Second Sip: Cha Tuk Chak

Poblacion grew from being a sketchy neighborhood to one of the busiest foodie districts in town. As home to innovative dining concepts and some of the hippiest bars, Poblacion came in a bit late with food parks. We've noticed the boom of these al fresco dining spots and it seems that it is now reaching its sunset phase. But one food park tries to prove us otherwise--Pobstacion. And our first stop in this industrial food spot... Cha Tuk Chak.

Hello, Cha Tuk Chak.

I've tried Cha Tuk Chak before at the Gourmand Market last year but I found its Nom Yen (PHP120 | PHP135) drink too milky and blah. I thought it was great as many pick this flavor. It turns out to be just for the gram.

But we were parched when we got to Pobstacion and thrilled to have anything to drink. R and I instantly zeroed in on Kyoto Matcha (PHP145) and Hojicha (PHP145). We pushed through with those when the guy manning the counter said both are "not very sweet".

We got our drinks within 5 minutes. Plus points for the staff being game to hold the drinks for me to take some shots.

R's Hojicha or Roasted Matcha had that nice deep flavor of tea which was beautifully complemented by milk and sweetened pearls.

My Kyoto Matcha had more pronounced taste of green tea and it was not as sweet as the roasted version. Needless to say, R wasn't very fond of my drink. And though I liked mine, I prefer his drink too.

A friend of ours got Thai Ruby (PHP115 | PHP130) and requested for 30% sweetness level. The staff informed him that tweaking the "formula" might make the drink a bit on the bland side. I liked how they actually give us the 101 on the drinks we order as to manage our expectations. It was rather different from my first try.

This branch also offers Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles and Thai Curry Noodles for PHP180 per Chinese take out box. But I wasn't impressed by any. Decent but I'd rather buy another drink.

I'd definitely go back for more of Cha Tuk Chak's drinks. But I'll request for less ice as I finished my drink just after a few sips.

Cha Tuk Chak is located at Ground Floor, Pobstacion, B. Valdez Street, Poblacion, Makati City.