(SPOT.ph) If you’re the type of person who’d rather skip to dessert at every meal, we know you’re always on the lookout for places that can satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re in the mood for tasty cakes and pies, or out-of-the-box sundaes, we round up 10 places sure to hit that sweet spot.
Here's a list of where to get the best desserts in Manila:
M Bakery
New York’s Magnolia Bakery opened as M Bakery in 2018, bringing with them their signature buttercream-frosted cupcakes that shot to fame because of Sex and the City. The delectable cupcakes aren’t the only thing this quaint bakery has going for them. Their Banana Pudding (P145/small, P295/medium, P375/large) with a tasty, comforting blend of banana chunks, rich vanilla pudding, and crushed wafers, is a fan favorite—M Bakery releases special variations of the pudding every month, which is always something to look forward to. They also have pastries inspired by local flavors like a zesty Key Lime Pie that uses calamansi.
M Bakery is at G/F One Bonifacio High Street Mall, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City.
Borough
Any Borough fan knows about Mom’s Milk and Cookies (P250), and we wouldn't be surprised if you order it every single time. But don’t overlook the other desserts at this NY-inspired restaurant; after all, Chef Cuit Kaufman was a pastry chef in Manhattan. The Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cake (P230) is a no-fail option especially for chocoholics, but adventurous eaters should give the Lemon Olive Oil Cake (P260) a try, with a bright, citrusy combination of lemon peels, lemon-curd filling, and a base made with extra virgin olive oil.
Borough is at UG/F C2 Bonifacio High Street Central, 7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City.
Manam Café
You’re already familiar with Manam and their inventive Filipino dishes like their Watermelon Sinigang and House Crispy Sisig, but they’ve got more up their sleeve at their new sibling concept, Manam Café. Fans of Pinoy desserts will have a field day with their menu of pastries inspired by classic Filipino sweets and flavors. Check out their take on the Buko Pie (P235), featuring a crunchy crust of crumble and a tender, sweet center. Another must-order is the Calamansi Tart (P220), with a delicately crisp crust that gives way to a bright, tart-sweet calamansi-cream center.
Manam Café is at 3/F SM Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City.
Le Rêve Pâtisserie
Le Rêve Pâtisserie channels the casual sophistication of French cafés with rustic wicker chairs and wide window panes to let the sunlight in. It’s the perfect setting for their pastries by owner and French-trained pastry chef Angeli Nasser, who combines French techniques with homegrown ingredients and local flavors. Be sure to try their signature French Apple Crumble (P730/eight inches, P150/four inches, P180/ala mode), which is already gaining a lot of buzz as one of the best versions around. Nasser’s take on the apple pie has comforting layers of warm cinnamon spice coating thinly sliced apples on top of a buttery crust, with a generous coco-sugar crumble adding crunch and local flavors.
Le Rêve Pâtisserie is at G/F Ortigas Technopoint Parking Building, Dive Pool Block, Pasig City.
Sebastian’s Ice Cream
Sebastian’s Ice Cream opened a new branch at The Podium before 2018 ended, and they marked the occasion with lots of new additions to their menu of ice cream and other cold treats. They’ve expanded their milkshake line to include shakes inspired by some of your favorite snacks. The Peach Mango Pie Milkshake (P185) is their drink version of peach-mango pie, which blends Sweet Cream Ice Cream with peach-mango filling and graham chunks. Chocoholics will love the Fudge Brownie (P185) milkshake, a decadent blend of chocolate ice cream, brownies, and fudge. The Snack Attack (P185) is a sweet-salty blend of your favorite munchies: Chocolate-covered potato chips, honey-roasted peanuts, and peanut butter-covered pretzels together with Sweet Cream ice cream.
Sebastian’s Ice Cream The Podium is at 5/F The Podium, 12 ADB Avenue, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City.
Baker Brothers
There are doughnuts and there are Baker Brothers’ doughnuts. For one, this café’s version is massive, almost the size of a dinner plate. They come in hard-to-resist flavors, too, like Strawberry (P160/piece), which is covered in strawberry glaze and topped with a fresh berry. If you think the doughnut’s too much, satisfy your cravings with their other sweets—the chocolate and peanut butter pie tastes just like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.
Baker Brothers is at LG/F SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City.
The Workshop
For decadent cakes, cookies, and pastries by pastry chefs Miko Aspiras and Kristine Lotilla, check out The Workshop at The Grid, Power Plant Mall’s food hall. No sweet tooth would be able to resist their 17-layer cakes (P1,900/whole, P200/slice), like the luscious 17-Layer Chocolate and Salted Caramel Cake, with alternating layers of chocolate and salted-caramel frosting, or the 17-Layer Strawberry Shortcake. Also check out their Life-Changing Brownie, which is exactly what it says on the tin: A moist, rich brownie that will change your life, or at least have you craving it repeatedly for a long time.
The Workshop is at The Grid, Level R2, Power Plant Mall, Makati City.
Carmen’s Best
Fans of Carmen's Best should drop by their ice-cream parlor at Power Plant Mall. Aside from single-serve cups of their flavors—which are on rotation so you can drop by on a different date and find something new—this branch carries milkshakes and sundaes. The best-selling Titas of Manila (P280) shouldn’t work on paper but does, especially for fans of unexpected flavor combinations. The sundae is a sweet-zesty treat with cheese ice cream, candied almonds, figs, and an orange-saffron syrup. Be sure to also have a milkshake, which uses Carmen’s Best ice cream and fresh milk from Holly’s Milk for an extra-rich drink.
Carmen’s Best is at Level R2, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City.
Poison
Poison’s cool, neon-lit space at The Alley at Karrivin immediately lets you know that they’re not your typical doughnut shop. Don’t expect your usual doughnut flavors, either, though it’s sure to be love at first bite with their eccentric-yet-delicious flavors. Bestsellers include the Garam Masala (P70), which has a unique kick from a blend of Indian spices—reminiscent of cinnamon but not quite. Another favorite is the Salted Dark Chocolate (P50), glazed with rich Valrhona chocolate. Pair your doughnuts with coffee from Yardstick, because you might end up hanging out for a while.
Poison is at The Alley, Karrivin Plaza, 2316 Chino Roces Extension, Makati City.
Black Scoop Café
With the team behind Infinitea also at the helm of Black Scoop Café, you know that this is a must-visit for any milk-tea junkie. They’ve become especially known for their soft-serve cups (P80), which come with either a Mascarpone or Milk Tea base. There’s no question that the Milk Tea—which you can get in Wintermelon, Okinawa, Caramel, and Chocolate—is good (to reiterate, Infinitea is involved) but give the Mascarpone a chance. You’ll be surprised by its rich, milky sweetness with just a hint of salt to balance it all out. You can take your sundae to the next level with a couple of Crunches (add P25) like white chocolate, cookies, and crushed graham crackers.
See a list of Black Scoop Café branches.
Also read:
These Are Our Top Dessert Recipes In 2021
Easy One-Bowl Dessert Recipes That You Need to Try
