Baklava: Where to Find This Syrupy, Layered Pastry in Metro Manila

Have you ever sampled a baklava? Whether you're crazily fond of desserts (or just slightly so), the baklava is always an irresistible treat, one that makes it almost impossible to just have a single piece. Primarily made of layers of thin, unleavened dough called filo, the baklava comprises a filling of chopped or crushed nuts (usually pistachios) and melted butter, then topped with honey or a simple syrup.

It would be contentious to pinpoint this dessert's origins to a single place; it's beloved by Greeks, the Turkish, and Middle Easterners, and each has its owns variations and ways of preparation. However, the baklava we know today is believed to have been developed by the Ottoman Empire. Perhaps the most similar dessert Pinoys have to baklava is Bacolod’s Napoleones, although this has custard and not nuts, and is usually drizzled with a powdered sugar glaze.

If you're curious to try baklava, here are four establishments in Metro Manila where you can find it!

Bricks and Copper Turkish Cuisine

This restaurant has been in the authentic Turkish cuisine scene since 2012. Its extensive menu can be quite overwhelming, from grilled meats like the Beef Adana Rice Meal (P270) and appetizer Babakanus, made of boiled eggplant, yogurt, olive oil, and tahini to various pide (flatbread) and wraps, among others. Whichever you choose, make sure to cap your meal off with its baklava, which you can get in either pistachio or walnut for P80 a square.

Location: Bricks and Copper Turkish Cuisine, 631 Guerrero Street, Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City

Beni's Falafel

When people talk about falafel, Beni's Falafel is always top of mind, but don't sleep on its baklava. This Mediterranean restaurant is hailed as having one of the most delicious falafels in Makati, but we'd argue the whole of the metro, actually. Its other menu offerings are also beloved, such as its kebab skewers, shawarma plate, and salads. For dessert, its baklava goes for P65 apiece or P165 for three pieces. Other sweet treats include tahini cookies (P130 for four pieces), malabi (P145), tahini cookies with ice cream (P230), and semolina cake (P120).

Location: Beni's Falafel, 5343 General Luna Street corner Salamanca, Makati City

Falafel Yo!

Heart and home figure in this authentic restaurant, which was founded by an Israeli family who migrated to the Philippines back in 2011. Its no-nonsense ethos will appeal to those who want quick, fresh, and quality food that won't break the bank. Its menu offerings include falafel balls, falafel sandwiches, hummus, pita fries, and even vegan chicken nuggets, among others. Its flaky baklava, priced at P45 per piece, is filled with crushed mixed nuts, and then soaked in delectable honey. Make sure to grab one (or five).

Cameo Cafe

This establishment focuses mainly on baklava and its many variations, so if you're obsessed with baklava, this is the place to be. Founded by the Cameo family, it offers baklava like the Asiya Cashew (P165 for three pieces), Asiya Pistachio (P195 for three), Kowishkor Cashew (P110), Mixed Nuts with Sweets (P200), and more. It also comes in different sizes, with an assorted baklava platter priced at P1,650, in small (P980), medium (P1,550), and large (P2,650) wooden boxes, and regular boxes in small (P870), medium (P1,350), and large (P2,450). Other dessert offerings include Warbat Pistachio (P2,475 for a minimum of 15 pieces), Mahmoul (P2,200 for a minimum of 2 kilograms), and Kataif Cream (P1,125 for 15), among others.

Location: Cameo Cafe, 1414 L and S Building, Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila