Category: Food Tourism

City Food Tourism

Pierogi, Dumplings & Handmade Polish Comfort Food Online

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Venturing beyond your usual spots can be surprisingly satisfying. With countless specialty restaurants and fast-food joints to choose from, why not seek out choices that are kinder to your wallet? Online stores nowadays compete with trendy restaurants, offering global flavors at prices that make indulging easy.

 

Although Chinese and Japanese cuisines remain favorites, we invite you to embark on a culinary adventure with Slavic-Polish dishes. Meet Happy Pierogi, your gateway to discovering bold new flavors and sampling cosmopolitan cuisines you may have never tasted before.

 

Happy Pierogi was founded as a family business in 2025, inspired by learning to make Polish dumplings from a family friend in 2020. This tradition continues as they share their comfort food with the community, and everybody!

 

Hence, Happy Pierogi!

 

 

Concept:

Polish

 

The Happy Pierogi Menu…

 

Resto Format:

Online

 

Specialties:

Dumplings, Unique Pastas, Coffee w/ Twists 

 

We recommend trying their Garlic Prawn Pasta, which offers a balanced combination of spicy, sweet, and salty flavors. This distinctive dish is sure to capture your interest.

 

Quirk:

 

Each order includes a set of original hand-drawn Happy Pierogi stickers. Makulit!

 

The drinks are prepared in-house and offer a range of flavors intended to complement the menu.

 

Location:

Fairview, near Brittany Square

 

Typical Spend:

Php 140-250 for food, 60-150 for drinks, 730 for party tray

 

 

Watch our Video Blog (To follow)

by Tere, Jolly Wanderer, and fam_cruziest!

 

 

Contact:

Delrosariomichaelgabriel@gmail.com

09950050989

09956646399

 

Instagram

City Food Tourism

Freshly Baked Cream Puffs, Pang-Ulit Order

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Of all my cravings, none are as elusive as the buttery croissant or the delicate cream puff. Yes, you can find them in specialty bakeries and stores in well-known malls around the Metro, or even outside, but locating one in your neighborhood or even online can be a challenge.

 

For those unfamiliar, cream puffs are classic French desserts known for their light, crisp choux pastry shells filled with sweetened whipped cream, vanilla custard, or pastry cream. They are often finished with powdered sugar, chocolate ganache, or caramel. That’s the usual, but I found an online store that serves variants of these desserts.

 

Known as Cream Puffs by MS, this charming online bakery is the brainchild of Ms. Myla Sincioco. The ‘MS’ in the name is a nod to her, while her husband, Reo Sincioco, and their son, Jaego, who crafted the business’s logo, lend their talents and support to this family-run venture.

 

 

Concept:

French

 

 

Resto Format:

Online and Delivery

 

 

Quirk:

 

Believe it or not, this online commissary is already 12 years old. Yes, they have been operating since 2014. Now that’s something to ponder upon. Putting up a business entails patience.

 

They began by selling a variety of pastries outside San Roque Cathedral in Caloocan, operating a small, hands-on business with daily customer interaction. Cream puffs quickly became their best-selling item, consistently selling out and attracting repeat customers. This insight helped them better understand their market and identify which products resonated most. As demand increased and customer preferences evolved, they expanded their business to online platforms to reach a wider audience.

 

Presently, Cream Puffs MS joins various clubs (every Saturday, as I was made aware) to market these delectable desserts to more audiences.

 

Location:

8923 Obrero Street cor. Taguig, Barangay Valenzuela, Makati City

(Nearest landmark: Chef Jessie’s Place)

 

 

Specialties:

Cream puffs with 8 flavors to choose from: caramel, sugar-frosted, chocolate, strawberry, matcha, ube, Oreo cookies and cream, and coffee with cashew nuts.

 

 

Typical Spend:

Php 130-500.

 

Cream Puffs by MS Menu

 

 

Well, don’t take our word for it; Cream Puffs by MS never missed a beat. Never have they come across a negative review on their most sought-after cream puffs. Truly, their freshly-baked delights are for ‘pang-ulit na orders’! ’.  Even when refrigerated, these desserts still retain the flavorful consistency! And that’s a fact!

 

 

Watch our Video Blog

by Tere, Jolly Wanderer, and fam_cruziest!

 

 

 

Contact:

MylaSincioco28@gmail.com

09063735279

City Food Tourism

Bold Flavors, Two Cultures: Italian-Filipino Inspired cuisine in Marikina

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Cuore in Marikina takes its cues from its sister restaurant Basil, Pizza, and Pasta in El Nido, Palawan, and reimagines Italian food with a Filipino twist. Yes, residents of Marikina and the surrounding areas may enjoy authentic Italian cuisine right here. A cuisine that combines homey comfort food with refined Italian flavors has emerged, one that begs you to take your time, enjoy each meal, and get to know the restaurant better.

 

The Italian name for the restaurant, cuore, means “heart,” and it was chosen to symbolize the restaurant’s dedication to serving well-planned, communal meals. Sharing plates is encouraged by the generous portions, which often come with choices for two or more. Diners may unwind, converse, chow down, listen to jazz in the background, and take in the ambiance thanks to the menu and decor. In this roomy venue, visitors can relax in comfort after a hard day.

 

Cuore’ was started by Kara De Guzman of Marikina City, who had previously opened an Italian restaurant in El Nido, Palawan.

 

This enthusiasm, fueled by her love of both Italian and Filipino food, she brought to Marikina. She thought that the Filipino palate would find comfort in a fusion of these culinary traditions.

 

At its core, Cuore’ is about family. In keeping with Filipino culture, the restaurant offers communal dishes designed to spark dialogue and bring people together. Kara always dreamed of having a warm and inviting place where families can come together to eat.

 

Cuore welcomed its first guests on January 12, 2026, and as early visitors, we were delighted by dishes that were not only bursting with flavor but also generous and unforgettable. The restaurant crafts an experience that truly stands out from the crowd.

 

 

Ambience:

Step into Cuore’ Filipino Italian and experience the perfect fusion of Italian sophistication with Filipino hospitality. The walls are a verdant mix of emerald and cream, evoking images of a classic trattoria. The space is bathed in a warm golden light as sunlight streams through the glass walls, creating an intimate setting ideal for calm conversation. A subtle nod to Filipino tradition, Solihiya accents ground the elegant ambiance with a reassuring feeling of home.

Cuore takes great care in designing its space so that diners will want to take their time, enjoy their food, and share laughter around the table. In this setting, sharing a meal becomes an opportunity for meaningful discussion and the making of lasting memories.

 

 

Concept:

Cuore’ is a fusion of Italian culture and the fiery flavors of the Philippines. The menu features foods that are both familiar and refined, allowing customers to relax, enjoy, and bond over a common love of cuisine.

 

Resto Format:

Dine in,Takeout, Online Order via Lalamove

 

 

Specialties:

 

  • Woodfired Pizzas: Adobo Flakes Pizza, Longanissa Pizza, Steak Alla Italiana Pizza.

 

  • Pastas: Pasta Al Tartufo, Seafood Marinara Pasta, Pesto with Kesong puti Pasta

 

  • Filipino Favorites: Bagnet Al Cuore Kare-Kare, Sisig Al Gusto, Sinuglaw Supremo, Sinigang sa Mangga Del Cuore, Salmon al Cuore sa Miso

 

  • Italian Favorites: Osso Buco con Polenta , Pollo Arrosto , Chicken Parmigiana

 

The Cuore Menu…

 

 

Quirk:

 

This Italian-Filipino specialty restaurant in Marikina offers a unique experience. All pizza dough is prepared by hand each day before opening, ensuring freshness.

 

From the hand-kneaded dough to the toppings of your choice, every pizza is made to order and baked to perfection. Put on your apron and make pizza with a personal chef when things are slow. You may watch a lively pizza-tossing display if you visit between Monday and Thursday. The unique smokiness of the crust is imparted to each pie by wood-firing it over mango and Sampaloc wood.

 

Cuore’ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a warm and inviting venue for genuine celebrations. They bring delight and lasting memories by hosting and catering private events such as weddings, birthdays, corporate parties, and more. They put a lot of attention into every detail since they know there’s more to an occasion than simply the cuisine. The tales that develop, the bonds that are formed, and the experiences that are shared are what matter most.

60-80 pax (air-conditioned); 40 pax (alfresco); 10 pax (alfresco front).

 

I recommend trying their wood-fired pizzas, which are served with honey. The unique combination of flavors creates a memorable and appealing dining experience.

 

Location:
Lot 1 Blk 11 Mayor Gil Fernando Ave. Sto.niño, Marikina City, Marikina City, Philippines, 1900

 

Video Directions (to follow)

 

Typical Spend:

₱350 – ₱1,300

 

Contact:

hellocuore@gmail.com

(0966) 861 0048

  

Watch our Video Blog

by Tere, Jolly Wanderer, and fam_cruziest!

City Food Tourism

Abba Grill and Deli Serves Up Mediterranean Favorites—Perfect for Solo Meals or Group Feasts

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Every creation has a unique tale, and Abba Grill and Deli is no exception. Ivery and Don, a husband and wife pair, are fully aware of this. Don felt it one day at work, and it lingered with the pair for a few days. This occurred around the conclusion of last year, 2025.

Don became restless at one point and considered launching his own restaurant—one that would serve as a playground for creative kitchen experiments rather than a cash grab. After all, this duo has all of the experience necessary to start from scratch and promote Abba Grill and Deli. To begin with, the duo is naturally creative. Muscle memory, to put it bluntly.

He (Don) is, after all, a culinary graduate, now a chef, who has worked in restaurants and hotels in Boracay and Manila. She (Ivery), a writer and former English professor, who first came across several sorts of cheeses and charcuterie at a delicatessen near the university where she had taught. It was meant to be!

 

Moreover, Don and Ivery have been longtime acquaintances of mine in the industry in which I am presently engaged for decades now. Unknowingly, I contacted Abba Grill and Deli without knowing who the owners were. Serendipity or fortuity? Whatever the circumstances, nostalgia persuaded us to proceed. The timing was ideal.

 

Concept:

Indo-Mediterranean

 

The Abba Grill and Deli Menu…

 

Resto Format: online; will join bazaars next as they plan on renting a physical space.

Specialties: Chicken Kebab, Beef Kofta Kebab, and Grazing Platters

 

 

Quirk:

 

When they were deciding on a name, they looked for a word from any Mediterranean language. They decided on “Abba” since it is easy to pronounce and means “father” in Aramaic. In their family, the father (Don) cooks. He is also the chef or culinary soul of our meal concept.

Don finds the word “Abba” and its spiritual connotations crucial because he grew up without a parent. He lost his father in a car accident while he was only a toddler. He has since grown up with a sense of spiritual guidance, as if from a physical father.

When he married Ivy and had two children, he felt fulfilled in his role. “Abba” is a term of endearment, like “papa” or “daddy,” implying a strong bond between parent and child. Through his cooking, he could provide for and nourish his family.

 

 

Location:

Pickup or delivery from Santolan, Pasig

 

Typical Spend:

Php 330-3,800.

 

 

Contact:

iverydelcampo@gmail.com

09275744249

09178996610

 

“If we became rich… I would set up a restaurant with spices and a grill,” says  Don. When he mentioned kebabs, kofta, and souvlaki, Ivery imagined a grazing spread with hummus, curries, flatbreads, grapes, dates, chutneys, and goat and sheep cheeses instead of cows.

“You know, I think I can make a Mediterranean grazing board to match your kebabs,” says Ivery. “That’s certainly different from the typical charcuterie boards.”

City Food Tourism

More Than a Study Spot: A Café in Marikina with a Mission

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Li’l Bean Café-Westdrive offers more than coffee—it’s a vibrant gathering spot in the heart of West Drive, near St. Scholastica Marikina and surrounded by middle-class to upper-middle-class residences. The café’s name itself conjures a compact yet cozy place to relax, study, review, or just hang out. The neighborhood where it’s situated instantly evokes a sense of safety and security. Even parents of St. Scholastica students can enjoy the café’s ambiance while they wait for their kids after class.

Already in its second year, Li’l Bean Café-Westdrive takes pride in being an ever-evolving café that faithfully serves its student customers while also supporting important causes. Ray-An Angeles, its business partner, is constantly thinking of ways to keep the café relevant in all aspects of its menu and activities.

 

Concept and Inspiration:

Step into the charming, Japanese-inspired coffee shop, designed by its warm host, Mr. Rey-An Angeles, who is both the owner’s spouse and a proud partner. Ray-An, an enthusiastic Maristian from Marist School in Marikina, personifies the ethos of one of the city’s most prestigious private schools.

Both husband and wife proudly maintained the establishment as business owners, with a prudent, provider-oriented approach that steered it toward success.

 

Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Restaurant Interior:

Li’l Bean Café-Westdrive’s atmosphere is pleasantly inviting, with the gentle golden glow of warm lighting lifting customers’ spirits as they step into the cool, air-conditioned space. A subtle blend of roasted coffee and fresh pastries drifts through the air. As you look around, vibrant paintings and neatly arranged merchandise displays catch your eye, adding rich color and texture to the cozy setting.

 

Resto Format:

Café with…

✅ Dine-in

✅ Takeout

 

Quirk:

Aside from being a café, the owners of Li’l Bean Café-Westdrive help artistic inmates in Marikina’s correctional facilities by selling their art and paintings and fully remitting the proceeds to their intended owners/artists. Something we really need to have in this day and age.  Li’l Bean likewise holds indoor events during special occasions.

 

Location:

35 West Drive Marikina Heights, Marikina City in front of St Scholastica Academy Marikina City Gate 3 

 

Contact:

0917-7217895 Ray-An Angeles

 

Typical spend:

Php 200-500

 

Specialties

Baked Mac, other meals, and Drinks

 

Check other options from their Cafe Menu…

City Food Tourism

Sip, Savor, Repeat: BRWD Café & Tea Shop Elevates Affordable Gourmet Coffee in Lilac, Marikina

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

Situated within the bustling heart of Marikina’s Lilac culinary district is BRWD. Coffee and Tea. It offers a wide selection of coffee and tea at highly affordable prices. So affordable that you can have two distinct frappé options and two additional beverages, all at approximately the cost of a single cup from a well-established coffee shop with comparable or better coffee. Greater value for your buck!

 

No kidding!

 

 

Remarkably, within just a year of its establishment, BRWD. Coffee and Tea has expanded to encompass 50 branches. Given its status as a family enterprise, the most prudent strategy would really be to establish additional franchises.

 

And franchise they did as Miss Alex Alfonso, the owner and proprietress of BRWD. Coffee and Tea, Lilac, adeptly oversees this branch with assurance. After all, she is a second-generation owner and franchisee of this family business.

 

With a selection of coffee specialties that appeal to a younger clientele, BRWD. Coffee and Tea has established itself as a popular hangout for young professionals and students in this part of Lilac. The visual appeal of their frappés alone piques interest, so you’d be curiously adventurous to try them out the first time you see them.

 

Concept:

BRWD. Coffee and Tea is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a place where folks can come together, share their stories, and truly feel at home in the community. A friendly spot where everyone can savor amazing coffee and tea.

 

Their store design emphasizes a clean, modern, and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.

 

Store Format: Café available for dine-in or takeout. Continuously refining and enhancing their menu and pricing structure. BRWD. Coffee and Tea will soon be providing updates on their strategies for consistently serving their clientele, as they may soon introduce an online ordering option. The establishment operates from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily, Monday through Sunday.

 

Quirk:

BRWD. Coffee and Tea shares the space with a garment shop, so do not be surprised when you enter its premises. Just the same, this café is recommended for coffee lovers who want to explore their coffee palates without breaking the bank.

 

Specialties:

Discover an enticing selection of beverages designed to satisfy every palate. Indulge in their refreshing iced or steaming hot coffee, rich hot chocolate, delightful frappes, vibrant fruit tea, and soothing milk tea. No matter your preference, there’s something here to awaken your senses and elevate your day! A diverse range of beverages that cater to every taste. They offer iced/hot coffee, hot chocolate, frappe, fruit tea, and milk tea.

 

You should try their pastries too. Their lime-flavored cookies are a delish pair for your frappe.

 

The BRWD Cafe Menu…

 

Typical Spend: Php 39-49

 

 

Where:

51A Lilac Street, Marikina

(In front of Puregold Lilac)

 

Contact:

brwd.lilac@gmail.com

City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Why R Cakes by Rocelle Is Redefining Custom Cakes and Pastries in Marikina

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Cakes and pastries are a dime a dozen when dessert makers troop into one competitive locale, but rarely do we see pedigree as much as R Cakes  by Rocelle when it comes to creating designer cakes and pastries. Pedigree isn’t just about where and what culinary school one came from, but how they used that knowledge to create works of art in the symphony of aesthetics and flavors.

 

Certainly, presentation consistently plays a crucial role in the food and confectionery industry. Nonetheless, it would significantly enhance the effect if that aesthetic were complemented by a comprehensive understanding of how to assemble elements to craft flavors that would captivate the palate.

 

History:

Rocelle began baking in 2017. Initially, she merely wanted to make an elegant birthday cake for her daughter. Over time, she developed a passion for it and aspired to create more artistic cakes.

She eventually enrolled in the Lyceum Culinary Institute to pursue her education, despite working full-time as a CAD designer. As her clientele grew, so did their belief in her abilities with cakes. After participating in mall bazaars, she launched a small boutique in Marikina to offer clients a convenient spot to pick up purchases.

 

Resto Format:

Online, with a physical store open by appointment only. Rocelle currently participates in pop-up stores, so please follow her website for updates on her schedule and locations.

 

Quirk:

Rocelle began her company as a home baker in Manila. Later, she relocated operations to Cubao and finally Marikina. She specializes in making personalized cakes for any occasion.

She also participates in various cake design competitions in the Philippines and earned third place overall in the Celebration Category at Cake Fiesta Manila in 2023 and 2025.

 

Location:

627 JP Rizal St, Marikina City, Philippines, 1805; Directions 

Contact:

rcakesbyrocelle@gmail.com /09154416276

 

Typical spend:

P50-9,500

 

Specialties

Custom Cakes, Pastries, Donuts, and others

 

Check other options from their Menu…

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: PASALUBONG CORNER, MARIKINA
City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Why This Café Is the Next Big Franchise Opportunity for the New Generation

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

The name “I Want Cofi” was inspired by a simple, everyday craving—the moment when you want something comforting and familiar. While coffee is at the heart of the brand, I Want Cofi was created to be more than just a coffee shop. “It’s a journey in every cup.”

 

At first glance, the cafe may appear as a cute dessert spot where you can hang out and relax. Nonetheless, upon closer inspection, IWantCofi Maginhawa operates a single storefront service similar to one of the Philippines’ largest fast-food restaurants.

 

You can order at the counter, scan its QR code, use the automated machines, all of which offer several options for your convenience, or use the QR code on our secondary photo visual with the IWC Maginhawa logo and address on the lower right of the photo. It’s current, trendy, technological, and intuitive!

 

Definitely, it’s a new storefront with character!

 

IWantCofi Maginhawa is also a fast-food-inspired café enterprise committed to a specific mission. You may enjoy their exceptional and delicious offerings, opt for additional opportunities if you are heavily involved in franchising and interested in advertising and promoting IWantCofi Maginhawa, or both.

 

A mutually beneficial outcome in all circumstances for entrepreneurial minds, motorbike drivers not affiliated with any delivery services, and just about anyone who desires to earn extra.

(Isang kapaki-pakinabang na pagkakataon sa mga utak negosyante, mga driver ng mga motor na hindi konektado sa anumang serbisyo sa delivery, at sa kung sinumang nagnanais na kumita ng dagdag.)

 

Believe me, it’s top-notch marketing savvy! A full-service franchise, a ‘one-stop shop’ right at your fingertips.

 

Moreover, IWantCofi Maginhawa, as a café, operates a POS system unlike any other. By all accounts, it’s modern café comfort. But first, let’s look at what they’re offering!

 

I Want Cofi is a concept that extends beyond coffee. It serves coffee, non-coffee beverages, comfort food, and sweets, making it an all-day café for everyone.

 

First and foremost, they are firm believers that convincing begins with what they provide.

 

Non-coffee offerings include soda juices, fresh juices, frappes, yogurt drinks, and yogurt shakes. Food and desserts include fries, chicken wings, pasta, waffles, and specialty desserts. IWantCofi may add more as it progresses.

 

Mind you, this cafe’s servings are just hefty and delish too!

 

Concept/Theme:

Asian-Filipino Café with Signature Drinks, Frappes & Comfort Food

 

History

I Want Cofi was founded in 2024, with its first location at UG24, Cityland Pasong Tamo, Chino Roces Avenue in Makati City.

 

In December 2025, I Want Cofi held a soft opening for their second location at 176 Maginhawa Street, Diliman, Quezon City. The Maginhawa location is an I Want Cofi Express Shop, which offers quick service, takeout, and delivery options.

 

The moniker “I Want Cofi” was inspired by a simple everyday craving—the desire for something soothing and familiar. While coffee is at the core of the brand, I Want Cofi was designed to be more than just a coffee shop.

 

It's “A Journey in Every Cup.”

 

The people behind the concept are Georgia Gayle Dakokoy, owner. and Bernard Yu, the very unassuming Head of Product Development & Creative of IWantCofi.

 

Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Resto Interior:

The interior design is inspired by modern café aesthetics, with warm, cozy elements. Clean lines, soft lighting, and artistic details create a relaxed and welcoming environment.

 

Resto Format:

Dine-in (8 guests). Takeout (50-100 customers/day), Delivery (GrabFood, Lalamove), Online Ordering (QR code).

Facebook Page: lwantcofi maginhawa

Ordering Link / QR: Available via our digital ordering system: scan the QR at the store, or you can use the QR code found on our secondary photo visual with IWC Maginhawa’s logo and address, Top, on the lower right of the photo.

To pay for general, and particular orders.

 

Price Range:

Php P80 – P250

 

Quirk:

A café that lets you dine, relax, and earn if you’re into business or just aim to add a little something to your pocket.

 

Specialties:

Signature Coffee Drinks – Tokyo Boom Latte, IWC Toffee Dream Latte, Vanilla Espresso, Spanish Latte, and more. Frappes & Ice Drinks – Creamy frappe series, Macadamia Nut Ice Espresso, Brown Sugar Soy Milk. Butterscotch Ice, Espresso, Non-Coffee Drinks, Fruit sodas, juices, specialty cold blends. Comfort Food – IWC Crispy Wings in various flavors.

Menu: Full menu available via QR code or Facebook link with a 10% discount on the first two orders.

View to appreciate!

Check options from their Resto Menu…

 

Where:

176 Maginhawa Diliman Quezon City, Philippines

 

Contact:

Email: iwantcofi@gmail.com

 

Note: For any interest in IWantCofi franchises, you may contact ronnievivar@gmail.com to schedule an online meeting with the owner. IWantCofi management prefers to meet in person once you’ve decided on a franchise acquisition.

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM—DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY
City Food Tourism

From Classic to Creative: What’s Your Flan?’s Flan Cake Variants in Elegant Packaging

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Ubiquity is not “What’s Your Flan? / Ube Story – Project 7 EDSA Quezon City”’s mantra. Yes, they make the usual flan and flan cakes, but they do it with a flourish. Secondly, they don’t just package your flan in the usual container tubs; they pack it in style, and with plenty of flavors to choose from, it would be an effort to choose just one.

 

 “What’s your FLAN?” started in 2016 at Chef Princess Rosario-San Diego’s home kitchen, where our CEO and operator of “What’s Your FLAN?” operates. She’s a graduate and a Chef Instructor at CCA Manila, and the Marketing Director of the American Culinary Federation (Manila). Since starting the business in 2016, it has grown to over 900 franchisees & resellers in more than 14 countries.

 

That’s how prolific the franchise is.

 

And as for this franchise, they are on its Project 7 EDSA, QC Branch.

 

Concept:

Creating new variants and innovating the all-time favorite dessert, Leche Flan, considered one of the topmost favorite staple desserts of Filipinos and even foreign nationals, is our specialty. We only use the finest, purest ingredients, ensuring an authentic, superior taste that sets our product apart from the competition.

 

Store Format:

Online delivery and pickup.

 

Quirk:

Simply its variety; Franchising

 

Specialties:

4-in-1 Flavors; Premium Leche Flan-based desserts from Traditional Flans, Gelatos, Cake Flans, Ube products and more

 

The What’s Your Flan? / Ube Story – Project 7 EDSA Quezon City’s Menu…

(Note: For the holidays, only the items indicated in the menu are available.)

 

Typical Spend:

 

Php P230-550

 

Location:

Project 7, North EDSA, Quezon City

 

Contact:

whatsyourflan.northedsa@gmail.com /+639672888304 /Michelle Li 

 

The desire to bring home a gift for one’s loved ones is an integral part of the Filipino travel ethic. Filipinos instinctively search out that one-of-a-kind thing that will bring delight to their loved ones back home, regardless of their location, whether domestic or international. This demonstrates the Philippines’ enduring importance to every Filipino on a global scale. This is recognized by residents, expatriates, and non-nationals.”

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM; PASALUBONG CORNER-QUEZON CITY
City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Grams Mercato in Ortigas, where Gourmet Pastries and More Meet Posh Condo Living

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Fascination is what I felt when I first visited Grams Mercato inside this posh condo compound in Ortigas, known as the Sonata Private Residences, believe it or not.

 

Yes, we’re all accustomed to finding specialty cafes/bakeries like this one inside malls, but discovering GM inside a posh condo is really unusual, yet fascinating nonetheless.

 

And fascination seems to be part of the motif on coverage day, as meeting the owner herself, Ma’am Duday Camus Dancel, was both experientially fascinating and intimidating. She has that striking mestiza look that gives you pause when you first meet her, and it was confirmed when she told us she has Spanish blood but is an Ilocana at heart. But truly, she’s cool.

 

Moreover, the Dancel family name does give you that nagging sense of familiarity, doesn’t it? Of course it does, as she’s legally related to Ebe Dancel of Sugarfree through her husband. Well, Ma’am Duday does get free promotions from Ebe himself once in a while. Perks of family 🙂. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s move on.

 

At first glance, Grams Mercato looks as compact on the outside as it does on the inside. Still, the setting alone gives you the coño vibes, but don’t judge just yet.

 

It’s compact, all right, but trust me, the place feels really cozy, with lighting that’s just right and easy on the eyes. Pipe-in music greets you immediately as you enter, and the ambiance completes the vibe with plenty of air-conditioned coolness.

 

Inside, you can immediately spot their products on the shelves, in the window, and at the counter. Their menus and offers prominently displayed on walls and counters for easy viewing and ordering. There’s even a chalkboard featuring their specialties for the day, strategically positioned on the wall as you enter the establishment.

 

Concept:

Grams artisan bread and pastries level up a simple snack—giving you a pleasant break from a hectic day. There are many things in life we cannot control, but what you serve can brighten moods and set positive vibes.

 

They’re big fans of the classic Filipino mamon and ensaymada, so at Grams, they aim to deliver these pastries with world-class quality, using fine ingredients like real butter, high-quality flour, and premium cheese.

 

They make their pastries in small batches in their commissary in Rizal, surrounded by nature and using herbs that they grow themselves. They carefully ferment their doughs and keep a positive working environment that is felt with every bite of their loaves and pastries!

 

As a café/bakery that has been running for some time now, Grams Mercato already has corporate and non-corporate customers from various organizations and fields, in addition to running the commissary itself. The establishment’s religious friends and customers really adore their ensaymada and mamon specialties to bits.

 

Nuns of St. Paul in Antipolo do have the predilection for their ensaymada, with priests particularly smitten with their sausage rolls. What’s not to love?

 

Store Format:

Café/bakery for dine-in, delivery, and online: Available on Food Panda

 

Quirk:

Located inside a posh condo compound in Ortigas, Grams Mercato is already a quirk of its own, but don’t let that intimidate you, as the owner clearly envisions the place to be one of the go-to spots for specialty pastries and more in Ortigas. If you crave their unique ensaymada, just inform the guard at the Westin Residences of your intent, and you’ll be welcomed in to proceed.

Direction: The usual compound entrance is at  Lourdes Drive.

Video

Grams Mercato is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 6pm.

 

Specialties:

Ensaymada, mamon, and European loaves.

 

You should try their ensaymada. It’s not going to be the usual and ubiquitous pastry that you envision at first glance, as its consistency is quite different. Buttery, soft, and encrusted with melted queso de bola.

 

The Grams Mercato Menu…

 

Typical Spend:

Php 90-Php 450; Specialty Sweets from Php 210 to Php 1,100; meals good for 8 pax from Php 1,400 to Php 2,300.

 

Where:

GF Sonata Private Residences Building 2, Westin Compound Ortigas Center

 

Contact:

0968-5206496

 

The desire to bring home a gift for one’s loved ones is an essential component of the Filipino travel philosophy. Filipinos intuitively seek out that unique thing that will offer joy to their loved ones back home, regardless of their location, whether domestic or international. This underlines the Philippines’ continued importance to every Filipino on a global scale. This is acknowledged by residents, expatriates, and non-nationals.”

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM; PASALUBONG CORNER-PASIG CITY