Manila Hidden Gems: Bake House Manila, BGC
And what do we have here? A delightful little bake shop almost secretly hidden away in BGC’s Shangi-La reception.
BGC was our first home in Manila from 2009-2010 and things have changed dramatically. I feel more like a foreigner now when I visit BGC, like I don’t belong. I could list all the ways I do and don’t belong but I share simply that I feel like a tourist in BGC. I always enjoy my time wondering BGC like I do many of the neighborhoods of Manila and appreciate the hidden gems that even she has tucked away, such as The Bake House.
BAKE HOUSE MANILA|
Bake House is as darling as it is delicious, and that’s a whole lot folks! This place is a dream. When I visit hotels in Manila I love it because I really do feel like a tourist in my own town, this offers a new perspective than how I usually see my city. Bake House has a distinct feeling of a cozy cafe filled to the brim with warm treats to warm your heart and tummy. I love it so much. Thanks to my friend Lily who introduces me to such happy and delicious places.
You know I am a sucker for good design and Manila does it so well. That is a major plus Manila has going for her, the design and architecture. We have historic sites a plenty, cultural and religious structures, street style, hole-in-the-wall art galleries and so much more. But the design of our eating establishments are especially outstanding. From street food carts to fancy hotel lobby cafes, I love them all! The Bake House has a strong mid-century modern vibe with an exceptional twist of kitschy kitchen.
Treats A Plenty|
While there is plenty of eye candy, the sweets for the stomach are a plenty. As in, I am going to have to make a list and start squashing some pastry goals! Each pastry is more flakey and perfect than the next. The flavors range from Australian delicacies (puff pastry sausage rolls), European delights (lemonade scones - I know, squeal!), to American favorites (hello, pumpkin roll!) and no local flavors were left behind (ube, I see you!)
Made To Order|
While the glass countertops filled with treats are an incredible treasure trove, Bake House isn’t only about sweets, you can also order warm and savory dishes. We had our selves a little feast and it was thoroughly enjoyable.
we nabbed this back room as I wanted to read and get some work done while feeling so inspired
The food was so good here I made myself slow down and eat meditate with each bite. I know that sounds loka loka but I am not even kidding. I took as long as I could finishing the raspberry tart. The raspberries were quite perfectly some of the best I have ever had. And I have picked raspberries in the summer at a farm in Western Washington with a bucket around my neck! With each bite the combo of sweet and tart rivaled to rule my tongue but their pairing was too perfect for one to dominate. The berry was sweet and juicy - I honestly think the berries cost more in the grocery store than the entire tart at Bake House. I don’t know how they do it!
my husband ordered a beef + brie toasted sandwich and we shared this divine raspberry tart
stracciatella avocado toast for me. protein packed with veggies, ricotta cheese and a hard boiled egg halved
The Best Part|
I saved the best part for last, the PRICES! The prices are all super affordable for a high end hotel in the highest-end part of Manila. I could not believe how reasonable the prices were for the offerings. Every pastry is 95 php - 180php! That cannot be beat for the quality. Plus, they have made to order options and delicious looking yogurt and granola in the cooler, have a look. The bread loaves are all around 200php and freshly baked. I first learned about Bake House from a friend who visited me in the hospital and brought me BH granola bars, I was instantly hooked.