There’s a particular kind of cafe that seems to have its own gravitational pull.
I had Still Cafe sent to me twice in the same morning, and by the time I opened Instagram, it seemed to be everywhere on my feed too. Eventually, I figured I should probably see what all that fuss was about.
And once you see the newly opened cafe along Jaboneros Street in Binondo, it’s not hard to understand why it’s getting so much attention. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop, look around, and—judging by the number of people doing exactly that—take out your phone for more than a few photos.
But once you get past the crowds and the obligatory “I was here” photos, there’s a more important question: Is Still Cafe actually worth visiting for the food and drinks?
After trying a couple of its drinks, I’d say that there’s enough going on beyond the aesthetics to make a visit worthwhile.
Why Still Cafe in Binondo Is Already So Popular
Still Cafe occupies a two-storey space, and the interiors give you plenty to look at while you’re making your way around—or in my case, while I was stuck waiting in line.
A winding staircase sits right in the middle of the cafe, connecting the two floors and giving the space an unmistakable focal point. There are also plenty of wooden accents throughout, adding to the warm, nostalgic feel, while one massive wall made entirely of books makes it hard not to stop and stare.
Upstairs, it’s mostly just seats and tables for those looking to settle down. But there is a smaller wall featuring what seems to be old Singer sewing machines—another detail that feels like it belongs in a curious little corner you’d stumble upon while exploring an old neighborhood.
Put it all together and Still Cafe has a look that feels less like a carefully staged minimalist coffee shop and more like a place with things to discover.
Apparently, the space’s aesthetic is inspired by Vietnamese cafes, where cozy, nostalgic atmospheres are all of the rage. It’s a little chaotic, a little eclectic, and very much designed to give you something to photograph. And judging by how packed it was when I went, plenty of people seem to agree.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with coming to a cafe, taking a few photos, and leaving with your camera roll looking significantly better than when you arrived. We’ve all done it. But if you’re going to brave the crowd, it helps when the menu gives you a reason to stay.
A Taste of Vietnam in Chinatown
One of the drinks I eagerly tried was their Hanoi Egg Coffee, a rich Vietnamese coffee drink that’s topped with a thick, creamy foam made of whipped egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk.
It’s definitely on the sweeter side—slightly sweeter than I expected, actually—but the texture is what makes it fun to drink. The creamy egg foam sits on top of the coffee like a soft, cloud-like layer, making each sip smooth and almost dessert-like without completely overpowering the coffee underneath. And because the foam is so thick, there’s a very real possibility that you end up with a little white mustache on your upper lip.
For those used to the standard latte, americano, or cold brew, it might seem like an unusual cup because of the egg and condensed milk foam, but that’s actually what makes it worth ordering. While I can’t speak to how traditional this version is, it does seem well-adjusted to the Filipino palate, with a sweetness that makes it easy to enjoy.
At the same time, it’s still a nice nod to one of Vietnam’s most famous coffee drinks—and a more interesting choice than simply ordering your usual cup.
Then there’s the Still Cold Brew, which initially had me expecting something boozy.
It had ‘margarita’ right beside its name on the menu, making me think that I was in for a coffee cocktail. As it turns out Still Cafe’s version is actually a coffee-based mocktail inspired by a drink from Vietnamese specialty coffee brand Là Việt, which swaps out the tequila for a smooth cold brew coffee base shaken with fresh lime juice and cane sugar, then served with a salted rim.
And honestly? I barely tasted any alcohol in Still Cafe’s version because, well, there isn’t any.
What I did get was a bright, citrusy drink that was genuinely refreshing. The two lemon slices give it that familiar margarita-like tang, while the cold brew adds a subtle coffee backbone without making it feel like your typical cold brew.
With the summer heat outside, it made for an easy pick-me-up: refreshing enough to cool me down, but with enough coffee to give me the boost I needed.
More Than Just a Pretty Cafe
Still Cafe currently opens daily from 11AM to 11PM, with free Wi-Fi, outlets, and a restroom, making it more practical than a cafe that exists solely for the photos—and that matters more than you might think.
Because yes, Still Cafe is clearly built for the camera. It’s the kind of place where you’ll probably see people documenting their drinks, their surroundings, and possibly every angle of their table before anyone actually takes a sip.
But once the phones go down, there’s still a menu worth exploring. The Hanoi Egg Coffee gives you a creamy, sweet introduction to a Vietnamese classic, while the Still Cold Brew offers a citrusy and refreshing take on coffee that’s far more playful than your average iced drink.
Add in the nostalgic interiors, a winding staircase, a book-covered wall, and collection of old sewing machines, and there’s more to Still Cafe than just having a good-looking backdrop.
So if you’re already heading to Binondo and wondering whether Still Cafe is worth squeezing into your itinerary, you could certainly go for the photos.
Just don’t be surprised if you end up staying for the drinks.
Still Cafe is located at 380 Jaboneros St, Binondo, Manila.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still Cafe is located at 380 Jaboneros Street in Binondo, Manila. It currently opens daily from 11 AM to 11 PM. Because the cafe is newly opened and hours can change, checking its Instagram account, @stillcafe.manila, before visiting is a sensible precaution.
Still Cafe is a Vietnamese-inspired cafe in Binondo that combines eclectic, nostalgic interiors with coffee and drinks inspired by Vietnamese coffee culture.
Hanoi Egg Coffee is a Vietnamese coffee drink topped with a rich, creamy foam made from whipped egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk. Still Cafe’s version is sweet, smooth, and dessert-like while retaining the coffee underneath.
Yes. Still Cafe has several distinctive interior features, including a winding staircase, wooden accents, a large wall of books, and a display featuring old Singer sewing machines. The eclectic, nostalgic design gives visitors plenty of photo opportunities.
Yes. Still Cafe has free Wi-Fi and outlets, making it more practical for customers who want to stay and work or spend some time at the cafe.
Still Cafe is currently open daily from 11 AM to 11 PM. Hours can change, so it’s a good idea to check the cafe’s latest social media updates before visiting.
