There’s something about sweets that makes it difficult for every Filipino to resist. We have this innate affinity for sweets; hence, the gradual increase in numbers of cafés and snack bars that offers food that would address to the craving for sweets, say doughnuts. One of the favorites of many Filipinos in terms of donuts is the café restaurant which originated in Indonesia known to specialize in donuts, coffee, and frozen yogurt – J.CO. Its signature soft bite donut became an instant hit and a favorite because of the Belgian white chocolate and roasted slices of Californian almonds topped on it. The best-selling Alcapone has this sweet and creamy frosting that perfectly blends with its base giving a combination delightful experience in every bite.
But did you know that we actually have our own version of this Roman recipe? In 2014, the country’s beloved bakery, Pan de Manila, known for its traditional way of bread making launched a selection of donuts that gave an alternative to the ordinary fried and sugar-heaved ring donuts in the local Filipino market. They came up with a delectable combination of pan de sal and doughnuts that are healthier as they are bromate-free and trans-fat free because they are not fried but baked! These Pan de Donut come in 16 flavors which are highly inspired by local Filipino flavors – from polvoron crumble, piling-pili, cocojammers, ubelicious, chocnut crumble, and of course, Alcapone!
Contributed photo by Jeanie Fiel
Contributed photo by Jeanie Fiel
Contributed photo by Jeanie Fiel
While J.CO’s Alcapones are sold at P42 per piece, Pan de Manila’s donuts are sold at P38 only. However, as these are limited edition, these are not sold in all branches of Pan de Manila. Here in Cebu, they are only sold at the Pan de Manila located at IT Park and in Plaza Margarita, Minglanila (next to Baking Medical Center). Visit these stores and enjoy these soft and creamy goodness for a reasonable price!
