It is a charming hangout spot known for its homey vibe, tree-lined scenery, relaxing ambiance, hearty breakfasts, sweet lattes—and cats, both real and immortalized.
There are many popular, tourist-magnet cafes in Baguio such as Café by the Ruins, Choco-late de Batirol and Hatch Coffee, but Hot Cat Cafe has a number of things going for it that visiting the others became less of a priority and frequenting this quaint space became more of a hobby.
The structure used to house a private Montessori but when it closed, Dr. Aly Young, owner of Little Cat in La Union, decided to take over. Sister cafe Hot Cat has been operating since September 2020 but it was only late last year when they lorded over the entire expanse.
The space is randomly designed: a stack of books in one corner, the chairs and tables are mismatched, cute cat figures and gameboards crowd a shelf, and haphazard posters line the wall. It might be too much of a disarray for an OC interior designer, but for customers who are used to organized clutter, it is a most welcome relief.
It helps that there are a lot of windows, many of which are kept open to let the light and breeze in, and the room itself is generous, allowing guests and the resident cats to freely move around.
Customers can opt to get some sun at the garden, but staying indoors is just as inviting especially since the cafe is located in a part of Baguio that’s free of the usual city noise. To bask in an open space void of babble and commotion is a luxury I’m willing to pay the amount of a coffee or premium matcha latte for. Actually, even more. And it’s just right because they also offer meals that’s worth lounging longer for: pandesal series with Spam and breakfast patty as stuffing, an array of French toasts, croissant and pain au chocolat, and rice sets enriched with corned beef and arroz ala cabana.
These days, Baguio feels so crowded even when it’s not summer. If the traffic jam isn’t enough of an indication of such frenzy, the frequent mob at the park and tourist attractions will make for a strong case. And that’s why spots like the Hot Cat Cafe have become rare and hot commodities. Simple and sought after, this cafe caters to those who enjoy peace and quiet with their coffee.
Hot Cat Specialty Coffee is located at 001 Yangco Road, Corner Brent Road, Baguio City.
Frequently Asked Questions
The structure used to house a private Montessori school before Dr. Aly Young, the owner of Little Cat in La Union, took over the space.
It is described as a “most welcome relief” of organized clutter, featuring mismatched furniture, books, cat figurines, and many open windows that let in light and the breeze.
It is located in a quiet part of the city free from typical noise and commotion, offering a rare sense of peace and “momentary peace” that the author considers a luxury.
It is located in a quiet part of the city free from typical noise and commotion, offering a rare sense of peace and “momentary peace” that the author considers a luxury.
The café is located at 001 Yangco Road, Corner Brent Road, Baguio City.
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