Coffee & Tea

Coffee & Tea Culture in the Philippines: A Comprehensive Overview

The Philippines, an archipelago with diverse cultures and traditions, has a deep-rooted relationship with both coffee and tea. Both beverages are not just drinks but cultural symbols, playing significant roles in the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the nation.

1. Coffee in the Philippines

1.1 Historical Background

Coffee was introduced to the Philippines by Spanish colonizers in the 18th century.
The first coffee tree was planted in Batangas, which became a major coffee-producing region.
By the late 19th century, the Philippines became the 4th largest coffee exporter in the world, with Liberica (locally known as Kapeng Barako) being the dominant variety.
A coffee rust disease in the 1890s decimated the industry, causing a decline that took decades to recover from.

1.2 Major Coffee Varieties Grown

The Philippines is one of the few countries that produce all four main varieties of coffee:

Arabica: Grown in high-altitude areas like Benguet and Sagada. Known for its smooth and mild flavor.
Robusta: Dominates the lowland plantations, especially in Cavite and Mindanao. Known for its strong and bold taste.
Excelsa: Grown in regions like Batangas and Quezon. Adds a fruity and tart flavor to blends.
Liberica (Kapeng Barako): Unique to Batangas and Cavite, known for its bold, smoky, and fruity flavor.

1.3 Regional Coffee Hubs

Batangas: Known for Kapeng Barako.
Benguet & Sagada: Arabica coffee hubs with specialty-grade beans.
Bukidnon & Davao: Robusta and Arabica plantations thrive in these regions.

1.4 Coffee Culture in the Philippines

“Kape” (Coffee) is an essential part of Filipino daily life, often consumed during breakfast or social gatherings.
The rise of local artisanal coffee shops has fueled a resurgence of interest in locally sourced beans.
Traditional Brewing Methods: Kapeng Barako is often brewed using a kettle and strainer (locally known as takure and sinumpa).

1.5 Modern Trends in Filipino Coffee Scene

Third-Wave Coffee Movement: Specialty coffee shops focus on high-quality beans and sustainable practices.
Coffee Festivals: Events like the Philippine Coffee Expo celebrate local coffee culture.
Coffee as a Social Experience: Chains like Bo’s Coffee and international brands like Starbucks are hugely popular.

2. Tea in the Philippines

2.1 Historical Background

Tea was introduced through Chinese traders even before Spanish colonization.
Traditional Chinese teas, such as green tea and oolong tea, have long been consumed in Filipino-Chinese households.
Unlike coffee, tea didn’t establish itself as a dominant cultural staple until the 21st-century bubble tea boom.

2.2 Traditional Tea Culture

Herbal teas, locally known as “salabat”, made from ginger root, have been a part of Filipino wellness traditions.
Lagundi (Vitex negundo) and banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) teas are consumed for medicinal purposes.

2.3 Modern Tea Trends

The bubble tea (milk tea) craze started in the early 2000s and remains wildly popular.
Brands like Gong Cha, Chatime, Coco, and Macao Imperial Tea dominate the market.
Milk Tea Culture: A symbol of youth culture, social bonding, and a modern lifestyle.

2.4 Indigenous Herbal Teas

Salabat: Ginger tea, often consumed to soothe colds or sore throats.
Tanglad (Lemongrass Tea): Known for its refreshing citrusy taste and health benefits.
Banaba Tea: Used for kidney health and diabetes management.

3. Coffee vs. Tea in Filipino Culture

Coffee: Often seen as a morning beverage or a social drink during gatherings. Strong regional pride exists around Kapeng Barako.
Tea: Herbal teas are used for medicinal purposes, while milk teas are a social drink associated with younger demographics.

4. Economic Impact

The Philippine coffee industry supports thousands of farmers and cooperatives, contributing to both domestic consumption and export markets.
The milk tea industry is a multi-billion peso sector, with hundreds of franchise stores across the country.