At Czaczacza Cafe, every bite tells a story
At the corner of Mayor Juan Chanyungco St. and Sparrow St. in Marikina once stood a small RTW shop—unassuming, yet brimming with potential in the eyes of two chefs in love. For seven years, Czarina and Marvin Sevilla dreamed of opening a café in that very spot. Then, one afternoon, the opportunity appeared in the form of a simple sign: For Rent.
“It felt surreal,” Czarina recalls. “The moment I saw the sign, I called the lessor right away. I told him our story and how we had prayed for this exact moment.”
The lessor hesitated. The young couple seemed too inexperienced to run a café—or to manage the rent. But their sincerity won him over. When he learned Czarina was the mind behind Avocadoria, a brand beloved for its clever, health-conscious offerings, his doubts vanished. They were ready.
From hope to home
With the lease secured, the couple poured their hearts into bringing their vision to life. What drew them to the corner wasn’t just intuition—it was community. Surrounded by schools and steps from Marikina City Hall, the location was perfect for a neighborhood café: students stopping by after class, government employees enjoying a quick coffee break, families unwinding after long days.
They had imagined it all for years—the hum of conversations, the aroma of pastries baking, the comforting rhythm of a space built on warmth and good food.
Every detail of Czaczacza Café reflects that vision: cozy corners, soft lighting, and an atmosphere that invites guests to linger. Their partnership makes the café even more special—Czarina crafting pastries with her signature flair, while Marvin takes charge of savory dishes, creating a menu that is both complete and harmonious.
What’s in a name?
Czaczacza comes from Czarina’s nickname, chosen with a playful promise: that the food would make diners “dance in delight.” Now celebrating its fifth year, the café continues to honor that joyful intention—a place where every bite and sip celebrates the simple pleasure of sharing good food.
A menu that dances with the senses
One creation that put Czaczacza Café on the map was the Knafeh Chocolate Pistachio Doughnut. Inspired by the viral Dubai dessert, it quickly trended on TikTok for its decadent flavor and playful presentation.
But the menu goes far beyond viral fame.
“There’s a story behind each of my pastry creations,” Czarina shares. Take the sticky Czinnamon Roll, her ode to her father:
“Cinnamon roll is my dad’s favorite pastry. But growing up, he would choose pandesal instead because that’s what we could afford. Now, he can have cinnamon rolls whenever he wants—and that makes this recipe even more special.”
Her creativity evolves with every season. For the holidays, she introduces three indulgent slab cakes—Tiramisu, Strawberry Shortcake, and Chocolate—each measuring 21 inches, weighing four kilos, and served with a customized spatula for slicing.
Czarina’s pastries are indulgent but never overwhelmingly sweet—rich enough to satisfy, yet balanced enough to keep you coming back for more. Her moist macaroons and colorful meringues evoke nostalgia, reminding diners of the simple joys of childhood.
Czarina’s creations aren’t just desserts—they’re small celebrations on a plate. Each pastry tells a story, whether it’s a family memory, a personal inspiration, or simply a playful twist on a classic favorite.
A harmony of sweet and savory
While Czarina fills the pastry case with stories, Marvin completes the experience with savory creations that are comforting, generous, and deeply satisfying. His specialties have become favorites among regulars, including the Classic Beef Tapa—tender, marinated beef served with blue garlic rice and a perfectly runny egg. The rice gets its vibrant hue from butterfly pea flowers, giving the dish a playful, memorable twist while keeping the comforting flavor intact. Another standout is his Creamy Truffle Pasta, a rich yet balanced dish that has become a signature comfort meal for many. The savory dishes are exclusively available at the Marikina branch.
Together, these offerings create a menu shaped by passion, partnership, and a shared dream finally—and beautifully—ealized. At Czaczacza Café, every bite tells a story, every dish sparks joy, and every visit invites diners to eat, savor, and dance.
* * *
Czaczacza Café also has a branch on the third floor of SM San Mateo. You can visit its kiosks at SM San Mateo, Marikina, Masinag, North EDSA, and Grand Central.
