St. Ali brings a piece of Melbourne’s heart to Manila, one cup at a time

Words Mika Reyes
Photos courtesy of St. Ali Coffee
October 4, 2024

The Philippines' love affair with coffee just got more exciting as Australia’s leading independent specialty coffee roaster, St. Ali, has officially landed in Manila. Known for its trailblazing approach to coffee and a commitment to craftsmanship, St. Ali has chosen OPUS Mall in Bridgetowne Estate, Quezon City, as the home of its very first Philippine café.

St. Ali is no stranger to revolutionizing the coffee scene. Founded in South Melbourne in 2005, the brand quickly rose to prominence, becoming a beloved symbol of Australia’s renowned café culture. With its roots deeply intertwined with the creative coffee movement, St. Ali is a name synonymous with exceptional brewing techniques, ethically sourced beans, and bold innovation. Today, St. Ali is setting the stage for a new wave of coffee experiences in the Philippines, bringing a touch of Melbourne’s laneway coffee culture to the bustling streets of Quezon City.

As St. Ali’s CEO, Lachlan Ward, passionately explains, “We’re driven to share our passion for coffee and hospitality worldwide. Coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a craft. And we’re excited to introduce the St. Ali experience to Filipino coffee lovers.”

Coffee as an Art Form

At St. Ali, each cup is a reflection of dedication, precision, and creativity. This philosophy is what sets them apart. From roasting nearly 1.5 million tonnes of beans annually to perfecting new brewing techniques, the brand is always pushing the envelope.

Head Barista Alex Wang emphasizes the importance of sourcing the best beans from around the world, noting that their team works directly with producers to ensure every coffee drinker gets a taste of perfection. "We meticulously fine-tune each roast at our Port Melbourne facility," shares Wang. "Every cup is fresh, consistent, and crafted to meet our high standards."

This attention to detail has resulted in signature drinks like the Barista Breakfast—a trio of flat white, espresso, and filter coffee that promises to delight any coffee connoisseur. If you’re looking to indulge in something a little more adventurous, the Winter Freddo, a delightful blend of espresso, peanut butter chocolate, and cold milk foam, and the Apple-Gato, a playful fusion of espresso, vanilla ice cream, and house-made apple puree, offer unique twists on your everyday brew.

Elevating the Filipino Coffee Scene

The Philippines is no stranger to a thriving coffee culture, with cafés popping up across the country at an unprecedented rate. Yet St. Ali stands out by focusing on community-building and innovation. Stewart Ong, a local franchisee, recognized that Filipinos would appreciate St. Ali’s dedication to quality. "We’ve seen how Filipinos adore their coffee, and bringing St. Ali to Manila felt like a perfect fit," says Ong. “We’re thrilled to offer this uniquely Australian experience right here in Quezon City.”

But St. Ali isn’t just about coffee; it’s about creating an immersive experience. From thoughtfully curated interiors that transport you to a Melbourne café to a menu that perfectly complements each coffee offering, every detail is designed to enhance the customer experience. The café's lively atmosphere is a haven for those seeking a moment of solace, or perhaps a space to nurture creativity and conversation.

A Menu to Complement the Perfect Cup

Great coffee deserves great food, and St. Ali delivers on this front too. Their menu is filled with dishes that pair beautifully with their artisanal beverages. Head Chef Greg McFarland shares, “We believe coffee and food should work in harmony. That’s why we’ve created a menu that showcases the finest locally sourced ingredients, with a contemporary Australian twist.”

Expect mouth-watering options like their Avo Toast, which offers a modern spin on the beloved Australian staple, or the Chilli Scrambled Eggs that bring just the right amount of heat to your brunch plate. For those craving something heartier, The Royale burger elevates the classic with premium ingredients that will surely satisfy.

A Culture of Connection

St. Ali isn’t just a café; it’s a community hub. The brand has long been a pioneer in fostering connections, whether through their collaborative events or the shared joy of savoring a perfect cup of coffee. Lachlan Ward captures it best when he says, “We’re about creating spaces where time stands still—a moment of respite, where you can watch the world go by with a great coffee in hand.”

This sense of community is palpable in their Manila location, and it’s clear that St. Ali is set to become a favorite among local coffee lovers. Whether you’re there to enjoy a quiet moment alone or catch up with friends, the café offers an inviting environment that goes beyond just a caffeine fix.

St. Ali’s arrival in the Philippines marks a new chapter for the local coffee scene. As they continue to champion sustainability, ethical sourcing, and top-tier craftsmanship, Filipino coffee enthusiasts now have access to a brand that doesn’t just serve coffee but creates an experience.

Discover the Melbourne-born coffee sensation for yourself at St. Ali Coffee, now brewing at the Ground Floor of OPUS Mall, Bridgetowne Destination Estate in Quezon City. Coffee lovers, your new favorite spot has officially arrived.