KAPENG MAINIT is a neighborhood comfort food cafe by Chef Bryan Francisco, now famous for their yummy chocolate- or green tea-filled beignets.
The name (which means “Hot Coffee”) was given by his brother, co-owner Ronian Poe, inspired by FPJ’s movie “Walang Matigas na Tinapay sa Mainit na Kape”. Together with co-owner Geoff Eigenmann, they are set on changing the sleepy side of Tropical Avenue into one of the new food trip destinations in BF.
We tried the food and the beignets and here’s what we think…
KAPENG MAINIT
Lot 3 Block 6 Tropical Avenue, BF Homes, Paranaque. (near the BF Casimiro Gate)
Mobile: +63 917 824-4375
Facebook: Kapeng Mainit
Instagram: @Kapeng Mainit
Kapeng Mainit’s unassuming facade is a former garage that was turned into a neighborhood cafe. It’s quite far so it’s best to let Waze help you navigate your way through BF’s Tropical Avenue.
Inside is a heartwarming atmosphere that reminded me of the beginnings of Chef Bruce Ricketts’ Sensei Sushi.
Chef Bryan was already chef de partie when he left his 6-month stint at Bouchon Bakery in Las Vegas and decided to come back to Manila.
Kapeng Mainit Menu: Appetizers, Mains, Sandwiches, Desserts | Extras, Beverages
The menu is simple, with Filipino comfort food, cookies & ice cream for dessert, and beignets with kapeng mainit.
Spamusubi (P125). Caramelized SPAM, Kimchi rice in Nori.
This Hawaiian favorite is a good choice for a quick bite. Make sure to order the Kimchi rice version, add bacon & egg, and ask for extra sauce on the side (inspired by street fishball sauces).
Tapa 2.0 (P195). Sirloin Beef Tapa, Kimchi Rice, Poached Egg with a cup of Kapeng Mainit.
The beef tapa is marinated well with a generous serving of rice, topped with a cute poached egg.
Chicken Tocino (P180). Caramelized chicken, sinigang rice, poached egg.
The sweet chicken tocino did not go well with the sour sinigang rice. But I like the poached egg and the fact that their tocino is homemade.
★ Beignets (P120). French doughnuts, powdered sugar + Chocolate Filling (P150) + Green Tea Filling (P155).
The chewy and firm beignets topped with sugar are indeed worth the drive. They’re fried but not oily, and pillowy soft but not airy.
We love the chocolate and green tea filling of beignets, which ooze out when you bite into them. I can already imagine a hazelnut or savory cheese version.
C3 (P160). 3 Cookies of Choice: Double choco chunk, Oatmeal, Green Tea with 2 scoops of Vanilla ice cream.
Chef Bryan’s cookies are inspired by Bouchon Bakery. I like the double choco chunk and oatmeal cookies with the green tea to balance out the flavors. This would be great if served with homemade vanilla ice cream.
Kapeng Mainit is a great and promising dessert + coffee destination for your next food trip in BF. Order the Chocolate or Green Tea-filled Beignets and the C3 or C5 chocolate + ice cream dessert combination.
The food here is good with nice, playful flavors. The poached egg, kapeng barako, and friendly South service make it worth the trip. Budget P300/head.
Congrats to Chef Bryan for the well-deserved rave about his beignets! Looking forward to more from this rising 25-year old passionate chef.
KAPENG MAINIT
Lot 3 Block 6 Tropical Avenue, BF Homes, Paranaque. (near the BF Casimiro Gate)
Mobile: +63 917 824-4375
Facebook: Kapeng Mainit
Instagram: @Kapeng Mainit
Live an Awesome Life,
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Disclosure: We paid for our meal with some dishes compliments of the chef. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights. Read Our Awesome Planet Complete Disclosure Policy here.
P.S. Watch out for Kapeng Mainit’s Beignets in the next Ultimate Taste Test on Sept. 12! For more details about the event and how to buy your tickets, visit Ultimate Taste Test 2015.
I’m so totally disappointed with the beignets. nothing like the original ones. such a big let down