Some of the most innovative and delicious desserts were birthed in lockdown. Doughnuts, flaky pastries, pies, and iced coffees were pillars of our mental health during the harshest periods of the pandemic. Now that we’re (mostly) steadily in the post-lockdown part of the pandemic, we can finally enjoy our desserts and merienda outside of our homes.
And the best part? The end of isolation doesn’t mean that the innovation has stopped.
Here are some of our newest sweet finds you can indulge in—staying home optional.
Panaderya Toyo’s bulkan
Panaderya Toyo has always been known for its innovative take on classic Filipino staples, and they’ve done it again with the bulkan (P480). Inspired by the majestic Mt. Mayon, the bulkan is a conical puff-pastry-based dessert filled with different flavors of infused cream.
It comes in three very Filipino flavors: keso, moka, and pandan. If you’re in the mood to try it, make sure to pre-order at least two days in advance.
Assembly Hall’s campfire latte
The weather is turning grayer by the day, which is the perfect excuse to grab a cup of Assembly Hall’s signature campfire latte (P225). This dessert in a cup is a delicious latte topped with a toasted marshmallow square reminiscent of its namesake. It’s sweet, warm, toasty, and a must-try for coffee lovers with a sweet tooth.
Lunes Everyday Dining’s mais corn fizz
Lunes Everyday Dining is one of the new kids on the block in Poblacion. It serves modern Filipino food, which means we get to see new twists to classic dishes. One of the most interesting things on its menu is the mais corn fizz (P160), which is basically a soda version of the classic panghimagas, mais con hielo.
The drink (or dessert if that’s what you’re feeling) is made with corn soda, corn cream, and corn flakes for that extra crunch. I could make a corny joke here, but I’ll leave it to your imagination.
Que Rica Premium Pili Nuts’s ube pili
While pili nuts aren’t considered dessert by themselves, Que Rica’s latest pili flavor adds some sweetness to the endemic snack. Ube (P250) is the supporting ingredient to match the pili nut’s rich and creamy flavor, which creates a local flavor powerhouse of a snack.
Que Rica also offers coffee coco sugar and Davao chocolate-flavored nuts. For fans of savorier snacks, plain, Philippine sea salt, and truffle pecorino are also available.
Poison Doughnuts’s truffle honey manchego
Poison Doughnuts was one of our refrigerator staples during the lockdown. When it comes to creating new and interesting flavors, the brains behind the sweets have gotten it down to a science. Poison’s latest doughnut is a truffle honey manchego with an apple bacon compote (P120). It’s basically a deli visit in a bite.