banana leaf. All bakes are warmed up when served. The chocolate churro version is topped with 85% Malagos chocolate and Saigon Cinnamon Sugar.

The Spanish Chocolate Bread is a bigger pandesal filled with a creamy hazelnut and chocolate filling. This is also made using Malagos chocolate.

Whether you have your bake with a Sikwate or coffee, both options are perfect for dunking. The coffee is roasted by Kapihan and as you might have guessed already comes straight from the Philippines.

It’s 100% Filipino to the core. Bakes, brews, cafe interior and team are “made” in the Philippines. It is evident in the warm hospitality and the love that you taste in every sip and bite. That’s ultimately why we love coming back here.

Find Kapihan on 138 Battersea Park Road and 547 Battersea Park Road.

Kapihan on Instagram.

In case you have visited Kapihan please let me know what made your visit special. Also if you have been to the Philippines and know more about cacao and chocolate from the 7,100 island nation, do share your experience. I would love to learn more. Salamat 🙂

Have a lovely weekend and until next Friday.

Robin