On The Way Cafe - Coffee, Chicken and More near DLSU

I started this blog when I was still studying in DLSU (which is more than a decade ago), and I remember writing about the restaurants around the campus, many of which are in Leon Guinto Street. That was what started my blogging career, and what made it possible for me to be on a roll with my writing. This is why when I got an invitation to try out On The Way Cafe - Malate Branch, I replied with a resounding yes. 

On The Way Fast Food & Cafe - Malate Branch

On The Way Cafe sits along the street of Leon Guinto, and even during my time, this street was already known for a collection of interesting food finds. I can remember Bagnet 8065 being the talk of the town, that even non-university people were dropping by just to eat there. 24 Chicken started there as well, and look at where it is right now. A household name. I also heard that El Poco Cantina used to be along this street as well, and it just got Michelin-recognition this 2026.

So, I guess we can loosely claim that this is where some great restaurants are born, and the fact that On The Way also resides in this street made me even more curious to try it.

The day of my visit was a rainy one, so there weren't much diners at that time, which worked toward my favor because I got to take photos around quite easily. By the way, the cafe is a little difficult to spot at first because the signage is obscured by the leaves and branches of a nearby tree, but it's near the corner where Leon Guinto and Pablo Ocampo streets meet. To help you locate it better, let me share how it looks like.

The signage is somehow covered by branches, but this is the sign that you look for

Okay, do not be deceived by its facade. I also initially thought it was all cramped up. When I entered the place, it does not look that spacious. In fact, the place felt more like a kiosk where you just order something to-go and then leave. But it also has its own charm, it feels like a fantasy typing on your laptop while sipping on your coffee. And yes, they provide Wi-Fi access.

Although the 'receiving area' is not as spacious, I like how the vibe is

Lo and behold, there is apparently a dining area extension at the back which can be accessed by going into the alley, and entering through its east entrance.

The back room (wow that sounds fancy) is how I imagined it to be, spacious, cozy and comfy

When I entered the main dining area, a wave of nostalgia hit me. It felt like traveling back into my college days. And I'm pretty sure that the past me would have found this place perfect as a student. The place is reasonably comfy and cozy. Conducive enough to do a last minute presentation or edits to your report or thesis. It gives that vibe. I would have done it here.

Of course, we like cafes with selfie mirrors. Feed that vanity!

☕Diving into the wide selection of coffee drinks

Now that we have seen the place. Let's dive into the coffee selection, but before we do that, I'd take a moment to pause here, and admit that this is where it got me overwhelmed

The coffee menu was a lot to understand and take in. I do wish that they can somehow simplify the options because, man it's heavy to look at, and it gave me analysis paralysis. Thankfully, with the help of the crew I slimmed down my options, and finally arrived at orders to try.

Peanut Blondie Latte Elite

The Peanut Blondie Latte was amazing. Usually, I don't go for any flavored lattes, but if it has peanut butter in it, it will be an exception. I remember falling in love when I first tried the Thirsty Squirrel of Because Coffee. It was just so good. This Peanut Blondie Latte is a great substitute for that OG Drink. Because right after Because Coffee renamed its drinks, things feel a bit different. It wasn't as good as I remembered anymore. However, this drink of On The Way Cafe brought me back to that moment, as if trying Thirsty Squirrel for the first time.

On The Way Cafe hops on the trend of Aerocano, and they do it well!

This next drink was the most visually pleasing one across all that I got to try. It's called Valencia Orange Aerocano. It zesty and refreshing, a good take of two trends combined. I'd recommend this to those who appreciate citrus in their coffee. 

This next one is not my cup of tea (coffee for this instance). This is a bit too frappe-ish for me, but it certainly works for those who want something sweet and chocolatey, because it certainly was. It's called Smores Creme Latte Prestige. 

Before we go to the chicken dishes, can I just say that I very much adore them for using quality glasses for their coffee. They are just chic, and gives the drinks an elevated feel to them.

🍗Korean chicken that is out of the usual, a good palate busters

Unlike the coffee, chicken selection was more straightforward which I very much appreciate. I also find the flavor options playfully niched and unique.

They have 2-pcs Chicken Rice Meal, Canadian Golden Honey Butter (left), or 3-pcs Chicken Rice Meal, Korean Fire Chicken (right)

The Chicken dishes here are a stunner. I wasn't prepared to taste something very jolting to the palate yet still balanced at the same time. Let's be more real for a bit, 24 Chicken is often our benchmark for flavored fried chicken such as this one, but On The Way Cafe is able to distinguish their chicken from it. The batter is slightly thicker, crunchier and despite the relative thickness of the batter, it doesn't lose its rightly marinated flavors and spices. The sauce also cling evenly well onto the batter giving each bite a crunch and a palatable kick of flavors. 

Irish Whiskey Cream Party, 6 pcs (left) and Canadian Maple Waffle (right)

I was able to try three of their flavors, and let me share my thoughts on each:

1. Canadian Golden Honey Butter - very mild sweet crunchy chicken, great for those who are not into strong flavors. This is closer to the famous maple fried chicken
2. The Korean Fire Chicken - despite the name, this is not truly tongue-burning spicy. In fact, the spiciness is more in terms of the taste rather than sensation. Also it is balanced by the oozing cheese on top. This is my personal favorite! 
3. Irish Whiskey Cream - contrary to the above, this one is definitely creamy, and it heavily satisfies any cravings for something creamy. This one of the creamiest dishes I got to try for years, and I love it for that. It has a bit of the umay factor in it, but can be remedied by sharing with friends, or variating with different flavors. 

Also, surprisingly they have waffles that come in a crisp lightly airy form. They were great by themselves, and one of the memorable ones I had. On top of all, they pair well with the chicken. It was such a great discovery.

➡️On The Way Cafe in a nutshell

Overall, I'd say that On The Way does pack a punch, both for its coffee and chicken. What's surprisingly yet undeniably memorable were the waffles. They do go perfectly with the chicken, and make the experience much better and palatably fun. 

I'm currently drafting an article on Top Chicken and Waffle Places in Metro Manila. I haven't completed the data gathering yet, but I'm pretty sure it will make it. 

Also, try their Peanut Blondie Latte and Aerocanos! 

Check out this particular branch near DLSU (actually it's closer than St. Scholastica), but you may also visit their other branches in Novaliches and Monumento. 

📍 2587 Leon Guinto Street, Taft Ave, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila