It’s been over a year since Buku-Buku Kafe’s flagship restaurant at The District in Imus, Cavite opened its doors to the public. The upstart yet promising Kafe survived what seemed like an eternity of finding its identity. Just like any thriving brand, Buku-Buku Kafe went through a lot of transitions and experiments especially when it comes to the food they serve. But one thing remained consistent throughout the whole process creativity. Creativity has always been the brand’s core value and it became more apparent when they started offering unique dishes such as their famed RomiLamen, a hybrid of a Batangas lomi and ramen. As odd as it may sound, RomiLamen became one of their best-selling dishes and synonymous to Buku-Buku Kafe. True to its promise of bringing together young creative minds down south, Buku-Buku Kafe partnered with indie artists and musicians who breathed life to the Kafe’s laid back weekends. Word got around quickly and the quaint Kafe became an instant hit to the Southerners. Finally, something out of the ordinary emerged. A multi-hyphenated place that serves as a reading space, a coffee shop, and a full-range dining hub. More importantly, it’s a creative space that challenges the norm.
Fast-forward to the present, Buku-Buku Kafe has recently opened its second branch with a funkier interior in the newly renovated wing of SM Southmall, Las Piñas. Boasting an industrial chic look, the Las Piñas branch promises a visual feast. At 123 sqm in total space, every corner has been detailed and structured with a creative touch to make the whole place Instagram-worthy. The wooden tables and light fixtures with floating books were retained as these are some of the signature elements of the restaurant. In addition, the huge wall mural and framed black and white vintage photos hanging in the staircase wall definitely catch the attention of any diner.
“The second branch was designed to appeal to both the culinary and visual arts. With wonderfully simple and rather eclectic furnishings which match the industrial look, the focus is not just on the food but the total experience. We want to inspire human emotions for sure,” said Nicholas Santiago, manager and partner of Buku-Buku Kafe.
The south is without a doubt a culinary gem, a melting pot best reflected in the growing food industry. If you think you’ve tried and seen everything in the South, well, think again! Take a look at these top five most insane dishes from Buku-Buku Kafe which will give you a good run for your buck.
ISAW FRIES
The local street food snack boiled and seasoned with spices and herbs, deep fried to a crisp, and flavored with powdered cheese and sour cream tops the list. This dish may look strange but it’s a surprisingly good starter especially paired with a classic sinamak.
TARA! GOTO!
A twist on the on the classic Pinoy lugaw recipe – made with brown rice and crispy, breaded ox tripe.
GENERAL GORENG
The American-Chinese chicken dish with sweet & spicy sauce served with the traditional Malaysian nasi goreng rice. Served with an assortment of sides from broccoli, baby radish, and candied dilis.
LAMB LAKSA
A Western twist on the popular Singaporean noodle & soup dish, this laksa is flavored with the rich taste of lamb broth.
ASIAN FRIED CHICKEN ADOBO
Hawker-style Chinese chicken catered to the Philippine palette. Served with yang-chow fried rice, steam garlic bok choy, and roast chicken liver sauce.
Taking the center-stage at the launch of Buku-Buku Kafe’s Las Piñas branch is indie singer/ songwriter, and producer BP Valenzuela. This young electronic musician, inclined to the analog, is at the top of her game. Currently the ambassador of global fashion brand Uniqlo, BP is slowly penetrating the mainstream Complementing BP’s chill vibe is HoochieCoochieMikkie, who will be returning to Buku-Buku Kafe after electrifying the crowd with his Delta Blues at Halcyon Days in Buku-Buku Kafe Imus last July.
Now that the second brand is fully operational, Buku-Buku Kafe is slowing redefining and introducing the concept of an art-inspired restaurant. Starting with its new location, it promises to serve unique yet responsibly created and sourced food. Along with the vision of always challenging the norm; taking the simplest form of space and transforming it into something spectacular.
Buku-Buku Kafe is located at the upper ground floor of SM Southmall, Alabang-Zapote Road, Las Piñas.
For more information, email [email protected].