Must-try bakeries in Metro Manila
ONE OF the most undisputed delights of being a Filipino is the cuisine. Filipino food and chefs have long made their mark on the culinary world, and homegrown establishments that can flaunt the best of the Filipino palate have driven many foreigners craving for a taste to their doors. From the fanciest restaurants to the most common karenderya, Filipino food can enchant even the staunchest of critics.
Naturally, this tradition and culture of culinary excellence extends to bakeries as well. These Filipino bakeries may not be as marketed or as ubiquitous as a lot of their foreign competitors, but through sheer quality, they can stand toe to toe with the best of them.
ESTREL’S CARAMEL CAKES
With 71 years of history creating some of the most lovingly crafted cakes in Metro Manila, Estrel’s has become an institution in itself. Since its founding in 1946, the bakery started by Estrella Ylagan in Manila has relocated several times over the course of the years, never once losing the signature touch that makes them so special.
Estrel’s Caramel Cakes specializes in made-to- order chiffon cake covered with caramel icing, as well as desserts like Food for the Gods, Baked Leche Flan, Apple Squares, and Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies. The bakery proudly stands by the traditions it has built its business on for the past decades and is still primarily a made-to- order cake shop. It is located at 54 Sct. Tobias St. cor. Sct. Limbaga St., Laging Handa, Quezon City.
PURPLE OVEN
Once upon a time, Purple Oven was responsible for supplying the pastries and desserts found in Starbucks’ Philippine stores, but since 2014, the bakery has begun to make a name for itself and opened a handful of stores throughout the metro.
Purple Oven is a bakery that specializes in serving savory and decadent baked goods such as tarts, pies, and rich cakes. Their signature Campfire Cake, an indulgent chocolate delight with thick marshmallow icing, is a must-try, and the Chocolate Revel Bar, Lemon Bar, Fudge Brownies, Grandma’s Chocolate Cake, and Chocolate Dome Cake have become a hit with their customers. They have stores in Quezon City, Pasig, and Makati.
KAREN’S KITCHEN
Karen’s Kitchen, describing itself as a hidden gem tucked away in the rising foodie nook of Kapitolyo Pasig, is a bakery that serves fresh, homemade quality, premium cakes and desserts. It also labels itself as the perfect getaway for brunch, luncheon, afternoon tea, merienda, and dinner, offering a wide selection of pastas, pizzas, and Filipino dishes. They even have vegetarian and gluten-free options.
On offer for those with a sweet tooth include delectable cakes like the Banana Cream, Red Velvet, Chocolate Ganache, Blueberry Mousse, and Carrot Cakes. Desserts range from the creamy cupcakes and brownies to the wide variety of cookies. Karen’s Kitchen can be found at 17A San Rafael St. cor. San Martin St., Kapitolyo, Pasig and G/ F Petron Station, EDSA cor. Pasay Rd., Makati City.
EVERYDAY MOM
Borne out of a motherly commitment to serving healthy and delicious treats made with all- natural ingredients, Pamela Ann Yu Lim opened Everyday Mom in 2012. The bakery prides itself on its commitment to its slogan, “Healthy and Yummy. Naturally,” and offers organic, butter-free pastries and cakes made with aluminum-free baking soda and unbleached flour. All products are also free from preservatives, artificial coloring and flavors.
Using sea salt and natural flavors like pure vanilla extract, and baking with heart-healthy oil instead of butter, Everyday Mom provides its customers a healthy way to indulge their cravings. Popular items on the menu include the Chocolate Cake, Carrot Cake, and the Mocha Cupcake. Everyday Mom is located on Don A. Roces Ave, Quezon City. —