The Philippines loves their pandesal so you’ll see many bakeries all around the metro, big and small alike. Late last year, I was introduced to a little bakery called Balai Pandesal. I passed it many times going to my parents house but paid it no heed, what a big mistake. The branch was right beside the industry biggie, Pan de Manila and the whole time we were there, the store was never bereft of customers.
The store I visited was in D. Tuazon, not a particularly big store but one that had the unmistakable aroma of freshly baked bread. I later found out that their store is open 24/7 and they bake all their bread in house in every branch so everything is always fresh.
Their signature pandesal and it’s small partner the pandesalita. The original pandesal is better used as a vessel for your breakfast staple like corned beef or adobo flakes because it’s neutral in flavor. The pandesalitas has a little sweetness so it can be eaten as is or like it’s bigger cousin. Both are soft and flaky but goes stale quick so once you get home better keep it in an air tight container if not consumed immediately.
The Ham and Cheese bread is another one of my favorites. Generous cubes of ham and onion inside a cheese crusted bun. I always buy this when we visit their store.
Other breads we were able to try was their cheese bread, raisin bread inspired by Baguio Country Club, hotdog twirl and their Cheese ensaymada.
They also have other products not usually available in small neighborhood bakeries like pizza (as big as S&R) and empanadas, my favorite was the tuna.
You can even buy ice cream on the way home. You can do a hack of the dirty ice cream sandwich at home.
We love Balai Pandesal, it’s where we satisfy our pandesal cravings. We would buy more often if there was a branch in our vicinity so we hold out hope they open one soon. They currently have 9 branches scattered all around Metro Manila.
Balai Pandesal
Branches: Mindanao Avenue, D. Tuazon St., Commonwealth, Fairview TerracesBarangka Drive, C. Raymundo St., Dela Rosa Carpark 2, Shell Forbes Park, P. Guevarra
Contact No.: (632) 509-7235
Facebook Page: Balai Pandesal
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