There’s this common misconception that healthy food can’t be enjoyable—that eating healthy means having to settle for the bland and boring combination of raw vegetables and tasteless grains. But while this may be harmless, did you know that it’s actually possible to consider nutrition without having to say goodbye to flavor and fun?
Inspired by a mix of tropical foreign and Filipino flavors, Cooee Café redefines healthy eating through its vibrant menu of light, refreshing snacks, and well-balanced, hearty meals. As Benjie Layos, one of the owners of Cooee Café, shares, “Our menu is crafted not just to taste good, but to feel good,” the café ultimately challenges the many negative notions towards nutrition with the healthier options they make much more accessible and encourage the masses to explore.
A Calling Concept
One sure way to keep healthy eating interesting is through the exploration of different flavors—which is exactly what Cooee does through the use of intercultural inspiration. Benjie explains that the idea behind Cooee originally came from the passion for food and travel among friends. “When we travel to [places like] Bali, Hawaii, or Thailand, the place is very comfortable and relaxing, and their food is really great. And we want to bring that kind of experience to people in Cebu,” he says.
This applies to every aspect of the establishment. With their healthy menu ranging from completely vegan options like Brazilian-inspired açaí and smoothie bowls; to Hawaiian poke bowls and Filipino rice meals with different kinds of meat, we see how they’re able to keep things fresh and diversified through foreign influences. The same goes for its unique name Cooee. Coming all the way from Australia as an Aboriginal slang that means come here, Cooee Café invites its customers to come over, explore and enjoy.
A Little Bit of Everything for a Bargain
Apart from the thought that healthy eating can’t possibly be pleasant, people also get discouraged by the belief that healthy food and its ingredients are expensive. While reasonable to some extent, one look at Cooee Café’s menu proves that this isn’t always the case. With all their items ranging from ₱120-₱308, they already offer a wide selection of beverages, snacks, and meals for a good deal.
Their smoothie bowls, for instance, are a huge hit among their customers. Available in the flavors Açaí Berry (a blend of mixed berries, bananas, and yogurt) and Ocean Burst (a blend of blueberries, bananas, apples, and peaches)—all topped with a variety of nuts and cereal grains, Cooee Café provides both nutrition and refreshment from both local and foreign fruits for the price of only ₱308.
Likewise, their Filipino-style rice bowls are also popular for the different viands they offer—all of which they pair with a fried egg and orange slices. With the choice of either Bacon, Longganisa, Spam, or Corned Beef, you’re sure to get a quick balanced meal for only ₱168.
Serving Cebu with Heart and Health
While clearly starting out as a passion project amongst friends, Cooee has eventually become more than just a café. Sitting at the heart of Cebu City, it stands as a service to Cebuanos with the healthy food they make much more accessible.
“Our food, composed of fruits and fresh vegetables, [has the] nutrients that can give energy and boost the immune system [of the] people working every day here in Cebu City,” Benjie shares.
In this sense, Cooee Café’s mission then extends beyond redefining healthy eating—it’s also all about fostering a community through the simple joys of wellness and flavorful sustenance. With two branches in Raintree Mall, Ramos St., Cebu City, and Antara Residences, Lawaan, Talisay, Cebu, find this experience for yourself and visit Cooee for your own healthy fix.
Check out their Facebook and Instagram pages for more information.
Photography Kyrra Kho
