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Top 9 Best Filipino Bibingka Stores in the Philippines
Filipinos reveal where they get their cravings for Filipino bibingka cravings satisfied!
By: Patricia Marie Prado | September 02, 2024
Filipinos love bibingka for snacks and during the Christmas season.
Images: Via Mare Facebook page
Filipinos love Christmas because we love celebrations and get-togethers with our loved ones. But aside from the people and the party, we also look forward to the Christmas season’s seasonal foods. You know, that special lechon that your family loves to devour every Noche Buena, that Buko Salad that your mom prepares for Christmas, or that Queso de Bola that you love to eat with your sandwich and buying that famous Filipino bibingka at these Bibingka stores. These favorites are only served during the holiday season, making Filipino Christmas all the more special.
But one Filipino delicacy tops all holiday food: Filipino Bibingka. This hot rice cake, topped with melted margarine and coconut shreds, is one we look forward to early in December mornings. After simbang gabi, we usually get this sweet Christmas treat from our local bibingka stores or vendors and have it as our instant breakfast.
Since we know how much you love bibingka, Yoorekka asked our readers where to buy bibingka, even after the holiday season ends! Read our list below to see these bibingka stores and satisfy your cravings immediately!
9. Alex III
Alex III’s affordable and tasty bibingka and puto bumbong
Images: Alex II Restaurant Facebook page
The top nine on the list of bibingka stores in the Philippines is the Filipino favorite, Alex III. Alex III is not a dessert-centered restaurant. However, this over-thirty-year-old business is a local favorite for authentic Filipino dishes, including the famous Filipino bibingka and desserts.
After devouring their best-sellers like chicken barbecue and pinakbet sa bagnet (vegetable stew with crispy pork), finish your meal with their famous bibingka. Their version of Filipino bibingka is much loved by diners because it tastes like the classic bibingka we know and love. And for a price of PhP119, you’ll get your money’s worth.
8. Aboy's Restaurant and Bingkahan Sa Mohon
Devour this bibingka topped with generous coconuts only at Aboy’s.
Images: Aboy’s Facebook page
On the eighth spot of our list of bibingka stores in the Philippines is Aboy’s, from Bacolod. This restaurant now has its own recipe for Filipino bibingka. Aboy’s started as a small eatery in Bacolod but has now grown to a fully pledged restaurant serving classic Filipino and Ilonggo dishes. Because of its popularity, the city has become a tourist attraction; some even say that if you haven’t been to Aboy’s, you haven’t been to Bacolod.
Aboy’s also became a go-to balikbayan stopover because of the fresh seafood that they serve a la dampa style—you choose the main ingredients and the type of cooking. But after the heavy meal comes their Filipino bibingka, which has become popular among visitors because of its generous coconut shavings served fresh in a banana leaf. Your cravings will be satisfied when you search for where to buy bibingka for just PhP80.
Aboy’s is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Enjoy a different bibingka at Bingkahan Sa Mohon.
Images: Gladys Reyes (L); Vresia Elan Gajilan Ceasar (R)
Another bibingka store in the Philippines on our top eight is Bingkahan Sa Mohon. Bingkahan is bibingka in Hiligaynon and Mohon (in Iloilo City) is the birthplace of this humble bingkahan. The famous Filipino bibingka that this family business started 50 years ago and still operates today continues what Mrs. Felicidad C. Animas began to do. Their Filipino bibingka gained popularity due to their traditional way of cooking and the heavy amount of coconut shreds. Instead of using it as a topping, they cook the coconut shreds and the bibingka mixture to create a different texture and experience, bringing a smooth and rich taste to the palette.
7. Catabolic Café
Waffle and bibingka in one? It is true and can be found at Catabolic Café.
Images: Catabolic Café Facebook page
Down to our top seven on our bibingka store in the Philippines is Catabolic Café located at Teacher’s Village in Quezon City. This stand-alone coffee shop also has its own Filipino bibingka recipe—a hipster and as cozy as it gets with its quirky interiors and inventive menu. Despite being a newcomer, their refreshing take on classic favorites like chicken, waffles, and kimchi (fermented Korean side dish) entices people to return.
But one of the emerging favorites in Catabolic Café is their Bibingka Waffles. Yep, bibingka served waffle style. They incorporated the flavors of bibingka and the fluffiness of a waffle giving us a heavenly breakfast. For PhP200, you’ll get two soft Filipino bibingka waffles topped with butter and shreds of coconut, plus a sprinkle of brown sugar for a kick of sweetness.
The store is open from Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
6. Jaro Church Bibingka sa Dalan (RCJ Balasan Bibingka)
Churchgoers flock at RCJ to buy bibingka
Images: RCJ Special Bibingka in Balasan Facebook page
Number six on our list of bibingka stores is not a particular shop but a common area where you can find great bibingka. After an early morning duty to attend simbang gabi at Jaro Church, where people buy bibingka will head straight to the street vendors to fill their stomachs with the hot and freshly made Filipino bibingka.
One of the most notable vendors of Filipino bibingka is RCJ Balasan Bibingka. Operated by husband and wife Reginald Sr. and Florenda Jaro, they created their own oven to cook their bibingka creations and directly sell them to the customers. Almost forty years later, people still line up to taste their products.
The store is open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
5. Bibingkinitan and Bacolod Public Plaza Bibingka
Enjoy various versions of bibingka at Bibingkinitan
Images: Bibingkinitan Mini-Bibingka Facebook page
We are on our halfway list of where to buy bibingka. This bibingka store was started in 2006 by Richard Sanz, the Bibingkinitan. It has now grown to have over 200 branches nationwide. Their mini Filipino bibingka became popular with the Filipinos because of their affordability and availability; no need to wait for Christmas or dine in a posh restaurant just to get a quick fix of this local favorite.
Today, one visit to any Bibingkinitan kiosk will treat you to their various versions of Filipino bibingka. They have a cheesy version called CheeseMax and Macapuno Bibingka, Ube Bibingka, Pastillas Bibingka, and bibingka incorporated with fruits! And for just PhP50, you’ll get a perfect pair of hot bibingka and barako coffee.
You can buy bibingka along the streets of Bacolod Public Plaza.
Images: Sheryl Genabe Sazon (L); Lyrah Grace Ancorda-Barot (R)
Voter’s Comment: “Every Weekend, Fresh Natural Ingredients.. Nice to have after Mass” – Butch
Another entry to the fifth spot is the Filipino bibingka sold in Bacolod Public Plaza. Bacolod’s Public Plaza is not a single bibingka store but one busy plaza because of its proximity to the Cathedral of San Sebastian. After church, families spend their time at Bacolod Public Plaza and share a quick bite of bibingka sold around the area.
4. Felymar's Special Bibingka
Craving for something traditional? Felymar’s Special Bibingka will surprise you!
Image: Felymar Special Bibingka Facebook page
Out of all our entries of Filipino bibingka, Felymar’s Special Bibingka might be the humblest of them all. Located in Sta. Cruz, Manila, and this small bibingka store will fool you with its simple walls made of bamboo paired with plastic chairs and wooden tables. But despite the simplicity of it all, Felymar’s is considered one of the best in the metro and has a bunch of suki that frequents the place.
Their classic Filipino bibingka is still cooked traditionally using coals, clay pots, and banana leaves; hence the traditional flavor is maintained. People love the surprise egg inside that cooks along with the rice cake and the generous toppings of cheese and salted egg if you opt for their special bibingka. Their special Filipino bibingka that starts at PhP60 is super friendly on the pocket; you won’t have any excuse not to try it. Add this to your list of where to buy bibingka now.
The store is open daily from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
3. Ferinos Bibingka
Enjoy bibingka mixed with fresh eggs at Ferino’s.
Images: Ferino's Bibingka Original Facebook page
Voter’s Comment: “Best authentic Filipino flavors. Always fresh” – Randy J
Another long-timer in the Filipino bibingka business that enters our list of bibingka stores is Ferino’s Bibingka, which started in 1938. Husband and wife tandem Mang Ferino and Aling Tinay Francis initially started selling bibingka only during the Christmas season. Fortunately, people kept returning to their Filipino bibingka, leading the couple to expand the business. However, this bibingka store was temporarily closed due to a lack of proper management and resume operations after their son Alfredo took over Ferino’s and continued their parents’ legacy in 1981.
Today, Ferino’s serves not just the usual churchgoers every December but every person that can spot their stores in various malls in Manila. Their soft and moist Filipino bibingka mixed with fresh eggs became a favorite among diners. They also have other varieties where they add white cheese and salted egg for a more special treat. Plus, the PhP160 entry price is not so bad.
The store is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Monday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
2. Purple Yam
Purple Yam will be treating you with some gourmet bibingka.
Images: Purple Yam Malate Facebook page
Purple Yam in Malate is the top two in the list of bibingka stores. Purple Yam is initially located in New York, owned by husband and wife Amy Besa and Chef Romy Dorotan. The couple decided to bring their creation to their homeland but made the Filipino bibingka with a twist. They are giving their diners a ‘serious dining’ experience because their restaurant at Amy Besa’s ancestral home is only by reservation and open on weekends.
Although their setup is slightly intimidating, their food is worth the hassle. They gave their bibingka a refined dining version using prime ingredients like Gouda and feta cheese. The result of their own version of Filipino bibingka is a savory, fresh take on our favorite rice cake topped with the classic salted egg. This is a shop where you can buy bibingka and experience their gourmet bibingka for PhP345.
June 2023 Update: The store only caters to pick-up or delivery services. Contact them at 0917 8705760 for inquiries.
1. Café Via Mare
And the best bibingka in town belongs to… Café Via Mare!
Images: Via Mare Facebook page
Voters’ Comments: “Perfected by time!!!” – DC Gonzales
“I love their bibingka! :)” – Nina
And the best Filipino bibingka in town belongs to Café Via Mare. Café Via Mare is a bibingka store established as one of the pioneers in the Filipino dining scene thanks to its forty years of experience. Today Café Via Mare’s bibingka is so popular it’s almost synonymous with their name.
Today, whenever one craves a Filipino bibingka, the first thing that always comes to mind is Café Via Mare. Their soft, chewy rice cake becomes yummier when topped with Laguna cheese and Queso de Bola. If you are a little adventurous, you can also opt for their salted egg topping! Their freshly made Filipino bibingka is served with melted butter and generous heaps of coconut shreds, so you will be filled. The price of PhP140 to PhP220 is not bad if you are going to taste the best bibingka in town.
Visit Yoorekka to learn more about popular food and delicacies in the country!
Results are based on the Best Bibingka Stores survey posted on the home page of Yoorekka.com from December 20 to 27, 2016.
This article was initially published in Yoorekk on January 01, 2017.
Prices may change without prior notice.
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About Patricia Marie Prado
Patricia came from the field of business and accounting but is now pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She is a self-confessed introvert and is passionate about reading, travelling, writing, movies, coffee and God. When she's not writing, she loves discovering new coffee shops/cafe and doing TV-series marathons.
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Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are
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