My love for a good brew stretches back to my childhood. I judge coffee not just by its taste but also by how it is presented. On a random day, while scrolling through social media, I came across an advertisement that caught my attention. As a Gen Z, I’m very particular about the layout and graphics used in advertising, and ZUS Coffee passed the vibe check.
ZUS Coffee may be known for its sleek branding and an array of intriguing concoctions, but will it pass the taste buds of Filipinos? Will they truly live up to the hype? As I come and go from this coffee chain, I’ve noted five drinks you might consider trying the next time you cafe hop!
Iced Velvet Crème Latté
I was overwhelmed when I received my order. The packaging felt excessive to me, considering its price. I didn’t let it affect my perception of the coffee, so I lowered my expectations. But no, Iced Velvet Crème Latté won me over with my first sip.
You can actually taste the thickness of the velvet crème, as the menu description says, “velvety cloud of sweet crème brûlée,” and that’s why I decided to order it, too! The milky sweetness layered well with the dark roast brought by the Boss beans.
The quality truly justifies the price—for P135, it’s as rich and satisfying as those high-end coffee chain options.
Caramel Macchiato
My second order got me wrapped around its facade. The perfectly curated white canvas kissed with streaks of golden caramel drizzle almost made me feel guilty for disrupting its aesthetic. It honestly felt like a crime, but it’s hard just to look at it. I had to take a sip.
Judging by the flavour itself, I predicted that it would be sweet. It’s the kind of sweetness that will make you say, “I deserve this,” for your much-needed treat for surviving a hell week. But it’s not just about how sweet it is; it’s how the sweetness accentuates the espresso.
Speaking of the espresso, it didn’t just fade into the sweetness; it cut through the caramel’s sweetness with a pleasant bitterness. For the overall verdict, the Caramel Macchiato strikes a decent balance between sweetness and espresso. The sweetness didn’t compromise the coffee element, and I’m here for it.
Hiraya Latté
In the ancient Filipino term, “hiraya” means “the fruit of one’s dreams” or “imagination.” I tried ordering a Hiraya Latte for my third time at ZUS out of curiosity. It delivers a smooth, creamy, buttery caramel coffee sensation on my first sip. You’ll taste the dominant flavor of rich, sweet caramel, but the thing is, it’s not overwhelming, unlike the caramel macchiato.
What I actually like about this flavor is how affordable it is for a well-brewed treat. This is perfect for those who consistently seek a sweet and creamy coffee drink at every cafe they visit.
Spanish Latté
This fourth order is the celebrity level of them all. ZUS Coffee’s Spanish Latte gained a lot of praise from coffee aficionados online. It once again piqued my curiosity, so I had to spend a dime on this menu’s apex brew.
Above all the Spanish Lattes I’ve tried before, ZUS Coffee’s Spanish Latte offers a delightful, sweet flavor derived from condensed milk, featuring prominent, sugary notes that many find comforting.
The condensed milk also significantly contributes to the texture, making it creamier and thicker than a standard latte. The condensed milk also makes the latte creamier and thicker than usual. Meanwhile, the espresso provides a necessary balance to the sweetness, although the intensity of the coffee can vary; choosing a bolder blend can help it stand out against the sweetness of the milk.
If you have a sweet tooth and you enjoy sweet coffee, this is a great choice, satisfying cravings for something rich and dessert-like.
Sea Salt Brown Sugar
When I first downloaded ZUS Coffee’s app on my device, this drink was actually the first that caught my attention. However, I thought, maybe it’s the best they had, so I had to save it for later. Guess what, I’m right.
The Sea Salt Brown Sugar blends the rich, molasses-like notes of brown sugar with a hint of salt, creating a flavor that dances on your tongue. The addition of sea salt introduces a savory counterpoint to the sweetness, elevating the drink from a simple sugary indulgence to a more indulgent experience.
Sea Salt Brown Sugar has become my go-to order each time I go for a quick coffee run between work.
WHO IS ZUS? WHAT IS ZUS? WHEN IS ZUS?
(If you get the reference, you’re an og Marvel fan)
ZUS Coffee is a well-known Malaysian-born coffee chain that debuted in the Philippines in September 2023 and has established 120 store outlets.
Its commitment to its tagline, “Necessity, not Luxury,” has resonated with Filipinos who love to drink coffee, whether they are at work, at home, or on the go, and whenever they please. That’s also the reason why many Filipino consumers appreciate quality coffee at an accessible price.
Another thing that I like about ZUS Coffee is the freedom they give to their customers. Having an option for the foundation of your drink is a great move. ZUS Coffee offers a rich and strong blend, allowing customers to choose between BOSS and Lydia, which focuses on lighter and fruitier notes.