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Hitting up curated coffee spots has become a part of any traveler’s itinerary when visiting a new city. Beyond just a caffeine fix, it is now a lifestyle trend called “Café Core”, wherein one embraces not only the aesthetic but the experience itself of coffee shops. It’s not just about ordering a latte with oat milk, but slowing down, finding comfort, and romanticizing the simple pleasures of life. What’s a destination that perfectly captures the idea of Café Core? La Union.
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In this surf town, coffee shops are one way to experience its creative scene, social atmosphere, and design sensibilities. And unlike most trendy spots that focus more on aesthetics than on atmosphere, these cafés offer a warmth and authenticity that make you feel instantly at ease.
Keep It Low-key
Timpla in La Union offers a refreshing alternative to the typical café experience, capturing a relaxing, local vibe. The shop’s name “Timpla” is a Tagalog word that means “to blend” or “to mix,” and it’s often used when asking someone to make coffee. What began as a small venture selling pastries and food before eventually grew into the café it is today. What sets it apart from other commercial establishments is its relaxed, almost “homey” atmosphere—a stark contrast to the bustling spaces in town that often dominate our social media feeds.
“Since there are a lot of commercial spots in La Union, we wanted the café to have its own character, so our main concept was making the shop look like a home,” explained owner Raymund Tatunay. Its design, reminiscent of a local hideaway, quickly gained attention through word of mouth rather than heavy online promotion.
The café’s offerings are simple yet crafted with care. The Spanish Latte, one of their most popular drinks, has a unique ratio that sets it apart from the typical café versions. The Vietnamese coffee is another standout, made from carefully sourced beans roasted to a distinctive flavor. Timpla also emphasizes homemade ingredients—from its signature caramel sauce to a variety of freshly baked pastries.
Get All Cozy
Founded in 2020 during the pandemic, this homey bakery was born out of necessity and passion. Founder Rosalie Aquino, a former pharmaceutical manager, sought solace in baking after her retirement, transforming her garage into her own baked goods workshop. What began as a personal escape soon turned into a thriving business, as friends clamored for more and encouraged her to open a bakery. By December 2020, Breadwinner’s doors opened to the public, offering not just bread, but a full sensory experience.
What sets Breadwinner apart is its commitment to quality. The bakery’s potato loaf instantly became a crowd favorite—comforting, light, and unlike anything else in La Union. But it’s the bakery’s embrace of traditional Filipino flavors that truly stands out. From the cheesy, ube-infused bibingka to the pillowy, caramelized pan de coco, each bite will remind you of home. The addition of locally sourced coffee—crafted from a custom blend of beans—completes the experience, offering a menu that is both personal and deeply rooted in the community.
Stepping into Breadwinner will also remind you of visiting a Filipino grandmother’s home—one that always smells delicious because something is baking in the oven, is filled with guests at any time of the day, and where every visitor leaves with a full stomach and extra takeout.
Snaps, Shopping, and Socials
Sunndown is a must-visit for those who love to take photos while enjoying a great cup of coffee. Nestled along the roadside of MacArthur Highway in La Union, the café stands out with its striking terracotta-toned walls—a warm, inviting hue inspired by the signature sunsets in the surf town.
Inside, the minimalist layout is juxtaposed with raw-finished walls and organic materials, creating a sun-baked aesthetic that encourages guests to slow down and soak in the ambiance. The interior is open and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light and offer views of the town ideal for unwinding or creating content for your social media.
But beyond its visual charm, Sunndown is also a vibrant social hub. Not only do they serve coffee and food, but they also sell clothes and accessories. On special days, they host pop-up events where guests can browse locally made goods, enjoy live DJ sets, or even join in on tattoo and piercing sessions. These events support local artists and entrepreneurs while fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
Photographed by GRANT BABIA
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