21 Hundred Cafe makes a confident first impression with its sleek, modern design and bright, spacious interiors—ideal for both casual meetups and laptop work sessions. Their counter-service setup is efficient, and the space feels welcoming to all ages, including families with young kids (high chairs included!).
The name 21 Hundred Cafe actually comes from the zip code of Balanga, Bataan—2100. It’s a cool little detail that shows how the café is proudly rooted in its hometown. More than just a trendy coffee spot, it feels like a place made for the local community, whether you’re stopping by for a quick caffeine fix, a sweet treat, or just a cozy spot to hang out.
Coffee and Cakes
I went for a tall hot Americano, which followed Starbucks-style sizing. It leaned bitter, but that’s not a bad thing—it’ll likely balance well with the sweeter drinks on the menu. For pastries, I sampled the Red Velvet Cake and Pistachio Cake.
The Red Velvet was visually appealing but lacked the expected cocoa and cream cheese punch—overpowered by a condensed milk flavor. If it were named differently, it might pass as a decent cake, but as a Red Velvet, it misses the mark.
The Pistachio Cake, on the other hand, felt more intentional. Clearly inspired by knafeh, it brought a layered texture and sweet nuttiness that worked. A bit on the sweet side, but that’s a matter of taste.
Final Thoughts
21 Hundred Café shows promise—stylish ambiance, approachable coffee, and a dessert menu that’s trying to find its footing. The pistachio dessert is worth a try, while the red velvet could use some rethinking. I’ll be returning soon to explore their savory offerings, which might be where the kitchen really shines.
Would I come back? Yes.
Best Bite: Pistachio Cake
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5/5 for now)
👉 Tip: Grab a seat upstairs if you want a quieter nook to work or chat. And check the display case—they rotate cake selections regularly.
UPDATE – REVISITED THE NEXT DAY
What We Ordered (Revisit)
- Tall Latte
- Oreo Cheesecake
- Mango Habanero Chicken
- Soy Garlic Beef with Rice
- Pancake and Sausage (served with waffles instead)
Oreo Cheesecake
The Oreo Cheesecake looked rich and inviting, but the flavor leaned more toward sweet than creamy. I found the cream cheese element a bit lacking, making it feel more like a dessert bar than a full-bodied cheesecake. Still enjoyable if you have a sweet tooth, but not the standout dessert I hoped for.
Tall Latte
This was too milky for my preference. The coffee flavor didn’t come through as strongly as I like, so if you’re a fan of bolder lattes, consider requesting an extra espresso shot.
Mango Habanero Chicken
Despite the name, the flavor profile didn’t carry enough mango sweetness or habanero heat. That said, the chicken itself was well-cooked and seasoned. It’s a flavorful dish overall, just misnamed. Renaming it to match its true flavor would set better expectations.
Soy Garlic Beef with Rice
This one was a winner. The beef was tender and well-marinated, with a flavor reminiscent of Filipino-style tapa. It wasn’t overly salty, and the vinegar-based side of pickled cucumber added a bright contrast. A solid rice meal worth ordering again.
Pancake and Sausage (with Waffles)
We were served waffles instead of pancakes, but they were soft and almost pancake-like in texture, so it worked out. The serving size was generous—great for sharing. Just don’t expect crispy waffles. The sausage and scrambled eggs rounded out a hearty breakfast plate.
Overall Thoughts
The savory dishes at 21 Hundred Café are better than expected. While the names of some dishes could use tweaking to match the flavor, the execution is there. The café seems to be targeting a younger, trend-conscious crowd with comforting flavors and generous portions. Between 21 Hundred and Beanery, I’d personally go with 21 Hundred for the overall vibe, food and ample parking space.
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