Feel right at home when dining at Balai Cafe.
(Photo courtesy of Balai Cafe Facebook Page)
“A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body.”
Benjamin Franklin
With this quote, it’s safe to say that Balai Cafe lives up to its name. Taken from the Bisaya word for “house”, this Cebuano-owned cafe in Mandaue elevates breakfast favorites from around the world, with a pleasant and homey ambiance.
Its rustic accents, minimal colors, and use of natural elements completely contrast its location near one of the island’s busiest streets, AS Fortuna.
This brunch restaurant is the third establishment from Cafeplus Coffee, who aimed to bring a renowned international breakfast culture to the city.
FROM SYDNEY TO CEBU
According to an article on Sunstar, Cafeplus wanted to introduce the culture of brunch in Australia here in Cebu. The founder of the company, Ralph Reyes, took inspiration from when his wife spent a year or so in Sydney. (2017)
It is one of the country’s biggest culinary contributions, which was pursued by other cafes around the world. It’s something Australians are extremely proud of.
The Sydney Morning Herald mentioned that Australian-style brunches focus not just on the food, but on the notion of getting together with friends in the middle of the morning, then going out for meals. (2019)
Coffee is also a highlight. With beans roasted on site and baristas brewing world-class flat whites, lattes, long blacks, and more, it’s easy to see that Australians are pretty meticulous about their coffee.
Australian cafes are also aesthetically pleasing, with laid back interiors perfect for relaxing and passing the time.
Balai Cafe carries out this timeless tradition, serving scrumptious dishes at a renovated old house within a slightly secluded subdivision along Mandaue City.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
The same Sunstar Cebu article describes Balai’s design as a “garden in the city surrounded by rustic fixtures”. (2017)
The al fresco dining area is quaint with a garden and veranda, filled with vintage furniture and old-school decor. Ferns and trees surround it, giving it a peaceful environment.
You will also find a vintage piano and some fascinating murals on the walls.
The interiors, on the other hand, use bricks and redwood furniture for a home-like atmosphere. The restaurant uses minimal lighting to highlight its unique design elements like the artwork on the walls and their fancy tables and chairs.
Put the two areas together, and the interior feels like a street alley leading directly to the vast garden.
Additionally, the cafe has three private rooms designed for more intimate gatherings. There is a section where customers can purchase original products like nuts and sandwich spreads.
FOOD OPTIONS AT BALAI CAFE
As far as the cafe’s bestsellers are concerned, Balai offers a vast selection of brunch favorites from around the world, ranging from rice bowls, pancakes, and pasta.
Here are some of the bestsellers of the Balai Cafe menu:
Balai Plate – a shareable breakfast bowl mixed with food items from their other rice meals. One plate consists of a cup of rice, bacon, spam, sausage, and a creamy mushroom omelet.
Balai Pancakes – a colorful plate of flapjacks topped with strawberries, whipped cream, walnuts, and muesli.
Bacon Alfredo – spaghetti topped with white sauce and a generous amount of bacon.
Farooj Charcoal Chicken – Lebanese-style charcoal chicken courtesy of Farooj, a Cebuano company that opened at the Crossroads in Kasambagan. Served and prepared in a secluded nook in the al fresco dining area.
Half-Fried Chicken – served with either six or 12 pieces, and paired with two or four of Farooj’s sauces. Known to be crunchy on the outside and extremely juicy on the inside.
Coffee courtesy of Cafeplus – coffee drinks at Balai Cafe are brewed by UCC and Bacolod-based company Coffee Culture. Not only do they taste great, but they also look visually appealing because of their use of latte art.
*****
Ralph Reyes mentioned that Balai Cafe is more than just an all-day breakfast restaurant. The main goal is to build a community where ideas can be formed and curiosity can flourish.
Their meals are well made, providing a fun avenue to enjoy good food. Meanwhile, the peaceful location is food for the soul as well to help you unwind and relax.
Balai Cafe is a brunch favorite and there’s no denying its appeal. A single step inside its humble location and you will already feel right at home.
HOW TO GET THERE
Exact Location:
Floremar Subdivision, AS Fortuna Street, Mandaue City
Operating Hours:
7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
To commute to Balai, take any jeepney enroute to Consolacion from IT Park. It will pass by AS Fortuna Street. You can get off at M. Lhullier right across from Fat Dois.
Balai Cafe is located right behind it.
REFERENCES:
Lopez, Monica R. 2017. “Brunch all days.” Sunstar Cebu.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/more-articles/brunch-all-days
Groundwater, Ben. 2019. “Australian-style brunch and coffee: The culinary phenomenon that’s taking over the world.” The Sydney Morning Herald.
https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/australianstyle-brunch-and-coffee-the-culinary-phenomenon-thats-taking-over-the-world-20190305-h1c0sn.html
