No meal is complete without dessert, or what the kids call now as: a sweet treat!

Words Maria Sophia Andrea E. Rosello
July 26, 2024

“Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice” are the best words to describe desserts. Almost everyone has these cravings, but not everyone knows how to satisfy them. Nowadays, everyone’s best-kept secret is where you can grab the next best thing to fulfill your sweet tooth, whether it’s up north, down south, or somewhere in the middle.

GotBaked, Quezon City
GotBaked focuses on delivering a variety of freshly baked goods. Their offerings include a range of cookies with flavors like the classic chocolate chip and their own unique blends, like the famed cookie croissant. Their cookie pies and cookie cakes are also highlights, known for their rich, gooey texture. The brand prides itself on using high-quality ingredients to ensure that every bite is both satisfying and indulgent. They often feature special limited-time offerings and seasonal treats that you’d kick yourself for not trying ASAP.

Bungalow, Muntinlupa City
Bungalow is a café known for its charming atmosphere and diverse pastry menu. They offer a selection of cakes, including the popular carrot and ube cakes, alongside an array of croissants ranging from lemon almond to truffle mushroom. They also feature a variety of sweets like to-die-for doughnuts and milkshakes. Their Instagram showcases beautifully decorated cakes and pastries, reflecting their attention to both flavor and presentation. The café’s cozy vibe makes it an ideal spot for enjoying dessert with a relaxed coffee or tea.

Araro, Online and For Delivery (Metro Manila only)
Araro is known for its artisanal gelato, offering an impressive range of flavors from traditional favorites like vanilla and chocolate to innovative options like ube and mango. Their gelato is crafted to be smooth and creamy, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Araro highlights their use of carabao milk sourced from the province of Batangas, which provides a richer taste for their customers and gelato lovers. For now, they are mainly reachable online. Though they aren’t a standalone shop or stall yet, you can catch them at Salcedo Market in Makati City every Saturday. They also occasionally feature limited-edition flavors, making each visit a new experience.

HungrySans, Parañaque City
HungrySans offers a creative selection of puff pastries. They are known for their unique flavor combinations and artistic presentation. Some of their popular items include Guava and Cheese puffs and White Chocolate Biscoff puffs, which are both visually striking and flavorful.

Kind Cookie, Makati City
Kind Cookie specializes in thick, palm-sized cookies known for their diverse flavors and soft texture. Their offerings include classic chocolate chip cookies, as well as specialty flavors like Cookie Monster, Red Velvet Cheesecake, and White Matcha. The brand is dedicated to using high-quality ingredients, and their Instagram highlights their beautifully crafted cookies with creative designs. Kind Cookie’s commitment to kindness is evident through their different monthly beneficiaries, ensuring that each cookie you buy isn’t only good for your stomach but also touches many hearts.

Each of these locations brings something unique to Manila’s dessert scene, from freshly baked cookies and artisanal gelato to innovative pastries and doughnuts. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting classic or a new flavor adventure, these spots from different parts of the city all offer a variety of options that will surely satisfy your sweet cravings.