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The Philippines has a long and fascinating history of blending external influences with its own vibrant culture. Over the years, Filipinos have embraced countless ideas from the Spanish, Chinese, Malays, Americans, and, more recently, Koreans. And the best Filipino desserts are a showcase of that blend of cultural influences.
As someone who deeply loves the diverse cultures of the Philippines, I can confidently say that one thing unites this 7,106-island archipelago: their love for great food. While Filipino main dishes are starting to make an international splash, few outside the Philippines realize just how many incredible desserts this country has to offer.
Usually, I might start an article by claiming to have done all the hard work of visiting the places or hotels I’m about to recommend. But in this case, I’ll admit I’ve done the very easy work of sampling every single dessert on this list (and many more!) to bring you this comprehensive guide to the best Filipino desserts.
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1. Ube Ice Cream
I have yet to meet a Filipino who doesn’t love Ube ice cream. Ube is made from a special type of yam, and while it might not sound like the ideal flavor for ice cream, trust me, it is absolutely delicious. Ube is sweet, with a vibrant flavor and a distinct purple color. You can find cakes, biscuits, and many other treats made with this delightful ingredient.
Ube ice cream is famous throughout the Philippines. The easiest place to find it is in Jollibee (though be prepared to queue; Filipinos love their Jollibee). Having said that, the best place to try Ube ice cream is at ice cream parlors that make their own products. I tried Arce Dairy’s version, and it was delicious.
I don’t really think one can visit the Philippines without trying Ube in some form. Somehow, Ube in ice cream is one of the best ways to try it, so don’t be scared. And Ube is now making the rounds around the world – you can even find Ube cookies in London these days.
2. Halo-Halo
Halo-Halo always strikes me as a work of art. Unless I’ve been to a chain or fast-food restaurant, I can honestly say that no two Halo-Halos I’ve tried have looked or tasted alike.
Halo-Halo is a mix of ice cream, evaporated milk, and a medley of fruits, nuts, beans, coconut, ube, and other secret ingredients. Every bite offers a delightful and varied flavor experience, which makes this dessert so special. If I had to bet on one of the best Filipino desserts destined to take the world by storm, it’s Halo-Halo. Remember, dear readers, you heard it here first!
You can find great Halo-Halo just about anywhere. I recommend family-owned restaurants (often near upmarket malls), but I’ve also enjoyed inexpensive yet delicious versions at Cebu’s Pungko-pungkos (informal food stalls) and street food markets across the country.
3. Biko
Biko is a traditional Filipino rice cake that’s both sticky and sweet. It’s made by adding coconut milk and brown sugar to glutinous rice, then topping it with latik (coconut curds). This tasty and filling dessert is often served at fiestas and family celebrations.
The great news is that biko is widely available. You’ll find it in rice cake or Kakanin stalls from Luzon to Mindanao. Personally, I find it very filling, so I often bring biko with me on long bus or ferry rides—it’s packed with starch to keep you feeling full.
4. Leche Flan
Unbelievably, it wasn’t until just a few years ago that I tried leche flan. This Filipino version of caramel custard is made similarly to its French and Spanish counterparts, by mixing egg yolks, condensed milk, and evaporated milk, then adding a caramelized topping.
The main difference is that Filipino leche flans are oval, shaped using traditional trays called llaneras. If you’re a fan of this dessert, ask around—many households take pride in their leche flan recipes. I’ve been to Filipino homes where I was offered their flan, only to be watched closely by the mother or grandmother for my reaction to the first bite!
5. Binatog
For all the food lovers out there, sometimes simple is best. Binatog is an example of this—a simple dessert made from boiled white corn kernels topped with grated coconut, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
You’ll often find binatog sold by street vendors at bus stations or on busy corners. Recently, the chain Mang Binatog has gained popularity, selling it in malls. A cultural note: Filipinos, like the Taiwanese and Chinese, prefer white corn over the yellow corn favored in Western countries.
6. Piaya
Piaya is my absolute favorite Filipino dessert. This flaky flatbread is filled with muscovado sugar and lightly toasted. It originated on Negros Island, once a major exporter of sugarcane. While Piaya now comes in flavors like ube and mango, I love the traditional version most.
A top tip when eating piaya: be careful! It tends to crumble easily. It has not been just once that I have emerged from a piaya binge, only to find my front covered in fragments of this delicious treat – leaving me looking like some kind of an evil Marvel villain.
If you want the best piaya, head to Bacolod City, the capital of Negros.
7. Sapin-Sapin
Sapin-sapin is another flavor-packed dessert. Literally translating as “layers,” sapin-sapin is a rich rice cake that has three different layers.
Typically these are a mix of ube, coconut, and tasty jackfruit. As if this was not enough, the final mix is given a topping of toasted coconut flakes to tantalize your tastebuds even more. Now, who of you can honestly say that your mouth is not watering right now?
8. Buko Pie
Buko, the Filipino term for coconut, is the star of this dessert. A flaky pastry filled with tender young coconut and creamy custard, Buko Pie is both delicious and filling.
Keep your eyes peeled for Filipinos carrying buko pie as they travel; it’s often given as pasalubong (a gift) when returning home. My Filipino friends insist the best Buko pie is found in Laguna, though I’ve yet to try it there. It truly tastes as good as it looks, making it one of the best Filipino desserts.
9. Macaroni Salad
My friend insisted that I must include her favorite dessert, despite it not sounding to my ears like a dessert at all! So here we go.
While macaroni salad is a side dish in Western cuisines, the Filipino version is a dessert. It is made with sweetened condensed milk, mayonnaise, and a mix of fruits and nata de coco. Though I have yet to find a single place that sells it, it is said to be a delightful dessert that you must try (if you can actually find it).
I have yet to see this dish in the street. My Filipino friends tell me that if you get yourself invited to a Filipino home then you will be able to sink your teeth into this popular Filipino dessert.
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