Cover What is your favourite ensaymada? (Photo: @50andco.bakery/Instagram)
What is your favourite ensaymada? (Photo: @50andco.bakery/Instagram)
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From heritage bakeries to modern favourites, these are the 10 places most often praised for getting the ensaymada just right
Few pastries inspire as much loyalty as the ensaymada. Soft, buttery, gently sweet, and unapologetically rich, it’s the kind of comfort food that sparks debate, nostalgia and fierce brand devotion. Through our What’s The T crowdsourcing series, we asked you all where to find the best ensaymada, and the response was overwhelming! We received hundreds of comments, dozens of bakeries and a clear hierarchy of favourites emerged. From heritage institutions to cult-favorite bakers, these are the top 10 ensaymadas that you all swear by:
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1. Baked by V
For a solid, crave-worthy modern ensaymada, head to Baked by V. Frequently described as pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth and perfectly balanced, this brand dominated the conversation. Fans raved about its rich butter aroma, fine crumb and just-right sweetness level.
2. Froey’s Bakeshop Specialties
A favourite among those who value craftsmanship and premium ingredients, Froey’s inspires devotion from its loyal patrons. People praise its softness, generous (unique gourmet) toppings and bold flavours such as aged red cheddar, ube, red velvet, salted egg and pork floss. With its balance of classic comfort and boundary-pushing creations, Froey’s ensaymadas feels both nostalgic and innovative.
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3. Kaalo’s
Kaalo’s rise has been swift. Its fans enthuse over its bold flavours, ultra-soft texture and generous cheese topping. It earned countless enthusiastic endorsements, for both their classic ensaymada (best when toasted) or their more playful and indulgent variants like black ensaymada, which has salted egg and a caramel centre.
4. Cunanan Bakery
An enduring classic, Cunanan remains deeply rooted in Filipino food memory. Cunanan is a family-run brand that takes pride in their quiet dedication to excellent baked goods. Luckily, they prepare ensaymadas in small, medium or large sizes, among other treats on the menu, so you have a lot to choose from. This nostalgic family recipe is infused with luscious butter, salty and delicate powdery cheese, and uses an ultra fluffy bread to create an impeccable ensaymada. Their subtle social media presence is a testament to the fact that when something is worth having, word definitely spreads, whether you intend for it to happen or not! This ensaymada represents tradition at its finest–some classics truly never fade away.
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5. 50 & Co.
Elegant, refined and confident, 50 & Co.’s ensaymada has a devoted following, especially for those who want a touch more decadence. This ensaymada is soft and coated in a thick sugary buttercream and is generously dressed with pato queso de bola. They even have an ube variant! While ordering from 50 & Co, try out her array of cakes and cookies, too.
6. Cocina Marina
Cocina Marina’s ensaymada has a following that loves its queso de bola ensaymada with deeply savoury cheese notes. The ensaymada is delicate, airy and has a beautiful cheesy crumble. It’s a favourite among those who like their ensaymada bold, rich and generously topped.
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7. Baby Pat
Baby Pat’s ensaymadas are loved for their distinct flavours and artisanal feel. From the classic, to the crowd-favourite Gruyère iteration, fans appreciate the brand’s attention to taste and texture. With a thick layer of buttercream, their ensaymadas are a sinful treat (worth having). These ensaymadas are individually packed with eye-catching colourful paper, making it a great gift option.
8. Felicia’s Pastry Shop
A Bacolod icon, Felicia’s brings Visayan pride into the conversation. Its ensaymadas are rich, traditional, and deeply nostalgic, the kind many grew up eating during holidays or trips home. Even amid newer players, Felicia’s continues to earn respect and affection.
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9. Hizon’s
Above The top 10 ensayamdas in the Philippines | Photo: Hizon's/Facebook)
The top 10 ensayamdas in the Philippines | Photo: Hizon's/Facebook)
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A household name for generations, Hizon’s ensaymadas remains a reliable staple in many homes. Its ensaymada delivers the comforting flavours, with a light, airy chew and decadent buttery bite that many associate with family gatherings and celebrations. Familiar, indulgent and generously topped, it’s a classic that still holds its own.
10. Mary Grace
For many, Mary Grace’s ensaymada is synonymous with comfort and cravings. Soft, lightly sweet and delicately dressed with sugar, this bite is a familiar and easy choice. It’s the kind of pastry you reach for to pair with your coffee or hot chocolate. While less flashy than newer entrants, its enduring popularity proves that warmth and consistency never go out of style.
If there’s one thing this list proves, it’s that the “best” ensaymada isn’t just about butter or cheese or even bread; it’s about that dose of nostalgia and the excitement of new discovery. With this healthy and diverse range of ensaymada options to dive into, let us know which has left the most impactful impression on your palate.
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