Close your eyes and envision this: the comforting aroma of freshly steamed, sticky, hot, and nutty puto bumbong, generously topped with melted butter, a sprinkle of brown sugar, and shaved coconut. The first bite feels like Christmas itself — warm, nostalgic, and familiar. It takes you right back to childhood, waiting excitedly for puto bumbong after attending Simbang Gabi with your family, or passing by a street stall selling the beloved delicacy right across your home.
Photo: House of Puto Bao/Facebook and Manam/Instagram
While puto bumbong takes over every Filipino’s cravings during the holidays, who says you can only enjoy it once a year? This beloved delicacy is perfect for any day you need a taste of the Christmas season — whether you’re sharing it with family, pairing it with coffee or hot chocolate, or simply indulging in to satisfy your cravings.
Here are puto bumbong recommendations that you’ll surely love:
1. House of Puto Bao
House of Puto Bao is best known for its unique twist on the classic puto bumbong. Instead of the usual Filipino rice cake you’ve seen anywhere else, their Puto Bao is a deep purple, bao-shaped puto bumbong filled with rich bukayo. It’s innovative, yet it still captures the familiar taste of the beloved crowd-favorite kakanin. The best part? You can enjoy it in a tub of ten pieces or a bilao with 50 pieces, ideal for sharing with family or gifting during Christmas gatherings.
Apart from Puto Bao, they also serve other cherished kakanin favorites! From the glutinous and satisfying bilo-bilo to traditional classics like kutsinta and palitaw. Indeed, they have everything you need for a sweet, mellow treat during slow mornings or quiet weekends.
House of Puto Bao is located at 3A Santa Elvira St, Pasig City.
2. Via Mare
Worried that you can only satisfy your puto bumbong cravings during the Christmas season? Don’t fret because you can enjoy puto bumbong all year round at Via Mare!
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Serving Filipino classics for decades, it’s no surprise that their dishes and desserts truly capture timeless flavors and nostalgic memories, and that’s also the case with their puto bumbong! It’s simple and straightforward, yet it transports you to childhood mornings, festive Simbang Gabi celebrations, and cozy moments with family and loved ones.
Via Mare has numerous branches across Metro Manila.
3. Manam
Who doesn’t like puto bumbong with lots and lots of cheese?
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Serving Filipino comfort food without breaking the bank, Manam’s puto bumbong is just one of the many traditional desserts you can enjoy all year round. It’s indulgent and flavorful, making it the perfect treat to dig into after savoring their classic crispy sisig or heartwarming soups.
Manam has numerous branches across Metro Manila.
4. Lolit’s Special Bibingka and Putobumbong
In Lolit’s, you can enjoy your favorite Christmas treats all year round!
For just ₱40, indulge in their regular puto bumbong, generously topped with coconut shavings and cheese. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Add ₱20 for the Overload Puto Bumbong, loaded with extra toppings. And if that’s still not enough, treat yourself to this crowd-favorite delicacy with leche flan on top! Bursting with sweet, decadent Filipino flavors, it’s a treat that’ll keep you coming back—not just during the holidays.
Lolit’s Special Bibingka and Putobumbong is located at Dr. Alejos, cor N.S. Amoranto Sr. St, Quezon City.
5. Provenciano
Are you looking for a Filipino restaurant that serves elevated and authentic Filipino flavors? Head over to Provenciano.
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Serving for over a decade, this restaurant is sure to offer Filipino classics that will make every intimate Sunday lunch memorable or make catching up with family, friends, or loved ones even more special. After enjoying their dishes, like the crispy Okoy ng Calamba, their crispy Lechong Kawali, or mouthwatering Chicken Galantina, having a warm, traditional puto bumbong will complete your dining experience.
Provenciano is located at 110 Maginhawa, Diliman, Quezon City
6. Somedae Cafe
Still craving for puto bumbong? Perhaps you can enjoy it in latte form!
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Known for serving TikTok-viral drinks like the Tiramisu Latte and Banana Pudding Matcha Latte, they aren’t stopping anytime soon when it comes to serving elevated dessert drinks at an affordable price. Located within U-Belt, where students and young professionals are always on the go, this Puto Bumbong Latte is more than just a drink to enjoy while cramming for academic deadlines — it’s also a well-deserved sweet treat after all your hard work!
Somedae Cafe is located inside Fusebox, Asturias St, Dapitan St, Sampaloc, Manila
What are your puto bumbong recommendations? Share it with us!
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