A standout side dish for your office potluck? A dessert that tastes like your childhood? This year’s list is full of unique finds that are sure to make your feasting merry and bright.
’Tis the season for gaiety and indulgence. When Christmas comes around, diets are put on hold and we give ourselves and others extra wiggle room to live large. Picking out gifts or planning your holiday get-togethers may be fun for some but can be quite the task for most. So, allow us to assist you in filling your carts with some delicious things— many of them seasonal exclusives— that are bound to satisfy even your most discerning Tita friends and relatives.
Mabuhay Craft Coffee’s Sourdough at Palaman
Chef Mikel Zaguirre is known to have a knack for taking something familiar and then making it shiny and new. In his San Juan coffee outpost, his aromatic brews are famously paired with freshly baked bread often times slathered with interesting spreads such as the Umami Mantekilya, Sour Bistek and Onion Aioli, and Roasted Bawling & Sibuyas Cheese Pimiento. Take these and some sourdough home with you which they niftily packed in a woven basket, or give to someone worthy.
50 & Co. Bakery’s Burnt Butter Polvoron
The rebrand might be wholesome, but that voluptuous oomph of home baker Trisha del Rosario will always be evident in her delectable desserts. For a dose of nostalgia with a luscious touch, their Burnt Butter Polvoron is sure to satisfy the craving of those who grew up with this shortbread-like dessert. 50 & Co.’s menu is filled with decadent heavy-hitters like their ensaymadas, chocolate chip cookies, and an array of cakes, but the satisfaction one gets from a well-made polvoron just hits different, especially during this season.
Patisserie Le Choux-Colat’s Manila Croissants
Pastry chef Ely Salar proves that in the race for Metro Manila’s best croissants, his laminated confections are easily top contenders. For the holidays, there’s Manila Croissants, a love letter to the city and its vibrant and unmistakably Filipino flavors. The Mango Float and Calamansi & Coconut are sure to tug at your heartstrings, expertly executed for a notoriously temperamental pastry—truly impressive! Available at both their Podium Ortigas branch or the lovely new one in BF Homes.
Bakery Felt x Vito’s BBQ Manila Street Buns
These two fun brands came together to make something to tickle the tastebuds of those tired of the tried-and-tested hamon and bibingka. This collection brings together flaky, buttery layers and bold, Pinoy-style flavors in one box. Their cheeky interpretations of silog, samgyupsal, and sizzling steak are sure to excite adventurous palates. Bakery Felt also launched a sweet Christmas series, but this collaboration with Vito’s proves to be a unique offering that should not be missed.
Ono Poke’s Poke Charcuterie Board
Who said festive dishes have to be rich and calorie-laden? This healthy twist on a charcuterie board is not only a welcome break from all the indulgent holiday dishes, but it’s also an interactive addition to the spread that keeps the conversation going. Serve it at your party or can also make for a good-looking gift for your poke-bowl loving friend.
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Onogiri’s holiday box
During the hectic holiday season, it’s almost impossible to prepare meals and just as hopeless to book food for delivery. These ready-to-eat, savory Japanese snacks are definitely heaven-sent to those who only have one hand free while the other does a million other things. Onogiri launched a new flavor just before the festive season— pork belly with takana, which is so incredibly flavorful. But, you also cannot go wrong with the classic salmon with yuzu or the simple decadence of soy egg. Available in boxes of 6 or 8.
Xancho’s burnt butter pasta
Classic flavors done differently—that is definitely chef Marco Rodriguez’s strength and the creative principle behind home-cooked dishes like his spaghetti with burnt butter, prosciutto, chestnuts, and goat cheese. It has all the familiar comforts of a rich pasta dish, the nostalgic flavors of Christmases past, and a uniqueness that allows it to stand on its own or pair with a juicy meat carving. It’s the kind of potluck offering that will surely have heads turning and mouths chewing.
Mono’s gift set
What do you give a food lover that has everything? Only the best, of course, and lifestyle curator Mono made sure to have it perfectly-packed in one, beautiful box. Frescobaldi Laudemio Olive Oil is backed with a rich history and arguably the finest of its kind from Tuscany, while Pasta Tirrena’s ancient grains give it a unique texture that is unmatched and packs their pasta with more protein and fiber than others. Undeniable excellence, which is a gift on its own. Available at mono.ph and at The Bowtie Duck site.
El Born’s Ferrero Rocher Cheesecake
Give a fan of those famous chocolates wrapped in that unmistakable gold wrapper an indulgent treat. Chef David Amoros elevates this timeless favorite into one of his coveted cheesecakes— blending chocolate, praline, and velvety burnt Basque creaminess over their signature biscuit base. Available at both The Grid Food Market and Mitsubishi BGC branches.
Casa Luisa’s Chicken Empanadas
Chef Jen Gerodias’ attempt at a classic, her version encased in that crispy, buttery crust we love her for. That chicken filling is more delicately seasoned and creamy, sweetened only by raisins. For those looking for a bit more kick, no ordinary hot sauce would do— its got to be the mango labuyo chutney that Casa Luisa also makes and should accompany each floral-printed box. They currently have a stall at The Grid Food Market in Powerplant Mall. You’re welcome.
Empanada Gallega
Lally San Jose started making these traditional rectangular pies from northern Spain during the pandemic, and due to popular demand, has not stopped since. Filled with good quality canned tuna and bell peppers, these are flavors she grew up eating and cooking since their time living in Spain. A thoughtful gift for a beloved tisay or any food lover who has tried it all, or a fitting addition to your noche buena spread that is both comforting and elegant.
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FiC x Berry’s Deli Crunchy Two-bite Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream
Childhood friends Isabel Celdran-Koa (FiC) and Berry Tenchavez-Stehmeier drew from their deep well of happy childhood memories to collaborate on an ice cream that is so easy to love. Berry’s Deli’s crunch chocolate chip is folded into FiC’s smooth and velvety chocolate ice cream for a dessert that is sure to please both the kiddos and kids at heart. Try a cup or cone at FiC’s Powerplant Mall stall and you’re bound to bring home a gallon for your holiday get-togethers. You can also order this through both FiC and Berry’s Deli’s websites.
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