Taguan Cafe has opened in Redfern, offering Filipino comfort food with a focus on their family-recipe adobo, dubbed the “second-best adobo,” alongside coffee and unique dishes like banana ketchup bacon and egg rolls and slow-cooked beef pares toasties.
When Jose Margo Flores and Vincent Mark Baquiran opened Taguan Cafe at 191 Regent Street, Redfern, they faced scepticism about whether Filipino cuisine would resonate with the community. Undeterred, they leant into their vision of bringing Filipino flavours to an Australian setting, showcasing classic dishes like their signature adobo and tokwa especial.
Photo Credit: Taguan Cafe/Instagram
Mr Flores, a former advertising professional from Manila, found himself in Baguio during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeking solace and a fresh start, he created the first Taguan Cafe there as a personal sanctuary, accompanied by his Pomeranian, Yakult. This journey of resilience and reinvention is at the heart of Taguan Cafe’s story.
Over time, the cafe evolved into a community space, where customers shared their stories over cups of coffee. Inspired by its success and with the support of his partner Mr Baquiran, Mr Flores took the next step and brought Taguan Cafe to Australia, settling in Redfern.
A Taste of Home Away from Home
The centrepiece of Taguan Cafe’s menu is Mr Baquiran’s late father’s adobo recipe, served with garlic rice, fried potato slices, and a jammy boiled egg. The dish represents a blend of tradition and adaptation, as Mr Baquiran’s family, having lived in Saudi Arabia, modified their recipe based on available ingredients. The name “second-best adobo” is a nod to the belief that no adobo can surpass a home-cooked version.
Photo Credit: Taguan Cafe/Instagram
Blending Cultures Through Food:
Taguan Cafe’s menu is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. It features Filipino-inspired Australian cafe classics such as ube lattes and banana ketchup bacon and egg rolls. Mr Flores and Mr Baquiran made a conscious decision to retain traditional Filipino dish names like tokwa especial, believing in the importance of cultural authenticity.
The cafe operates from Monday to Friday, 6.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m., and on weekends from 8.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.
A Warm Welcome in Redfern:
Despite initial doubts, Taguan Cafe has been warmly embraced by the Redfern community. While Filipino patrons appreciate the authenticity, many first-time customers are discovering Filipino cuisine for the first time and responding with enthusiasm.
Photo Credit: Taguan Cafe/Instagram
Looking Ahead
Mr Flores and Mr Baquiran have exciting plans for the future of Taguan Cafe. They aim to continue expanding their menu while maintaining the core values of authenticity and community. Their goal is to make Taguan Cafe a staple in the diverse culinary landscape of Redfern.
Taguan Cafe is carving out a niche in Redfern by offering authentic Filipino comfort food in a welcoming setting. As more people discover their “second-best adobo,” the cafe continues to bridge cultures through food and hospitality.
Published 20-Jan-2025
