I came all the way to this Iloilo cafe in Miagao, Beans and Bubbles, just to have a slice of dayap cheesecake!
I love Iloilo! I’ve been coming here over and over for the food, architecture and just to have a great time. I have friends here who are immersed in the local culture and heritage too.
How I got to know about this dayap cheesecake
John Sherwin Felix of Lokalpedia first posted about the dayap cheesecake during his visit in Iloilo. As I will have a brief stay in the province after a business trip in Makati, I immediately made plans to drop by. I checked their FB page and messaged to inquire about the availability as Marie Joy Rosal posted that it’s not always available. She also introduced and brought him there.
I’ve been friends with Joy for several years already. I first learned about her when I read a copy of her Iloilo heritage camposantos (cemeteries) work and got introduced. We usually meet with another tireless heritage advocate, Eugene, over lunch or dinner whenever my schedule permits me in Iloilo City. Joy messaged me and we made plans to meet in Miag-ao Church. From there, she’ll drive me to the cafe. Fortunately, the dayap cheesecake was available that day.
For those who don’t know, dayap is Philippine key lime or acid lime. It’s a hybrid citrus native to Southeast Asia and the fruit looks like a calamansi but much, much bigger.
Beans and Bubbles, an Iloilo Cafe in Miagao
Beans and Bubbles is the cafe of wife and husband team, Ms Tracy, a nurse who worked in London and came back for good to her native Iloilo where she opened a laundry business and a cafe, thus the name. Her customers are usually students from UP Miagao who make this their study and hangout place as it is airconditioned and has free wifi. Good thing too as the products they offer, from cakes, pastries, pasta, breads and meals, plus their various drinks are student budget friendly.
Dayap cheesecake at this affordable cafe
I was quite excited to have a taste of this unique flavor. When we entered the cafe, I immediately caught sight of the round dessert sitting at the counter. After the introductions, I headed to where it was displayed and just admired its beautiful yellow topping. Eyes wide with wonder and smiling devilishly.
I love cheesecakes. And I am such a sucker for uniquely flavored ones. And this is the reason that I got very excited to take a bus all the way to this municipality and have a bite.
I sunk my fork near the tip, observing intently how the metal slices through, first the dayap curd, then to the cheesecake mixture and then to the graham crust. I took a bite.
A refreshing and delectable bite
It is so refreshing. The citrusy and tangy taste of the velvety dayap curd brings memories of sunny summer days. The smooth cheesecake is creamy and balances the acidity while the graham base provides texture. It is so good. The tartness is not too strong to overpower the dessert and not too sweet too, which I love. Pair this with the specialty Arabica coffee from Yardstick in Makati, which they also offer, and you’ve got a memorably sweet gastronomic experience worthy of the almost one hour bus ride.
Other products at the cafe
Other than the dayap cheesecake and coffee, I did try their other food products:
- Cinnamon roll. It’s soft and delicious too. It reminds me of Cinnabon buns that I get from time to time.
- Meat bun. Soft bread and I love the chicken filling.
- Sourdough toasties with butter and jam. I got intrigued with their sourdough bread when I checked their Facebook page and was looking forward to have a taste. Good that they offer toasties with the selection of sourdough slices or brioche bread. I chose the former. I opted for the butter and jam, because, why not? But even if it was just butter, it’s all good for me. If I didn’t have plans of making a stopover in Bacolod, I would’ve wanted to buy a loaf.
Because I had breakfast that morning, I just had these items. I’m very much looking forward though to try their meals especially the pasta dishes. When I do get back, I would surely visit this Iloilo cafe in Miagao and indulge their other food items.
Getting there and away
The fastest way to get to this Iloilo cafe in Miagao is via private vehicle but if you’re like me, preferring to commute, here’s how you get to Beans and Bubbles:
- From the city, head to the Ceres Mohon Terminal in Arevalo District, Iloilo. If you’re coming from the city, there are several jeepneys, both traditional or modern/airconditioned coming from Iloilo Downtown. There are two terminals:
- exclusive to Ceres bus bound for Antique
- Mohon Terminal or the Don Benito Acap Southbound Terminal which is much farther and closer to the Iloilo City-Oton boundary
- Tell the jeepney driver that you will alight at the Ceres terminal
- I do prefer taking the airconditioned Ceres bus as its faster. Once you’re on board the regular or airconditioned bus, tell the driver that you’re bound for Miagao Church
- From Miagao Church you can either walk, if you don’t mind the 700m distance to the cafe. Or you take a tricycle. You can check Beans and Bubbles via Google Maps. I’ve also included a map below.
Should you then visit this Iloilo cafe in Miagao? Definitely! Make it part of your itinerary while visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Miagao Church.
Beans and Bubbles
Barangay Mat-y 5023
Miagao, Philippines
