Truth be told, I wasn't expecting much prior to trying out Papa Kim's Korean Bakery & Coffee along Sumulong Highway in Antipolo other than Korean pastry breads, coffee, and perhaps a chance to practice my Korean speaking skill. I have visited quite a handful of Korean cafes in Manila and dare I say that it's a love and hate relationship. I have few favorites, but there are some which just didn't sit well with me.
So really, it's just my curiosity which made me decide to give this one a go. Little did I know, I will end up loving this Korean cafe more than I thought I would.
And if I'm lucky enough to make you visit them and try their food offerings through this blog post, I am guessing you probably would too. There is just so many things to love about Papa Kim's Korean Bakery and Coffee, I tell you.
First thing I love about Papa Kim's Korean Bakery and Coffee is the fact that although they do not scream K-Pop in your face, the way other cafe normally would, you would know that this cafe is freakin' legit.
How? You asked. Well, Korean customers, no less. And judging by the way they interact with the kindly baristas and food attendants, it seems to me that they are regulars in that place. That says a lot.
No person would want to see their food and culture being bastardize by other race. So if you see Korean people having a grand time in a Korean restaurant or cafe for that matter, then this establishment must be doing something right.
Another thing that I love about Papa Kim's Korean Bakery and Coffee is the stunning view.
Papa Kim's is located along Sumulong Highway in Antipolo City and they got one of the good spot that is surrounded by nature and features Metro Manila skyline.
There are several restaurants and drinking bars along the area. My cousin owns a restaurant bar also with a nice view in the area, but that's another story for perhaps another blog post. What I am trying to say is that I am so used to enjoying the beautiful view which Sumulong Highway is famous for while having a beer fest with friends.
It didn't occur to me that it can be enjoyed while having a good cuppa Joe on hand as well. A much appreciated welcome change on my part because I am avoiding downing good ol' alcohol these days. 고맙습니다 Papa Kim's!
So imagine yourself enjoying a lazy quiet afternoon with some good food and good coffee while enjoying a magnificent view. That's basically what begs to be had at Papa Kim's, and basically what you should look forward as you visit them.
Had I not had other commitment the day I dined at Papa Kim's, I probably would have stayed a bit longer and take my sweet time enjoying the moment. I was told that they have an open air viewing deck upstairs aside from the main dining hall. I wasn't able to check because I was there around noon time and I hate sunburn. I'm sure it would be perfect at night time viewing.
Now onto the food. Thankfully, while the view at Papa Kim's can be a good reason enough for people to pay a visit, their food is still the star of the show. Yes, they didn't bank on just having a nice view and milk it for all its worth - Papa Kim's is so much more than that.
For a start, they have decent line of coffee selections. My companion got to try their Cafe Latte (Php110/medium) and find it perfect to his liking.
Papa Kim's is currently having a promo called Keopi Perfect Match which basically gives diners discounted price when they avail of the small size caffe latte. For only Php120, you may enjoy caffe latte and your choice of bread. If you want cake to go with your latte instead, you can have it for only Php180. It's a good deal really.
I was told that one of their best sellers is the Fresh Cream Soboro (Php55.00) which I find really good. One of the best Korean breads I have tried which didn't burn hole in my pocket.
While I find the Sobora bread impressive, it was the Cream Cheese Cake (Php120/slice) which stole my heart. I cannot count how many times have I mentioned here on the blog how much of a cheesecake lover I am, but I am very picky. This cheesecake from Papa Kim's is one of the best I have had.
It's creamy, cheesy, and dense. I was expecting it to be light in flavor the way Korean breads usually are, but this one is packed with that distinct sweet-tangy flavor combination that I love in my cheesecake. I don't mind going back again and again at Papa Kim's for this cheesecake.
Just like any other cafes, Papa Kim's boasts of cold ice blended drinks on their beverage selections. I got to try the Irish Cream Frappe ((Php140) which I find perfect for my taste just because I love coffee with strong flavor. The Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Blended (Php150) on the other hand is perfect for those who wants to steer clear of caffeine but still wants to enjoy a cold drink.
There are few sandwiches at Papa Kim's menu. I was originally planning on trying out their Beef and Chicken Bulgogi Sandwich but unfortunately it wasn't available that day. I settles with their Bacon Sandwich instead (Php120) and it did not disappoint. I love that the generous sandwich filling, they totally didn't scrimp on the bacon.
Papa Kim's is slowly adding new items on their menu and one of their newest addition is the Creamy Pesto Pasta, probably one of the best creamy pesto pasta I have ever had recently. Even my companion was really impressed. We did enjoyed the one with shrimp on it (Php275) but next time, I'm going to try the one with chicken on it (Php255).
Another one that made me so happy to have visited Papa Kim's was the Mango Bingsu (Php150/medium). I love Bingsu in general but not all bingsu are created equal. Fortunately, Papa Kim's Mango Bingsu is as impressive as all the other items on their menu. This basically comprised of fresh milk ice, fresh ripe mango, mango drizzle, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and almonds slivers on top. It is what summer dreams are made of.
Of course, aside from the glorious food on their menu, Papa Kim's variety of breads are not to be missed. There are several selections to choose from depending on your preferred flavor profile. There are some sweet breads and there are also some savory ones. There are those which can be consume in couple of bites, and there are those which can feed multitude in its size.
Papa Kim's also sells several cakes just like the Cream Cheese Cake I so dearly love. I would have loved to try the Green Tea Cake too but I believe it was only sold as a whole and not per slice. There are other cute looking cakes, so this can be a perfect place to check out if you need celebration cake for your loved ones.
Last but not the least, another reason why Papa Kim's earned my love was because of the people. I have said this before here on the blog, for several times already, that the way food attendants treat their customers matters a lot to me. Sir Edmond, Sir Joseph, and Ms. Anna for me, are perfect example of what a good customer service workers should be like. No I didn't get to practice my Korean with them, but I was more than happy to chat with them nonetheless.
From the moment I enter the cafe up to the time that I leave, I feel very well taken care of. They were very warm and friendly and accommodating. And let me tell you, I can feel the sincerity in their service because I noticed that they were warm, friendly, and accommodating to each and every customers that enters the cafe while I was there. Seriously, I highly commend these amazing people.
I have nothing but good words to say about Papa Kim's Korean Bakery and Coffee. My visit really brings so much joy to me because not only the food are good, but the ambiance and the people are equally nice. I have been blogging for ten years now and I must say that of all the restaurants and cafes I have ever visited, Papa Kim's is one of those which impressed me the most, therefore I highly recommend.
So please, take time to visit Papa Kim's Korean Bakery and Coffee so that you may enjoy their good food and coffee selections while enjoying a beautiful view or perhaps a nice lighthearted conversation with their kindly staff.
고맙습니다 Papa Kim's Korean Bakery and Coffee! 사랑합니다!
Papa Kim's Korean Bakery and Coffee
Sumulong Highway
Antipolo City
Facebook: @PapaKimsKoreanBakeryAndCoffee
Instagram: @PapaKimsKoreanBakeryAndCoffee
