You know what? For the number of times (that can still be counted using my fingers) I’ve come to UCC and buy coffee, I just didn’t realize that THEY’VE ALSO GOT FOOD IN THERE BESIDES PASTRIES.
I dunno. The first time I’ve been there I ordered the same coffee and cake that my friend did. It’s a wonder why I didn’t further browse the menu. Either it was because I thought of food in a coffeeshop as weird enough or that I don’t really want to order more because items are a bit pricey.
Yeah, but didn’t they say we can choose to pay attention (and money) to quality over quantity (or popularity)?
It was only recently that I realized that UCC offers different Japanese fusion dishes too. And damn, they’re tasty I’m already craving just thinking about it.
I think one of the most striking things that I find at UCC Trinoma (which has just opened last July 26) is that the whole place seem to bring a whole lot of fresh air. It’s not an al fresco coffeeshop but, perhaps, it’s due to the fact that people don’t really crowd this area much, unlike in other more frequented coffee places. And for people looking for peace and quiet (or a place with a decent amount of noise level), it’s a place to go.
It looks so sparkling clean!
Beyond the sliding glass door is the smoking area
It’s nice to be able to actually see people walking outside, sweating out (or soaking wet), while I’m so dry and cool inside the cafe
Also, UCC Trinoma’s temperature is absolutely perfect for someone like me who thrives on a cool (note: not cold) environment. I like to sip my coffee and read my books in comfort.
This particular UCC branch is particularly different from it’s other branches because different stores carry different concepts. UCC Vienna Cafes (like that at MOA and Greenhills) have the “hotel coffee shop outside of a hotel” feel, with a more sophisticated ambiance. UCC Park Cafe usually are nestled in a plush landscape, like the one found in Glorietta. UCC Coffee shop (like the one at SM The Block) has sophisticated interiors but, is more fresh and youthful compared to the Vienna cafes, which were made to seem more suited for business-related visits. UCC Cafe Terrace, like this one at Trinoma, resembles a contemporary country club setting with the huge glass windows, and wooden furniture. I actually like the more vibrant colors here, compared to that of the UCC coffee shop located at the Block.
And the food is just as colorful, varied, and interesting.
Japanese Seafood Soup Spaghetti (P395)
It’s weird to be seeing spaghetti noodles used in a soup. But I kinda like the tomato-based soup. I love tomatoes and in this dish, I liked how it made the soup sour-sweet. It can be a comfort food. Too bad there isn’t a UCC near my place.
Seafood Spaghetti can come with a choice of tomato, white, or curry sauce. I think I want to try the curry sauce next time.
My rating: 
Sumiyaki Eel and Mushroom Spaghetti with White sauce (P429)
Interestingly, the word sumiyaki means “to be charcoal-fired” and I’m guessing that it’s the way of cooking used to give these eel their sweet, smoky taste, beautifully contrasted with the creamy sauce. It kind of reminded me of a spicy eel sushi, but on spaghetti. I find this dish just okay. Probably, it’s because I’d rather eat eel as a sushi and not on a spaghetti.
My rating: 
Hamburg Curry with rice (P349)
I’m not really fond of burgers, though I tend to eat the burger steak at Jollibee when there’s nothing else to it. But definitely, the burger steak isn’t anywhere near this one. Actually, it’s curried and I like how the curry flavor isn’t so strong, that is it’s just mildly spicy so that I can still taste the potatoes and the rice. I think I’m going to order this one next time I visit.
My rating:
Another thing I learned? Don’t eat with food bloggers when you’re very hungry…
Food bloggers, hard at work
…because you’ll go hungry for a while longer. Don’t dare touch the food, whether beautifully presented or not, before everyone has taken a photo of it!
Another thing that people could get crazy about in UCC, especially for those who aren’t coffee drinkers, is the very colorful lineup of fruit shakes they have on the menu.
Nina making sure she gets the finest angle of these fine shakes
Game time: Guess which of these drinks did I order
The shakes are usually a combination of fruits like kiwi, mango, strawberry, melon, and others (that I can’t really remember now).
The drink I ordered tasted wonderfully fine. Not extraordinary. I still love UCC for their coffee but I like the drink. Very refreshing.
My rating:
And, now, of course, dessert time! My favorite part of the meal!
I think this is Tiramisu
Mango cheesecake
Definitely, a chocolate cake!
UCC Sumiyaki Coffee Jelly (P209) dance time. You’ll get the tall glass, of course
A lot of sweets and pastries! I think what got most of my loving attention is this one, though:
Duchess Apple pie
It definitely was the perfect match to my Sumiyaki coffee.
My rating:
A Perfect Meal Ender
So while the items on the menu is a bit pricey, I think the money you’d be paying is all worth it. I don’t know if I can do a UCC visit frequently though. I think I’ll reserve this for my biweekly treats for myself. Or maybe if I get to have a friend to come along, so we could split the bill. Hehehe.
But wait! There are PROMOS! PROMOS! PROMOS!
If you’re interested in taking a peek at this newly opened branch of UCC, take advantage of its grand opening promo. It’s offering 15%off from food and drinks until August 31.
Also, you can avail of free valet parking (trust me, you’ll be needing this when you’re in Trinoma) which is free for 4 hours for every single minimum receipt of P1,000. The promo duration for the free valet parking is from July 27 – December 31, 2008. However, this is valid for UCC Trinoma branch only and not in conjunction with other promotions.
For other branches of UCC, click here for the list.
For related food entries, please see:
- My Food Notebook- Japanese Seafood Spaghetti at UCC
- Pinoy Food and Other Cuisine – UCC Coffee – Japanese Fusion at Trinoma
[...] in the newly opened UCC Cafe Terrace in Trinoma. Some food bloggers were there such as: Noemi, Prudence, Tin, Robin and Nina ( and we enjoyed the food and taking pictures as well! ) I apologize that it [...]
Just dropped by to say Hello! Hope to see you again in another food trip.
looks like u guys had fun
hi
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good luck