Cafe Laya: Drink, Eat and Embrace Art and Expression (EGI Taft Towers Manila)

Before the end of 2015, Cafe Laya located in EGI Taft Tower along Taft Avenue in Metro Manila officially opened.  

When I saw Cafe Laya from the outside, I could already feel the warmth of the place radiating and calling me to step inside.

Despite Cafe Laya's limited floor space, feeling cramped is the last thing that I felt.  I guess it's the wonderful harmony of the place: vibrant colors, creative artistry and melodic sound of chatters and laughter.
 

Everything... even the condiment holders are eye candies.

Cafe Laya is a gallery of Filipino creativity and genius innovations.  There  are beautiful caged lights, chairs and tables made by Silya, Electrika, atbp., a group of artists that use reclaimed and repurposed treated wood and steel.  The covers for the floors poufs on the mezzanine are manufactured by ANTHILL, a cultural and social enterprise that supports our talented Filipino weaving community thus, preserving our amazing ethnic fabric heritage. Cafe Laya also sells products from our native social enterprises such as First Harvest Peanut Spread made by Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm, all-Filipino iced tea by Bayani Brew and artisan chocolate by Theo and Philo - I'm a huge fan of this company!

One of my fave fixtures are these recycled steel drums by Archinections, Junk Not!

On the second floor is a floor seating with pillow set up.  One of the most iconic tables is this one with a huge abacus.

The Laya Wall is an exhibit of masterpieces by local artists with a duration of 6-8 weeks. 

Now if you're feeling artistic, expressive and confident enough, you can showoff your skills by insisting and begging their staffs to have your art work belong to such prestigious collection like I did.=p  Just kidding!  Simply ask and they will give you a piece of paper and art materials.

Occasionally, there are some performances.  Every Saturday, there are passion workshops.  If you complete five out of nine workshops, you'll get one session for you and your friend for free.

Food

Pasta Meals (served with buttered bread)

Tuyo Pesto (200 php)

The Tuyo Pesto is an interesting blend of salty and herby.

♥ Pesto Bolognese (200 php)

This is my first time to try a Pesto Bolognese.  It works!

♥ Keso de Bola Carbonara (200 php)

Rich, creamy, savory with appetizing kind of saltiness, the Keso de Bola Carbonara wins my vote among all other pasta dishes.

Sandwich Meals (served with kamote chips)

Bacon and Keso de Bola (155 php)

A grilled cheese sandwich is my kind of comfort food.  And, this Bacon and Keso de Bola is a heavenly meal for me.


Pastries & Desserts

Chocolate Cake (70 php) and Theo & Philo Banana Muffin (80 php)

The Chocolate Cake is like a small chocolate bomb that holds super rich syrupy chocolate within.  It's really more than I can handle.  The Theo & Philo Banana Muffin is delicious but a bit dry.

♥ Kesong Puti Cheesecake (155 php)

The Kesong Puti Cheesecake is smooth and light.  I really enjoyed this!

Yema Cheesecake (155 php)

As expected, the Yema Cheesecake is sweet.  If you're yearning for sweet treats, this is for you.

Chocnut Cake (155 php)

The Chocnut Cake is a bit sweet but not too much too handle because it is complemented by the chocolate-y and nutty flavors.

♥ Ube Pandan Cake (170 php)

 The Ube Pandan Cake is my favorite!  I so love the Ube Halaya sandwiched between the ube and pandan layer.


Drinks

Creamies (Ice Cream Milk Shake)

Mango Graham (175 php)

Coffee Creamies (Espresso-based Milk Shake)

Cookies and Cream (185 php)

Cafe Laya uses coffee beans that are 100% Arabica produced from Benguet Province.

The Cheery Cafe Laya Crew

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Cafe Laya is a great place to set your mind and soul free.  So if you want to support local, chill, drink, eat and embrace art and expression then pay this place a visit.

Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating		Cafe Laya Menu
Ambiance	★★★★	Menu
Taste	★★★
Service	★★★
Price	★★★
♥=Favorites or Recommended

Cafe Laya
Business Address	EGI Taft Tower 2339 Taft Avenue (Beside De LaSalle University) Malate, Manila, Metro Manila
Business Hours	9am-9pm
Payment Options	Cash
Service Charge
Budget/Person	100-250
Free WiFi	Yes
Unlocked Foursquare Perks	None
Contact
Other	Facebook

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