dailygaelley

What happens when tea is brewed like espresso? Davao finally has the answer.

At the newly opened Comma Cafe in R. Castillo, tea isn’t steeped quietly in the corner. It’s pressed with espresso-machine drama. This produces a bold cup that feels like the younger, trendier cousin of your usual latte. Marketed as Mindanao’s first teaspresso cafe, Comma celebrated its grand opening on September 21, 2025. I was there to sip, taste, and see what all the buzz was about.

From gray walls lined with orange cups to Earl Grey cheesecake that tastes as indulgent as it sounds, Comma Cafe isn’t just another cafe in the neighborhood, it’s a new ritual for tea lovers and the tea-curious alike.

Interiors To Share on Socials

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the drinks but the space itself. Gray textured walls set a sleek, urban mood while rows of bright orange cups along the entry shelves added a pop of personality.

Watching Tea Brew Like Espresso

What sets Comma apart is the brewing process. Customers can choose their own tea leaves. These leaves are then pressed in front of you using an espresso machine. Watching the machine hiss and pull a stream of tea was surprisingly satisfying. I tried a few blends but settled on the Matcha Gardenia. This cup balanced earthy depth with a hint of floral sweetness. In Davao’s cafe scene dominated by coffee and matcha, it felt refreshing to taste something new.

Desserts Worth Returning For

Drinks aside, the desserts deserve attention too. I managed a bite of the Earl Grey Cheesecake, which turned out to be indulgent, creamy, and fragrant with that distinct tea aroma. It left me curious to try more of their sweets on my next visit.

Comma Invites You to Pause

Teaspresso applies the method of espresso—high pressure and quick extraction—to tea leaves. The result is a concentrated and aromatic brew that works well on its own, poured over ice, or paired with milk. For tea lovers, it’s a fresh way to enjoy familiar leaves. For coffee drinkers, this might just be a gateway into the world of tea.

When asked about the name, the owners explained that a comma is literally a pause. In a fast-paced, coffee-powered world, people often forget to slow down and take things in.

Comma Cafe wants to be that reminder. From the intentional design to the slow ritual of choosing your leaves and watching tea pressed like espresso, every detail of the experience encourages you to breathe, savor, and simply pause.

Location and Hours

• Where: Door 9, Oakridge Business Center, R. Castillo Street, Davao City
• Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM, daily.

Final Sip?

Comma Cafe offers more than just drinks, it offers an experience. From the choose-your-leaf ritual to the indulgent desserts, the cafe delivers a thoughtful break in the middle of R. Castillo. If you’re looking for something different from your usual coffee run, this teaspresso cafe is worth adding to your cafe-hopping list.

Have you tried teaspresso yet? If you’ve been to Comma Cafe, tell me what tea leaf or dessert you picked, and which one I should try on my next visit! 👀