10 Best Ensaymadas in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian

Imang Salud has been crafting ensaymada for three generations. Its recipe is best kept by the family, thus preserving years of tradition. Their ensaymada is considered to be one of the best, thanks to its moist interior and luscious taste. When it comes to classic Filipino pastries, you can trust the Kapampangans to deliver!

It has a perfectly balanced flavorーone that's not too sweet or salty but just right. It may look dainty at first glance, but it is much more than that. It has a glossy exterior with a lightly buttered crust. The saltiness of the cheese also complements the crunchy bits of sugar hanging around this delectable treat. And despite its 6-inch diameter, it can be finished in just a few bites! 

Hizon’s is a historic landmark from Ermita, which is known for its longstanding and delicious dishes as they have been noted to exist since the pre-war period. Just ask your grandparents for ensaymada recommendations, and they're sure to list off this one.　The ensaymada hailing from this store has the iconic coil shape topped with lengthy and thin strips of queso de bola. 

Their bread also has a yellow tint from the butter incorporated in the dough and is denser than it is fluffy. If you are more into the classic, old-school style ensaymada, you can never go wrong with this one. It will surely make every moment feel like a special occasion. If you'd like more sweet treats, their caramel and chocolate cakes are also a must-try!

Known for their ensaymadas and cheese rolls, it's no wonder why Mary Grace is part of this list. They churn out homey treats at an affordable price. Their ensaymada has proved to be a bestseller with its fluffy texture that is light as air. It offers a lighter take on the classic pasalubong.

Each ensaymada is proudly handmade. Its buttery taste is rounded off with freshly grated Edam cheese that adds a hint of saltiness. It is best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or their signature hot chocolate, especially come rainy seasons. You can also toast it in the oven for 10 seconds before serving.

There are several versions of the ensaymada, but one that will surely captivate you is the Strawberry Shortcake Ensaymada by Lulu’s. It combines vanilla cream, real fresh strawberries, and homemade syrup using the classic ensaymada as a base. It makes for a delightful treat that will surely pique your interest. 

The usual ensaymada is already a treat for the palate, but the shortcake elevates your favorite baked treat. Its buttery flavor is offset by the tanginess of the strawberries. This is certainly a treat for those looking for other varieties of ensaymada to try. 

Although they are known for producing the original inipit, Eurobake is also home to the old-fashioned ensaymada. To give yourself a glimpse of the past, give their Malolos ensaymada a taste! Their bigger-than-your-face ensaymada boasts of a rich and buttery taste that's also fluffy and soft. 

Its large size is comparable to that of cakes, making it ideal for sharing. And true to Malolos-style ensaymada, it uses salted eggs and cheese as toppings as opposed to just plain cheese. This may be a surprising combination, but after decades of being in the business, you've got to trust them on this!

If you have ever been to San Pedro, Laguna, a customary stop-over you should not miss is the Universal Bakery. It is one of the longest-running bakeries in the area and is known for being the go-to for pasalubongs people would remember from their childhood days! They offer Filipino panaderia favorites, such as mamon, pinagong, and ensaymada! 

Their version stays true to the classic coil shape, and reviewers have noted that it is not too sweet. It is topped with a generous amount of cheese and a twist - bacon! When coupled with butter and sugar, this makes for the ultimate sweet and savory treat! The best part is, you can get them online! 

Baby Pat offers ensaymada in several flavors, you can try them all with their Assorted Premium Ensaymada. They offer the classic Queso de Bola, Ube Queso, Speculoos, Nutella, Latik, and Tablea. This box gives you a variety of flavors to choose from if you want to sample different variants. 

Their recipe is made with heart following their namesake Mama Pat's legacy of producing home-baked treats. Its pillowy texture makes an excellent base for the different toppings. This has the classic homemade look and taste that will make you nostalgic, making them the perfect treat to share with your family. 

Wildflour puts a twist to bread pudding using cheesy ensaymada as its base. This is perfect for those who'd like their pastry on the moister side. Each bite consists of melt-in-your-mouth pudding for an ultra-creamy and malinamnam experience that will have you coming back for more. 

The top layer is torched to achieve a golden brown color. This gives it a nice crunchy contrast to its spongy center. It is also topped with generous amounts of cheese that provides a bit of saltiness to an otherwise indulgent treat. It comes in a loaf tray, making it easier to serve so the whole family can dig right in.

If you are searching for a different ensaymada, the Jamón Manchego Ensaymada will certainly tickle your fancy. The bread is made from a buttery brioche base that is smeared with their homemade buttercream. It is sprinkled with aged Manchego and a slice of Jamón Serrano. One look at their ensaymada, and you’ll surely want to try it.

It certainly wraps all of our Christmas favorites into one delicious treat. The addition of the jamón also adds a more complex taste that will be a hit for those who do not want their ensaymada to be too sweet. You don't have to wait until the holidays as you can bring in the festivities any time of the year in each bite. 

Ensaymada has always been a Filipino favorite either as a snack or dessert. And it has become part of the fabric of our culture. This sweet and cheesy pick is sure to make your mouth water. Pan de Amerikana's version takes you back to the panaderia-style we remember from our childhood. 

It remains loyal to that version as well as its toppings only consist of butter and sugar! Their giant ensaymada features an iconic twist that brings nostalgia when you take a bite out of this bread. No need to wait for special occasions to take a bite out of this treat - all you need is a day.