CRISTY IN THE CITY

I recently stumbled upon Cafe Maya on 33 Cuartero Street in Jaro, Iloilo City—thanks to a foodie reel on TikTok—and what a delightful discovery it was! With its thatched roof, upcycled wooden interiors, and rustic yet relaxed vibe, the place instantly reminded me of the cozy cafés of Siargao.

Just a 10–15 minute walk (or a 5-minute tricycle ride) from the entrance of Cuartero Street along El 98 Road, Cafe Maya feels like a little sanctuary tucked away from the bustle of the neighborhood. It’s the kind of spot perfect for alone time, casual coffee dates, or study sessions.

The name Maya carries layers of meaning. In the Philippines, the maya is a beloved passerine bird, often celebrated in folk tales, poems, and stories. Beyond that, “maya” also refers to the concept of illusion in philosophy, as well as the name of an ancient Mexican civilization. Curious about its origin, I asked the barista why the cafe was named after the bird. He shared that the inspiration came from Matthew 6:26:

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

That insight, combined with the warm, nature-inspired interiors, made me feel that the cafe was lovingly designed by people who are either bird enthusiasts, nature lovers—or perhaps both. And on a rainy afternoon, sipping a steaming vanilla bean latte while watching the world go by felt like a small slice of heaven.

The first thing that greets you upon entering is a striking mural: a Maya bird perched gracefully on a berry-laden branch of a Coffea tree. It’s a stunning focal point, and honestly, worth the visit on its own.

Beyond the art, Cafe Maya offers a cozy spot for brunch or all-day breakfast. I tried their Hungarian sausage and eggs set, hearty and satisfying. Since it was late afternoon, I skipped the usual coffee and ordered their Maya Signature Matcha, topped with frothy dalgona cream. I had completely forgotten how much caffeine matcha carries—so yes, I was wide awake that night—but its bright, grassy flavor paired perfectly with the satiny caramel-glazed Biscoff cheesecake I also indulged in. Sweet, decadent, and just what I was craving.

The cafe’s menu also caters to both classic coffee lovers and adventurous sippers: Spanish latte, salted caramel, mocha, butterscotch, and cold brew creations are all on offer, along with non-coffee drinks, teas, and chilled juices. For savory cravings, they serve comfort food staples like pasta, pizza, and finger snacks.

Next time, I’m eyeing their Moby Latte (a caramel popcorn-flavored brew!) and maybe a slice of pizza. Until then, I’ll be waiting for the call of the Maya bird.