From the Dubai chocolate craze taking over your favorite dessert spots and cafes all over the Metro (and across the world), another uniquely Filipino ingredient is making huge waves in the global food scene. The ube (or “oob,” as non-locals say it) has taken social media by storm—and rightfully so! Nutty, sweet, and native to the Philippines, its vibrant purple color is not only visually appealing, but it tastes just as good as it looks!
Photo: Indulge by Daisy Marie, Abe, and Kenji’s Cafe/Instagram
The best part of the entire ube craze going on? We can enjoy it anytime, everywhere! Here are some of your beloved ube creations that can satisfy your cravings.
Discover your favorite ube creations below:
Sinigang sa Ube from Abe
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We’ve seen different versions of sinigang, which have a variety of souring agents such as guava, green mango, and pineapple, as well as unique additions like watermelon. But have you tried sinigang with ube? Abe’s Sinigang na Ube features pork and vegetables simmered in a thick, sweet purple yam broth.
Location/s: Serendra, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, TriNoma, Solaire, Gateway
Paint Me Purple Ube Lager Beer by Engkanto
Photo: Engkanto Brewery/Website
If you’re looking for a fun and whimsical way of drinking beer, then you can enjoy it the ube way! Engkanto’s Ube Lager Beer is a creamy and eccentric craft beer with fragrant, malty ube and coconut notes. With its bright purple hue, this delightful brew may be enjoyed solo, but is best shared with the company of your fellow ube-loving friends!
Location/s: Mandaluyong, BGC, Sta Rosa, Lipa
Ube de Leche Taho from Taho Story
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When taho comes to mind, we are reminded of our fellow taho vendors making rounds outside every morning. But if you want a creative spin on the classic taho, Taho Story’s Ube de Leche Taho is worth indulging in! This sweet treat has the light and silky texture of taho, elevated with ube, ube ice cream, and leche flan! It’s the summer treat that’s going to hit the spot and satisfy your cravings.
Location/s: Multiple branches across Metro Manila
Ube Custard Cake from Conti’s
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Ube will always remain a classic when enjoyed in cake form. The revamped Conti’s Ube Custard Cake boasts a rich and airy ube sponge cake generously filled with real purple yam and topped with creamy custard layers, beautifully presented with a deep purple exterior that’s going to catch everyone’s attention during a special celebration or a Sunday afternoon handaan.
Location/s: Multiple branches across Metro Manila
Ube Latte from AO Coffee
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Anything’s good with coffee—and we’ve seen multiple variations of it. From coffee fusion drinks with matcha, the dirty horchata, coconut coffee, strawberry coffee, and this time, the ube latte! Thankfully, you can enjoy ube in coffee form at AO Coffee while browsing through your next flea market discovery or just looking for a quick, refreshing drink.
Location/s: May vary. You may find them at a pop-up near you!
Ube + Sago from Manam
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Manam’s Ube + Sago is the perfect treat on a hot summer day. The thick ube shake is creamy and decadent, and the sago is satisfying to chew.
Locations: Multiple, but make sure to check out the Ayala Triangle Gardens branch, which was awarded the Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide.
Puto Bumballs from Panco Cafe
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Are you suddenly craving puto bumbong, but it’s not yet Christmas and no one’s making them near you? You can head to Panco Cafe for an elevated yet delicious version of the classic Pinoy delicacy. The Puto Bumballs are hearty and filling, which makes them a perfect snack or dessert after a long day! Then, you can enjoy even more ube with their sweet and refreshing Ube Pinipig drink.
Location/s: Legazpi, Makati; One Ayala; Podium; BGC
Ube Panna Cotta Champorado from Indulge by Daisy Marie
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The visual picture of classic champorado that comes to mind is a deep, dark chocolate comfort dish topped with evaporada or crispy dilis. But if you want something different yet comforting at the same time, Indulge By Daisy Marie’s Ube Panna Cotta Champorado is a decadent and creamy treat that’s hard to resist with every bite!
Location/s: Dangal Residences, 3999 Dangal St, Bacood, Santa Mesa, Manila
Manila Chocolate Ube Baklava filled 42% Milk Chocolate from Auro x SNA’AP
Following the Dubai Chocolate craze that took the internet by storm, Chef Nouel Catis collaborated with Auro Chocolate on yet another iconic chocolate creation that pays tribute to the classic Filipino ube. The Manila Chocolate, which spotlights a creamy and flavorful ube center, is something you can find yourself munching on as a snack, enjoying as a dessert when you’re craving something sweet, or giving as a gift that will surely make someone smile.
Location/s: Aura Bistro Alabang (Molito), Auro Chocolate Cafe – Flagship (BGC), Auro Chocolate Cafe (Taft), and Auro Chocolate Cafe (Makati)
Buko Ube Pie from Purple Yam
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Recognized as one of the Michelin Bib Gourmand awardees in New York City, Purple Yam is a beloved food brand best known for its delicious pies. Among them is the buko ube pie, which features a flaky pie crust and a generous and creamy ube and coconut filling. If you prefer a slice of pie over a slice of cake, each bite feels like a satisfying blend of flavors.
Location/s: Multiple branches across Metro Manila
Ube Leche Flan Cake from Kenji’s Cafe
Photo: Kenji’s Cafe/Website
If you love ube and leche flan, then you can enjoy both in Kenji’s Cafe’s Ube Leche Flan Cake. Their layered cake spotlights two Filipino favorites in one indulgent dessert. The first bite of this cake is definitely going to feel reminiscent of Remy when he tried cheese and strawberry together.
Location/s: 258 Tomas Morato Ave, Diliman, Quezon City
Ube Keso Halo-halo from Poppy’s
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Filipino summer is made bearable with halo-halo, and Poppy’s easily stands out for their iconic Ube Keso Halo-halo which has a generous serving of ube ice cream. What makes this refreshing treat even more delicious is the addition of signature puto, a cheese layer in the middle, and a crunchy finish of banana chips. It’s Filipino flavors in one cup!
Location/s: Multiple branches across Metro Manila
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