EST Japanese Cafe in BGC: Japanese Breads, Specialty Coffee, and Afternoon Tea

Now, there are two things that anyone could have at any time of day: good food and equally good coffee. And that’s what EST Japanese Cafe at SM Aura Premier offers.

IMAGE from EST Japanese Cafe

EST Japanese Cafe offers the best staples served at quaint cafe found in the scenic backstreets of Omotesando in Tokyo. The name of the cafe is pronounced as “best“. 

With its pristine, white-painted walls, light-hued wooden chairs and tables, as well as its delicate minimalist design that transforms its interiors into a tranquil haven, EST Japanese Cafe is a sanctuary of simplicity and elegance in the fast-paced city.

IMAGE from EST Japanese Cafe

At EST Japanese Cafe, the menu changes every two to three months, ensuring there’s always something new to enjoy with each visit.

To start off your Japanese cafe experience, indulge in their sando (Japanese sandwich) and toasts — all prepared with freshly baked, fluffy nama shokupan (Japanese fresh bread), just like their Salmon Katsu Sando and Honey Toast with Triple Cream Sampler!

Salmon Katsu Sando/ IMAGE from EST Japanese Cafe

Honey Toast with Triple Cream Sampler/ IMAGE from EST Japanese Cafe

For heartier Japanese-style dishes, you may also try their pasta specialties like the creamy Pomodoro, Ricotta & Basil that comes with a slice of nama shokupan and a side of salad.

Pomodoro, Ricotta & Basil Pasta / IMAGE from EST Japanese Cafe

In addition to its menu favorites, EST Japanese Cafe places strong emphasis on the quality of its bread. The flour used in their loaves is specially milled, giving each slice a gentle wheat aroma. One of their most popular items is the Special Shokupan (Php 358 for 14 slices /Php 190 for half), made with milk and honey for a soft texture and mild sweetness—delicious on its own or lightly toasted.

Special Shokupan/IMAGE from EST Japanese Cafe

This November, EST will also release a freshly baked Curry Bread (Php 110) exclusively at Mitsukoshi Deli by EST, featuring beef simmered for eight hours for a deep, rich flavor.

The cafe also offers two options for their afternoon tea set, SET A priced at Php 950 and SET B priced at Php 800, with an additional Php 200 charge for weekends.

IMAGE from EST Japanese Cafe

SET A includes a welcome sparkling drink, nine (9) types of desserts and scones, three to four (3-4) savory items, and a choice of one drink from a selection of tea, coffee, or mocktails.

For instance, cafe’s Matsuri Afternoon Tea features lavender dome, eclair, mochi, panna cotta, macarons, crepe, and tarts for sweets. They also serve breads like scones as well as savory offerings of croquette, yakitori, canape, and tamagozzo.

IMAGE from EST Japanese Cafe

Diners may also bring your fur babies to the cafe as they have a special dog menu that will make their tails wag in delight.

IMAGE from EST Bakery Cafe

Diners at EST Japanese Cafe can also opt to share the set with two others, although the third person will need to order an additional food or drink item.

Expanding Its Presence

EST Japanese Cafe continues to expand its presence in Metro Manila with exciting updates for food lovers.

From October 9 to 29, 2025, the cafe will host a pop-up store at the basement food hall of Mitsukoshi. Moreover, starting November 17, EST’s signature sweets will be available for regular purchase in the chilled section of Mitsukoshi Fresh.

Shortly after, around MANPUKU Deli by EST is set to open in the former Ikomai space inside Mitsukoshi Fresh, offering a new selection of Japanese-inspired delicacies. To cap off the year, EST’s flagship store will relocate and expand inside SM Aura in late December, providing an enhanced space for its patrons to enjoy its wide range of sweets and treats.

While their SM Aura branch undergoes renovation, EST products are available for purchase inside Mitsukoshi Fresh.

For a taste of Japan in Manila, EST Japanese Cafe should be on your list of must-tries before the year ends!

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