In Metro Manila there are many coffee places in 2024. Many are sprouting up as home grown Filipino created and owned coffee shops. But the Japanese have a very unique way of crafting coffee. UCC Clockwork has been using a syphon method of brewing coffee that makes it fresh and delightful to drink. Water is boiled in the Syphon and mixed by the coffee crafter and poured in to the customers cup at the table to enjoy.
I have also tried many of the Menu items. Recently I have tired to Kori Kohi in which you are served two classes. One glass is frozen coffee cubes, and the other is a very warm glass milk which you poor into the Frozen coffee. The drink is delightful and is a unique take on Iced Coffee.
I have also tried Nachos at UCC Clockwork. Yes, Nachos. I know I am in the Philippines and not in Southern California, but this Japanese Coffee Shop make them surprisingly good. Nachos are served on a wooden board with red and white chips with a unique cheese sauce, meat, cilantro, cut mini tomatoes, and chopped onions, red and green peppers. The dish was very good and would put some US restaurants to shame.
For Dessert, I also had a chance to try a Fromage Cheesecake or Nippon Cheesecake. It was a unique take on cheesecake. It isn't sliced like a cake, and doesn't have a graham cracker crust. The Cheesecake looks like a butter Mammon, but tastes fluffy and delightful. The Mascarpone cheese and the Sponge layers make it easy to eat and is delicious.
For all the positives I mentioned there are some negatives about UCC Clockwork at Burgos Circle. I don't like the 2 floor plan. Especially the small first floor. The WiFi is isn't very good and is only strong on 1st floor. UCC needs to buy a WiFi Mesh router to make its signal stronger on the 2nd floor. I also miss the buzzers that were on all the Tables, in case you needed help. It really helped if you wanted your bill or order something, instead of just trying to make eye contact or raise your hand for your server.
In conclusion I love UCC Clockwork despite its small setbacks, and recommend them for their unique coffee and quality food. 5 stars from me and I wish they would open up more coffee shops in Southern California. read more