Issue 01: What Is Ube? The Purple Yam Behind Our Lattes

If our recent Instagram post made you pause on that bold purple swirl, you are not alone. Our latest Carbon Coffee feature is inspired by ube, a purple yam known for its vivid color, creamy texture, and gently sweet, nutty flavor. It is eye-catching, but it is more than a pretty drink - it has deep roots in Filipino desserts and a flavor profile that pairs beautifully with coffee, milk, and espresso. At our café, we're always exploring new flavors and ingredients that create memorable experiences for our guests.

What is ube?

Ube is a purple yam commonly used in Filipino sweets and desserts. It is known for its rich purple color, mild sweetness, coconut-like aroma, and nutty, vanilla-like flavor. It is different from purple sweet potato, even though the two are often confused because of their similar color.

What does ube taste like?

Ube tastes softly sweet, earthy, nutty, and creamy. In drinks, it can bring a dessert-like richness without feeling too heavy. Depending on how it is prepared, guests may notice notes that feel similar to vanilla, coconut, toasted sugar, or sweet cream.

Why we brought ube to Carbon Coffee

At our café, we love ingredients that create a memorable first sip. Ube does exactly that. Its color catches your eye, but its flavor is what makes it work: smooth, mellow, and just sweet enough to complement coffee rather than overpower it.

Our ube lattes is built to be creamy, espresso-forward, compliments our matcha, lightly sweet, and dairy-free (if you like it that way). It is a drink for guests who want something playful, photogenic, and comforting all at once.

Is ube the same as taro?

No. Ube is a purple yam. Taro is a different root vegetable. They can both appear in sweet drinks and desserts, but ube is usually known for its vivid purple color and nutty, vanilla-like sweetness. Ube's flavor profile reminds us of white chocolate, marshmallows, and sweet cream. 

Come try it!

Whether you found us through Instagram or you are just curious about the purple drink everyone is asking about, we would love for you to try it. Stop by our shop and ask for the Iced Ube Latte.  Our personal favorite is an Iced Ube Matcha.