[Review] Kurimi Milk Tea Bar Opens in Jaro, Iloilo City: Hello, Sweet Old Friend

It's been a while since I last visited Quezon City, and one of the things I truly miss about my old neighborhood is the array of food establishments. Among them, the Fairview branch of Kurimi Milk Tea Bar held a special place. I'm not even sure if that location is still open, but the good news is, Kurimi has made its way to Iloilo City!

Cute cow mascot. I'm not sure of the veracity of their claim of being the first 2D Milk Tea Bar. Photos are by Flickr/Jep.

I was incredibly excited to discover that a branch of this beloved milk tea spot just opened near my home here in Jaro. They boast an extensive menu, which I'm still eager to explore in its entirety.

The menu board shows an extensive list of beverages being offered. Photos are by Flickr/Jep.

My absolute favorite is the Taro Cheesecake with Pearls, and I usually order it with no additional sugar. The natural sweetness from the taro and the rich cheesecake combination is perfect for my palate. This time, I decided to try something new and added popping boba pearls - a delightful twist, but I'm not sure if it goes well with the milk tea (I think it is more suited for fruit juice type drinks).

I think each of their branches has a unique design, but is done in the same 2D style. Photos are by Flickr/Jep.

The ambiance of Kurimi Milk Tea Bar is truly unique. The entire store is designed with a striking 2D art motif in black and white, typically depicting charming Japanese scenes. I recall the Quezon City branch featuring a depiction of a bustling Japanese train station, complete with route maps and arrows pointing to the Shinkansen platform. The black line art covers stark white surfaces, creating the illusion of being in a doodle. Even the furniture, like the tables and chairs, is outlined in this style, making them seamlessly blend into the murals.

Repurposed steel barrels. Photos are by Flickr/Jep.

I highly encourage you to visit Kurimi Milk Tea Bar. The staff are incredibly friendly and accommodating, adding to the overall pleasant experience. You can find them in Tagbak, Jaro, Iloilo, right in front of the Metropolis roundabout.