8 Filipino Desserts to Try in Manila and Where to Find Them
Last Updated on October 15, 2026 by Over Here Toronto
If you have a sweet tooth, exploring Filipino desserts in Manila is a great way to spend an afternoon. From refreshing shaved-ice treats to warm rice cakes and delicious pastries, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re exploring the city for the first time or simply looking for something sweet after a meal, these Filipino desserts in Manila are worth adding to your food list.
Here are eight desserts to try and where you can find them.
1. Halo-Halo
Halo-halo is one of the most famous Filipino desserts, especially on a hot day in Manila. Its name means “mix-mix,” which perfectly describes this colorful combination of shaved ice, milk, sweetened fruits, beans, and other toppings.
Every spoonful offers a different combination of flavors and textures. Some versions also come with leche flan or a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat.
Where to try it: Via Mare, which offers halo-halo on its dessert menu. Razon’s of Guagua is another option known for its simpler version of this Filipino favorite.
2. Mais Con Hielo: A Must-Try Filipino Dessert in Manila
If you enjoy sweet corn, mais con hielo is a dessert worth trying. This dessert combines corn, shaved ice, and milk for a simple but satisfying combination.
Unlike halo-halo, which contains several different ingredients, mais con hielo focuses on the sweetness of corn. It is a nice choice when you want something cool without too many toppings.
Where to try it: Via Mare, where mais con hielo is listed among its iced desserts.
3. Guinomis: A Traditional Filipino Dessert in Manila
Guinomis may not be as familiar to first-time visitors as halo-halo, but it is another Filipino dessert worth discovering.
Made with sago pearls, pinipig (toasted young rice), gulaman (jelly), and coconut cream, guinomis offers a mix of chewy, creamy, and slightly crunchy textures.
Where to try it: Via Mare, which includes guinomis on its iced dessert menu.
4. Ginataang Halo-Halo: A Filipino Dessert in Manila
Ginataang halo-halo, also known as binignit in some regions, is a comforting dessert made with ingredients such as sweet potatoes, taro, rice balls, bananas, and jackfruit cooked in coconut milk. It is especial because it is a warm dessert.
Its rich coconut flavor and combination of soft. If you prefer a more filling dessert, this is a good option to share with family or friends.
Where to try it: Via Mare, which lists ginataang halo-halo among its traditional Filipino delicacies.
5. Bibingka Galapong
Bibingka is a traditional Filipino rice cake that is popular during the Christmas season, although you can enjoy it at other times of the year.
This dessert is made from rice batter and is commonly served with toppings such as salted egg, cheese, butter, and coconut. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a favorite for an afternoon snack.
Pair it with a warm drink for a relaxing break while exploring Manila.
Where to try it: Via Mare, known for its signature bibingka galapong with Laguna cheese and salted duck egg.
6. Puto Bumbong
Puto bumbong is a traditional Filipino rice cake popular during Christmas. Vendors prepare it using bamboo tubes, giving it a distinctive purple color and sticky texture.
People usually enjoy it with butter, grated coconut, and sugar.
You can enjoy this traditional treat beyond the Christmas season.
Where to try it: Via Mare, which offers puto bumbong among its Filipino classics.
7. Palitaw
Palitaw is a popular Filipino dessert that is soft, chewy, and a little sweet. It is made from rice dough that is boiled in water until it floats.
After cooking, it is covered with coconut, sugar, and sesame seeds, giving it a nice mix of flavors.
If you want to try something sweet and simple, palitaw is a great snack to enjoy in the afternoon.
Where to try it: Via Mare, where palitaw appears on the native delicacies menu.
8. Hopia
If you are visiting Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown, hopia is a sweet treat you should try.
Hopia is a popular Filipino pastry with a soft crust and a sweet filling. Some of the most popular flavors are ube (purple yam) and mung bean, but you can also find other flavors in local shops.
It is also a great snack to bring home and share with family or friends.
Where to try it: Eng Bee Tin’s flagship store at 628 Ongpin Street, Binondo, Manila. The shop is especially known for its ube hopia and other traditional pastries.
A Sweet Way to Explore Manila
Trying Filipino desserts is a delicious way to experience the country’s food culture. Whether you choose a refreshing halo-halo, a warm bibingka, or a box of hopia to take home, each dessert offers something different.
If you are visiting with friends or family, consider sharing a few desserts so everyone can experience more flavors without ordering too much.
Keep in mind that prices, ingredients, and availability. As well as, checking the latest menu before visiting is always a good idea.
Which Filipino dessert would you try first? Share your favorites in the comments and follow @OverHereManila for more food guides and places to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Halo-halo is one of the most popular desserts in the Philippines.
You can try them at local restaurants, bakeries, and shops like Via Mare.
Halo-halo and mais con hielo are great choices.
Yes, there are several desserts and they are affordable, but prices vary by location.
You can find hopia at Eng Bee Tin in Binondo.
References
- GUIDE: Your Favorite Filipino Desserts and Where to Get Them | Philippine Primer
- Philippine Desserts You Must Try – | She is Wanderlust Travel Blog
- Irresistible Ginataang Halo-Halo: Your New Favorite Dessert
- Guinomis Recipe – Pinoy Recipe at iba pa
- Delicious Bibingka Recipe: Easy Filipino Rice Cake at Home – Kaley Recipe
- Puto Bumbong Recipe – Panlasang Pinoy
- Category: Hopia | Hopia Like it
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