New Restaurant Alert: Happy Beans at Mall of Korea, Pasig

Happy Beans
2/F Mall of Korea, Metrowalk Commercial Complex, Meralco Avenue, Ugong, Pasig City
Contact: 0917-508-7702
Open Monday to Tuesday (12 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and Wednesday to Sunday (10 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.)

IMAGE Criselda Carreon

(SPOT.ph) Stepping inside Happy Beans makes you feel like you’re in a kid’s playroom. The walls are painted in neutral white and gray, the mint-green chairs and tables giving the space a pop of color. “Colors can either make you happy or sad,” says co-owner Jovie Ong. “We wanted the place to be bright, cozy, and well, happy.”

IMAGE Criselda Carreon

IMAGE Criselda Carreon

More knickknacks are added to give the restaurant extra personality. Think small but charming details like board games, framed quotes, and light bulb salt and pepper shakers. “I’m a mom of two kids, and I really wanted this to be a family-friendly café where both adults and kids can enjoy,” Jovie adds. On one side, there’s a bookshelf stacked with games and books; on the other, there’s a comfortable couch for lounging; and on the counter, there are two skilled baristas smiling, waiting to take your order.

IMAGE Criselda Carreon

The food is as colorful as their interiors, and their passion for making people feel happy shows through their vivid lattes. “No one in the country has done colored lattes before,” the bubbly co-owner says. “We wanted to be different.”

Happy Beans Rainbow Coffee Latte

The signature Happy Beans Rainbow Coffee Latte (P128) is unlike any fancy, double tap-worthy cup of joe you’ve seen before. Milk is the key ingredient in creating this stylish brew, and Jovie says it’s not just food coloring. “That color is 99% milk and 1% a secret,” she adds with a wink. Whatever it is, it doesn’t alter the naturally strong flavor of the coffee. It’s medium roasted, each sip a good balance of acidity and flavor. The beans are sourced locally from Benguet, a fun fact she's proud to share.

Pestorific

For some savory food, give the Pestorific (P188) a try. Pesto can have strong, garlicky notes, but they managed to tone it down as to not overwhelm the palate. They tossed in loads of parmesan cheese, sliced button mushrooms, and it's served with toast on the side. Squeeze the lemon for a zesty lift.

 Euphoric

The Euphoric (P198) is carbonara bathed in a rich, cream-based sauce that’s best devoured while still hot. There are also six-inch pizzas on the menu; go for the Three-Cheese (P128), topped by pepperoni, meat, and veggies, and the Supremo (P148), a gooey mess of bubbling mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheese.

Left to right: Supremo and Three-Cheese

Tyler Steak

For something heavier, the Tyler Steak (P218) is a must-try. The slab of T-Bone steak is cooked just right until it’s tender and succulent, served with a mound of rice. In true Pinoy style, the Lazy Pig (P198) or pork binagoongan is sautéed in tomato and stewed in shrimp paste. The chili slices garnish the dish with a welcome trail of heat. Kids will delight in the Southern Chick (P188), which is good ol’ crispy fried chicken.

 Lazy Pig

Southern Chick

Skinny Chix

Come nightfall, guests opt for cocktails instead of fruity juices, and the light snacks steal the show. The Skinny Chix (P88) is an addictive serving of chicken skin, fried to crisp perfection and completely drained of the grease. The Crazy Fingers (P108) are also a popular choice, the chicken fingers made more irresistible with garlic-mayo dip.

Crazy Fingers

Spam and Jam

Cheesecake

For dessert, have a go at their cakes. The Cheesecake (P120) is a thoughtful dessert, with the blueberry and strawberry jam served on the side. “We’d rather let them choose their topping or have them mix and match,” says Jovie. They don’t scrimp on cream cheese, and even the layer of graham crust is velvety-smooth and melts in your mouth.

They’re still currently on soft opening, but the curiosity of café-goers grows with every colorful, expertly shot Instagram photo. 'Different' is definitely one way to describe them, but we'd say Happy Beans is also pretty good at standing out. 

Photos and video by Criselda Carreon