Road Trip Surprise: Discovering the Best Coffee and Tablea in Tupi

Last August 24, our family took a trip back to my hometown of Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat. We drove from General Santos City, and like many travelers, we couldn't resist stopping along the way to sample local treats. Little did we know we'd stumble upon a hidden gem for coffee and chocolate lovers in Tupi.

As we cruised down the highway, a unique store caught our eye. It wasn't your typical roadside stand - this place was built from a repurposed shipping container. The bright green exterior of Remy Food Products stood out against the lush landscape, practically begging us to stop and check it out.

Being a coffee fanatic, I couldn't pass up the chance to try their native coffee. The staff proudly told us they grow their own beans right there in Tupi. Let me tell you, that first sip was a revelation. The coffee had a rich, bold flavor with hints of earthiness that only comes from freshly roasted beans. The aroma alone was enough to perk me up for the rest of our drive.

But the real stars of the show were the chocolate drinks. My kids were eager to try the tablea, and I'm glad they did. If you're not familiar, tablea is a traditional Filipino chocolate made from pure cacao beans. It's often used to make a thick, rich hot chocolate called tsokolate.

The tablea at Remy Food Products was something special. You could tell it was made from high-quality cacao - the flavor was intense and complex, without any bitterness. My kids, who can be picky eaters, couldn't get enough of it. They kept asking for more "chocolate milk" as we got back on the road.

What makes this tablea stand out is its purity. Many commercial chocolate drinks are loaded with sugar and artificial flavors, but this was the real deal. You could taste the natural sweetness of the cacao, with subtle notes of fruit and nuts. It's the kind of chocolate drink that makes you wonder why you ever settled for the powdered stuff from the grocery store.

While we were there, I noticed they also had a selection of wines on display. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to try them on this trip, but it's definitely on my list for next time. I'm curious to see how local wines pair with their coffee and tablea.

For anyone driving through Tupi, I highly recommend stopping at Remy Food Products. It's more than just a pit stop - it's a chance to experience some of the best coffee and tablea the Philippines has to offer. The fact that they grow and process everything locally makes it even more special.

So next time you're on a road trip to Tacurong through General Santos, keep an eye out for that green shipping container in Tupi. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. Whether you're a coffee snob, a chocolate lover, or just someone who appreciates good local food, you won't be disappointed. And who knows? You might just discover your new favorite drink.