For Asians, rice is still paramount when it comes to sources of carbohydrates. But even so, bread isn’t taking the backseat. Pioneering bakeries are now infusing Asian flavors into this western staple—from Japan’s smooth and sweet matcha, and their savory teriyaki to interesting plays on Asia’s cheese produce, and even Korea’s fixation on red beans and sesame—the list just goes on.
If you need more convincing, here are six bakeries that serve up warm and sweet breads that you might just substitute rice for in no time.
#1 Kumori
The variety of pastries in Kumori is a ray of sunshine—a total opposite of its literal Japanese translation which is “cloudy.” It abides by traditional Japanese artisanal baking craftsmanship and imports all the ingredients, except for the eggs, from Japan. The goodness of matcha and teriyaki, among many other flavors, is guaranteed to be authentic and will take you on a taste journey to Japan.
Must-tries: Soft Matcha Bun (P48), Salmon Bonito (P65), and Signature Hanjuku Cheese (P48)
Kumori. Lower G/F Food Center, SM Makati, Makati City. +63 917 656 9430. Open from 10 a.m to 10 p.m. For a complete list of locations, visit their Facebook page.
#2 Boulangerie22
Hankering for a taste of Korea? Boulangerie22’s pastries boast of Korean favorites like red bean, sesame, Tteok bread, and Soboro bread, just to name a few. It also has a mouthwatering selection of rice cake breads,a version of breads with meat floss, and even grandiose cakes. The palate may have western influences but the Asian zests are still highlighted.
Must tries: Mozzarella Sausage Tteok Bread, Soboro Bread, and Korean Black Sesame Red Bean Bread
Boulangerie22. G/F, The Portal, Greenfield District, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City. Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. For a complete list of locations, visit their Facebook page.
#3 Jipan
Out of the plethora of Japanese restaurants in the metro, Jipan sets itself apart by not only serving quality Japanese dishes, but also serves freshly baked goods. Their bestseller is the JiPandesal, a Japanese version of pan de sal, and other savory treats where they incorporate tonkatsu and okonomiyaki into their pastries.
Must tries: Tonkatsu Sanwhich on House Bread, Okonomiyaki Pan, and Green Tea Croissant
Jipan. 2/F, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Glorietta Complex, Makati City. (02) 728 9442. Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information and a complete list of locations, visit their website and Facebook page.
#4 Yamato Bakery Café
Tucked in the epicurean street of Jupiter in Makati is another Japanese gem, the Yamato Bakery Café. It has a grab-and-go concept with pastries all served fresh and moderately priced. It spruces up the usual continental breads by using Japanese flavors. Their donuts, for one, contain mochiko, making it denser and chewier than its American counterpart.
Must tries: Japanese Croissant (P110), Curry Pan (P50), and Corned Beef Roll (P50)
Yamato Bakery Café. 22 Jupiter Street, Brgy. Bel Air, Makati City. (02) 823 0960. Open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. For a complete list of locations, visit their Facebook page.
#5 Tous les Jours
West meets east in the humble French-Asian bakery Tous les Jours. The store’s name literally means “every day” in French, staying true to how it bakes fresh pastries daily. It mostly has a European and American menu but specifically features Korean breads that contain ingredients like sweet red bean and black rice.
Must tries: Sweet Potato Cream Bread (P48), Milk Bread (P48), Sweet Black Rice Bread with Black Sesame Cream Cheese (P48)
Tous les Jours. G/F Serendra Plaza McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. (02)846 6506. For a complete list of locations, visit their website and Facebook page.
#6 Mr. Park’s Bread and Cake
The ambience, beverages, and, of course, their breads and pastries make Mr. Park’s Bread and Cake your one-stop Korean shop to get some of the most authentic Korean baked goods like Nunetine, a puff pastry stick, and delectable cakes.
Must tries: Green Tea Melon Bread, Ang Butter, and Coco Cream Cheese
Mr. Park’s Bread and Cake. Unit 5 Eton Emerald Lofts, Garnet Street corner Emerald Street, San Antonio, Pasig City. (02) 621 1197. Open 24 hours. For a complete list of locations, visit their Facebook page.