Channels
Dating
The Philippines, with its rich culinary history and melting pot of influences, offers a plethora of sweet treats that can satiate any sweet tooth. From the intricate delicacies derived from Spanish colonial influences to the homegrown favorites that have been passed down through generations, dessert in the Philippines is a celebration of flavors, textures, and traditions. In this article, we journey through the archipelago to discover the 10 best places to satisfy your dessert cravings.
10 Best Places for Dessert in the Philippines
- Coron, Palawan: Cashew Nut Delicacies
- Baguio City: Ube and Strawberry Delights
- Pampanga: Sans Rival and Tocino del Cielo
- Iloilo City: Butterscotch Bars and Napoleones
- Cebu City: Dried Mangoes and Lechon-themed Desserts
- Davao City: Durian Delicacies
- Bohol: Calamay and Peanut Kisses
- Bacolod City: Piaya and Caramel Tarts
- Manila: Halo-Halo and Puto Bumbong
- Bicol: Sili Ice Cream and Pili Nut Desserts
Coron, Palawan: Cashew Nut Delicacies
Palawan isn’t just famous for its breathtaking beaches and clear waters. Coron, in particular, is the go-to place for the country’s finest cashew nut delicacies. Tourists often leave with bags of roasted cashews, but the local sweet cashew pastries are a must-try. These desserts, often sold in quaint local bakeries, have a buttery richness complemented by the nutty flavor of cashews.
Baguio City: Ube and Strawberry Delights
Located in the Cordillera mountains, Baguio City offers a cool climate that’s perfect for cultivating strawberries and purple yams (ube). The local market offers fresh strawberries, but dessert lovers should definitely try the strawberry taho (silken tofu with syrup and sago pearls) and the various ube desserts ranging from halaya (a sweet jam) to ube-flavored cakes and pastries.
Pampanga: Sans Rival and Tocino del Cielo
The culinary capital of the Philippines, Pampanga, is known for its rich and diverse offerings. For dessert enthusiasts, sans rival, a decadent layer cake made of buttercream, meringue, and cashews, is a must. Another treat is the tocino del cielo, a heavenly dessert similar to leche flan but richer and denser, showcasing the Spaniard influence in Filipino cuisine.
Iloilo City: Butterscotch Bars and Napoleones
The city of love, Iloilo, has a sweet side that captivates many. The famous butterscotch bars of Iloilo are chewy, buttery, and filled with cashews, making them an irresistible treat. On the other hand, Napoleones, layers of puff pastry filled with custard and topped with sugar glaze, offer a sweet and flaky bite reminiscent of a French mille-feuille but with a distinct Filipino twist.
Cebu City: Dried Mangoes and Lechon-themed Desserts
Cebu is famed for its lechon (roast pig), but its sweet offerings are just as notable. The dried mangoes of Cebu are a favorite snack and pasalubong (gift). More adventurous foodies can explore lechon-themed desserts, with lechon skin or fat infused in chocolates and pastries, offering a perfect blend of sweet and savory.
Davao City: Durian Delicacies
For the brave-hearted dessert lover, Davao’s durian treats are a must-try. From durian candies, tarts, and cakes to the classic durian ice cream, the strong, pungent flavor of this “king of fruits” becomes a delightful sweet treat that leaves a memorable taste.
Bohol: Calamay and Peanut Kisses
Bohol, an island rich in natural wonders and history, offers desserts that reflect its vibrant culture. Calamay, a sticky sweet delicacy made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar, is traditionally packaged in coconut shells. Peanut Kisses, on the other hand, are bite-sized peanut-shaped treats inspired by the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol.
Bacolod City: Piaya and Caramel Tarts
Bacolod, the city of smiles, will surely make dessert lovers beam with its sweet offerings. Piaya, a flat, unleavened bread filled with muscovado sugar, is a delightful treat to munch on. Equally captivating are the caramel tarts—soft, creamy, and with the perfect hint of sweetness.
Manila: Halo-Halo and Puto Bumbong
The capital city, with its bustling streets and vibrant history, offers classic Filipino desserts that have stood the test of time. Halo-halo, a mixed dessert with crushed ice, sweetened fruits, leche flan, and purple yam, is perfect for the tropical heat. Meanwhile, during the Christmas season, puto bumbong, a purple rice delicacy steamed in bamboo tubes and served with margarine, sugar, and grated coconut, is a staple outside churches.
Bicol: Sili Ice Cream and Pili Nut Desserts
For those who like a kick in their desserts, Bicol’s sili (chili) ice cream is a game-changer. It offers a unique blend of creaminess and spiciness. Additionally, the pili nut, indigenous to the region, is transformed into various sweet treats from candied nuts to rich pastries.
The Philippines is more than just its beaches and natural wonders. It is a dessert haven, a place where traditional meets modern, and where each region offers a distinct sweet flavor that tells a story of its history, culture, and people. Next time you’re in the country, make sure to embark on a sweet journey through these ten dessert destinations.
Add comment