Apart from preparing your best rendition of Christmas Carols, Filipinos are also known for their tradition of attending the Simbang Gabi that starts in December 15 for anticipated masses, and dawn of December 16.
After hearing the mass, church-goers are really looking for their post-simbang gabi staples – bibingka (rice cake), and puto bumbong (purple rice cake). The freshly cooked Christmas treats not only give warmth to simbang gabi attendees, but it also signifies that the Christmas season is already here.
With the anticipation of number of church-goers, we’ve rounded up a list of restaurants that serve the best versions of these holiday treats that you can check after your first Simbang Gabi at Gateway Mall 2’s Sagrada Familia Church.
1. Via Mare
Since 1975, Via Mare has been a place where Filipinos get their comfort food, and among their best sellers are bibingka and puto bumbong. Their fluffy bibinkga is served with salted egg, kesong puti or queso de bola, and melted butter. While the puto bumbong is served hot off the pipes with a side of muscovado sugar and shredded coconuts. Partner it with their coffee or hot chocolate to satisfy your post-simbang gabi foodtrip.
Via Mare is located on the Upper Ground A of Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City, and is open from 11:00AM until 11:00PM.
2. Manam
Manam has three varieties of bibingka that you can choose from – the galapong with salted egg, ube, and leche flan – and comes in three sizes. Unlike the traditional bibingka, Manam’s version is fluffier, moist, and has a rich flavor of salted egg. Want a sweeter and creamier bibingka, consider having their bibingka de leche.
Apart from bibingka, Manam is also offering a puto bumbong with muscovado sugar and butter.
Manam is located on the Coliseum Plaza of Gateway Mall 2, and is open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
3. Mangan
Mangan recently opened its new branch in Araneta City, and it’s now your chance to try their bibingka at their bright, and Filipino-themed store in Gateway Mall 2. They retained the traditional flavor of bibingka, which is topped off with kesong puti or queso de bola and salted egg. To make your cravings fully satisfied, Mangan serves their bibingka hot, with melted butter spread on top of it.
They are also offering puto bumbong with grated coconut meat, and muscovado sugar. Want to try both of their holiday treats, they are also offering a Sampler that has two pieces of mini bibingka, and two pieces of puto bumbong.
Mangan is at Upper Ground A Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City, and is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 P.M.
4. UCC Park Cafe
Want a twist of your favorite holiday treats? UCC Park Café has got you covered! For this holiday season, they are offering its Burnt Basque Cheescakes that comes in bibingka and puto bumbong flavor.
Partner it with their Holiday Blends (Pumpkin Spiced Latte, Haribo Calpis Soda, and Chocolate Mint) to make you fully savor the holiday season.
UCC Park Café is located on Restaurant Collection (LG/F), Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City, and is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
