5 DESSERT FAVORITES IN MANILA

A good meal becomes even better when you end it on a high note. Yes, I'm talking about the importance of dessert. Some may prefer cakes over ice cream or foreign-inspired over local flavors, but rarely do I find a person who's not a fan of desserts. There's always something for everyone and as such, I've listed a few of my favorites from Manila's food scene to satisfy your sweet tooth. Be sure to bring good company because the only thing Filipinos love more than food is family and friends. ;)

1. Halo Halo at Razon's

The quintessential Filipino dessert, quite similar to the Ice Kacang and Cendol, made with shaved ice and lots of goodies. I was never really a fan until I tried this "minimalist" version from Razon's. This only has evaporated milk, saba (local plantains), macapuno (jelly-like sweetened coconut), and leche flan (caramel custard). It isn't as colorful as its other counterparts, but to be honest, this is the only shaved ice cup that I would go out of my way for and recommend.

Razon's of Guagua is located at Unit 11 Timog Commercial Complex, Timog Avenue corner Panay Avenue, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

2. Cakes at Heny Sison Desserterie

There are a ton of delicious cake offerings in the Philippines, but Heny Sison remains to be one of my favorites. I actually went for baking class in her culinary school a few summers ago! :p Not only are the flavors good, the portions are huuuge. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth! My mom loves the Lemon Torte while I prefer the Red Velvet.

Heny Sison Desserterie is located at 114 Scout Rallos Street Corner 11th Jamboree, Sacred Heart, Quezon City, Philippines

3. Crêpes from Café Breton

If you want something light and sweet, head on over to Café Breton for crêpes. They have a lot of options to choose from and usually I'd go for the works - fruits, spread, everything! But after my aunt ordered the Sugar crêpe and I took a bite from it, I was converted. It's soooo good! So much better than the La Pinay and everything else. Except maybe for the spinach and mushroom. 

Café Breton is located at 181 Scout de Guia St. cor. Tomas Morato Ave, Quezon City

  4. Ice Cream from Mad Mark's

There are a lot of artisan ice-cream places popping up, and though Bar Dolci remains a favorite, I was really glad my cousins, Miguel and Nadine, took me to Mad Mark's. The Half-Baked Madagascar and the Javan Hot Chocolate were highly recommended, but since we came minutes before closing, we only managed to get the Half-Baked Madagascar and Chocolate on Chocolate. Not bad, not bad at all!

Mad Mark's is located at 23 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City

5. Philippine Mangoes (!!!)

Ahhh, the one thing that I miss most about the Philippines - the mangoes. I sort of assumed that all mangoes were the same but nope, far from it! I like that it's sweet and juicy and I don't really know how to compare it with other variants, lighter? Less stringy? More mango-ey? This is the perfect dessert after feasting on Filipino food and for the sweet-toothed health conscious. But hey, don't stop there, order the Mango Shake too (no milk) and I promise you wouldn't be able to drink mango shake the same way again.

This list isn't exhaustive because there are loads more yummy desserts in Manila. Feel free to share your favorites below! I'd love to try more good food when I go back :) And oh! Some of these establishments have more than one branch, I listed the address of the one I went to for the photos.

Happy weekend, everyone! Wishing you yummy desserts, whichever part of the world you're in! :)