By: Kyrie Sismaet
Filipino cuisine can be defined through not only its myriad of flavors and textures, but also by its ability to evoke warmth, nostalgia, and community. Filipino desserts specifically are delightful delicacies that can elevate seemingly humble ingredients of ube, langka, or jackfruit, and coconut into the most inventive gastronomical creations.
Along with the popularity of ube-centric treats, here is an irresistible list of the best Bay Area spots to satisfy your sweet tooth and even bring home to gift!
What: A beloved Bay favorite that kindly provides of all the most comforting ube creations you can imagine!
What to get: Their fun Ubento variety box, which generously samples their Ube Pocket Pie, Ube Mochi Bar, Crinkle Cookies, and more.
Location: 2229 railroad ave, Pittsburg, California
What: A highly sought-after food truck and Hayward flagship that serves up Filipino classics in hefty portions!
What to get: Their Ube Flandesal, cupcakes, and cheesecakes.
Location: 838 B St, Hayward, CA 94541
What: An artisanal shop that reinvents the classic fluffy bibinka into perfectly-portioned, bite-sized delights (but we won’t judge if you have more than one… or three).
What to get: Their ube Binka Bites topped with either sweet flan, Langka (jackfruit), or Macapuno.
Location: 979 Broadway #106, Millbrae CA
What: A heartwarming woman-owned business run by the talented pastry artist Melody Anne Lorenzo that specializes in handmade two-bite tartlets filled with all local ingredients.
What to get: The Halo-Halo Panna Cotta, Pandan Meringue, or Brazo de Mercedes tartlets.
Location: 6000 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon, CA 94583
What: An overwhelmingly adored queer-and-woman-owned cute chocolate shop by mastermind Carol Gancia in the heart of the Castro that enhances traditional Filipino flavors and desserts in perfectly-balanced confections.
What to get: Her Dark Chocolate Dipped Dried Mangoes, Sipping Chocolate, and of course, a mixed box of her diverse chocolates!
Location: 3901 18th Street, San Francisco, California 94114
What: A familiar favorite that has been a charming shop since the 1950s.
What to get: The Polvoron, Boat Tarts, Buko Pandan Cupcake, and Ube Egg Pie.
Location: 4128 Dyer St, Union City, CA 94587
What: A modern and sleek brunch hotspot in the Mission District’s trendy Valencia Street that serves generous plates of Filipino staples.
What to get: Their lusciously decadent Ube Hotcakes drenched in a creamy ube coconut sauce!
Location: 1050 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
What: A premier dining destination for elevated Filipino cuisine by the visionary Chef Francis Ang that also has a refined, but soulful, morning panaderia.
What to get: The Buko Lychee Cream Puff, Ube Macapuno Brioche Ensaymada, or their Bibinka with Salted Egg.
Location: 2700 Jones Street, San Francisco, CA (Inside the Kimpton Alton Hotel)
What: A divine destination for comforting confections and pastries since the 70’s that can be found in multiple Bay Area locations.
What to get: Their Haba-Haba, fresh pan de sal, pan de coco, and turon.
Location: Multiple in the Bay Area.
What: A hip and trusted haven for sizeable Sisig fusion burritos, located in the Ferry Building, Valencia Street, and as a traveling food truck.
What to get: Their Ube churro bites, new shortbread cookies, or refreshing Ube Colada.
Location: 990 Valencia St, San Francisco, California, Ferry Building, 1, #41
What: A family-owned ice cream shop that recently earned a SF Business Legacy Registry and always has a line out their door for their deliciously creamy frozen delights, no matter the time of year.
What to get: Their seasonal egg nog, pumpkin, Thai Tea, and of course, Ube.
Location: 688 San Jose Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110
Whether you’re an ensaymada enthusiast, or an ube afficionado, all of these Bay Area community anchors will truly deliver a familiar taste of the islands, perfect for the holiday gift-giving season!
