The Most Popular Cakes in Manila (Dimpy's Kitchen, Estrel's, Cuerva Bakeshop)

Where can you get the best cakes in Metro Manila? For this holiday special, we visited the best hidden secrets of the city to find the answer to this very important question. This is an exclusive look into the kitchens of the people behind Dimpy’s Kitchen, Estrel’s Caramel Cakes, and Cuerva Bakeshop to see all the magic happening before your eyes!
Cakes are a symbol of celebration for many households because they’re usually served during birthdays and special occasions. Nowadays, serving cake is still considered a luxury, but it is now more common to have them during simpler events that call for small celebrations. Now, let’s eat some cake!
Erratum: Names of Estrel's owners are Ms. Joy Navarro and Ms. Gina Navarro. Apologies for the confusion!
Special thanks to:
Dimpy and Issa Camara (Dimpy’s)
Ms. Joy Navarro and Ms. Gina Navarro (Estrel’s)
Arie Cuerva-Kidder (Cuerva’s Bakeshop)
Ordering details/contact info:
Dimpy’s Kitchen
Accepts same-day orders via mobile or landline. You may contact their Makati Branch directly at 0968-8686863 or 8-8438086
Store hours: 8AM-8PM
Website: dimpyskitchen.ph
FB/IG:
Estrel’s Caramel Cakes
*Accepts pre-orders through calls, their FB page, official website, and walk-ins. Place orders several days or weeks in advance, if possible, especially if you need your cake/s during holidays and on weekends.
Store hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Saturday; 8:30 am to 4:00 pm on Sundays.
Official website: www.estrels.com
For inquiries: Call 8372-2965, 8371-7938 or 8376-7317 or 8376-7315
during shop hours only
54 Scout Tobias, corner Scout Limbaga Streets, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila
Cuerva Bakeshop
Official website: www.cuervabakeshop.com
Makati
8844-0966 / 8844-8278
mobile [phone].
2nd Floor Petron Complex, Dasmarinas Village EDSA corner Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City
Retail Store open daily 10am-7pm
Taguig Area
8817-0200 / 8817-6286
mobile [phone]
1116 Kalayaan Avenue, Guadalupe Nuevo (between 32nd and 8th Ave, BGC)
Retail Store open daily 9am-6pm
Greenhills
mobile [phone]
2nd Floor, 8 Missouri Center, 8 Missouri St. Greenhills, San Juan.
Retail Store open daily 10am-7pm
Alabang
mobile [phone]
Ground Floor, Unit 113, Civic Prime Building, 2105 Civic Drive corner Centennial Lane, Muntinlupa
Retail Store open daily 10am-7pm
Email them at: [e-mail]
Acknowledgment:
Dimpy and Issa Camara (Dimpy’s)
Ms. Joy Navarra and Ms. Gina Navarra (Estrel’s)
Aerie Cuerva-Kidder (Cuerva’s Bakeshop)
Jump to:
(0:00) Intro
(0:23) Dimpy's Kitchen
(8:30) Estrel’s Caramel Cakes
(15:56) Cuerva Bakeshop, Outro
-------------------------------
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The Fat Kid Inside Studios
Erwan Heussaff - Founder
Kashka Gaddi - Content Producer
Eamonn Quizon - Cinematographer
Edel Cayetano - Story Producer
Harold Singzon - Story Producer
Mary Lournette Baligod - Story Producer
Kleo Balares - Editorial Producer
Hans Rivera - Multimedia Producer
Julius Rivera - Camera Operator
Steven Sune - Editor
Lorraine Santos - Editor
Dana Blaze - Editor
Ivan Christian Cocjin - Editor
MK Tayona - Editor
Martin Narisma - Food Editor
Kathryna de Bustos - Content Manager
Chester Velasco - Production Assistant
Kevin Amponin - Production Assistant
Dustin Dagamac - Colorist
Sofia Paderes - Graphic Designer
Kim Manuel - Graphic Designer
Roanne Salvacion - Accountant
Donalyn Aranda - Accounting Assistant
Social Media:
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[@ma.joannacatherinelopez80]

I really love how featr makes youtube videos! From researching its origins, down to history, family background, and the emerging success of glorious stories!!

[@lz8217]

Di ba? Galing quality after quality uploads 👏

[@featrmedia]

Glad you like them!

[@riejon80]

Uu Nga Ang Galing Nya! His into Pinoy Food Roots Talaga. Ganon Nga Yata Kapag Hindi sa Pinas Ipinanganak Tapos May dugong Pinoy…Aalaamin…or talagang Gifted sya to sa parts na yan.

[@clarizafranco1109]

Congratulations Featr galing ng story telling kaya pala world class kasi fat kid inside and mag produce

[@heymariagrazia]

YES!!! You know it’s great quality when Featr makes it!! 💗💗💗💗

[@malikmalak7213]

I love how all the ladies exude a particular kind of warmth. Coming from a heart who loves to feed people.

[@ryokohonda4619]

Dimpy's Kitchen - baking was her hobby and love language which turns into a successful business. Estrella's - they don't want to expand they're branches because they want to focus on one kitchen to maintain good quality. Cuerva's - even at her 70s she is still working hard and they're employees stayed for decades. Do you see what they all have in common? They all love what they are doing and take pride in it. No wonder why they are so successful.

[@d173adpool]

Diba??? Ansarap makinig sa kanila, cake pa kaya nila?

[@josephbernados1649]

you realize, they also all had generational wealth in common. You don't get an MBA from a university in America just from love and pride. It's easy to love what you're doing when it's already successful and has been making your family money since the 40's or the 60's.

[@qwertyboo]

@@josephbernados1649 yep most of them look like they come form generational wealth. umpisa pa lang, yung Dimpy's alam mong alta na. not to take away from their passion though and how good their products are, pero just being realistic. they can even survive without the cake businesses TBH

[@saturn2fire]

Pero may kulang sa sinabi mo. All those featured here have the RIGHT CONNECTIONS. I'm pretty sure there are alot of other talented chefs and home cooks that can do the same but can never get the same chance because they don't have the network. Yang "word of mouth" na yan ang pinakamahirap at delikado. If you notice, all those "word of mouth" and initial tastes were done in those rich people's soiree and party gatherings which none of the ordinary juan can be exposed to. Hobbies can only be successful to a certain extent. You still need marketing and connections to sustain that success.

[@alyssapinto3736]

​@@josephbernados1649 I totally agree

[@MrMrsTab]

Very touching when Dimpy’s daughter went home, give employment to the Filipinos. Sana lahat ng old rich instead of working abroad is just establish business here and provide employment

[@hotdog77189]

Their family owns two other consumer businesses not counting a law firm. They are already providing employment even without the cake business.

[@mysauco]

Our family favorites! Dimpy’s for their much copied but never equaled Frozen Brazo and their underrated Ensaymada. Estrel’s for their iconic Caramel Cake and Almond Cookies. Cuerva’s for their unforgettable Honey Cake and while the Mango Torte is good but Dulcelin’s is way so much better. You should also have featured Yulo’s - their Strawberry Shortcake is legendary.

[@user-bk8ce1lz1l]

L,ll

[@user-bk8ce1lz1l]

Ll,kk❤

[@b_M_w_143]

Yup I was expecting Yulo's too

[@sophiacadiz8016]

Agree with Baby Yulo!

[@able8803]

Thank you for the tips.

[@SUPER_ORION]

The ladies themselves are HIGH CLASS. 😊❤ I want to try their cakes; It looks so good. ❤

[@jsu7523]

Featr really promoting real Pinoy gems. Really appreciate the cultural videos ❤

[@Kamuyy]

Estrel’s caramel cake is iconic. Not sweet, not too heavy, just perfectly made every time. Each cake is made to order, tho sometimes you might get lucky and they might have some cakes on hand for emergency orders. My aunts that have lived abroad for decades now always request Estrel’s when they come home. Same with us during brithdays and other special occasions.

[@sharplance8393]

I will be part of laid off employee next year this video somehow gave me a light bulb moment. Amazing stories. Thanks guys

[@featrmedia]

Sorry to hear that, but best of luck!

[@MajF8]

Me and my family we're impressed with Dimpys cake. More than decade ago a client gave us this chocolate caramel cake. Grabe taste expensive and incomparable yet affordable..From that day on Dimpys cake is part of every special occcasion we have. And we're giving it as a gift to our families and friends too

[@tinbear1121]

Estrel's has been a staple in our family during special occasions. Never nagbago ang quality. Totoo na it's not very sweet kaya hahanap hanapin mo, hindi ka mauumay. Very perfect when paired with coffee! Estrel's will always be the original caramel cakes for us. ❤

[@nemski10]

I wish Costa Brava, Yulo's and San Mateo Rizal's Primablend will also get a feature. Those bakeshops transcended generations too!

[@JulietCate82]

Yes! I lived close to Primablend. Whenever I would go home to my hometown, seeing the store still makes me smile.

[@iamnelchun]

same. i was expecting Costa Brava.

[@sophiacadiz8016]

Estrel’s has been a go to cake for our family. From my lola to my mama and to me ❤ i love the flowers and intricate icing always

[@PuffOfSmoke]

We live near Estrel's and it's our go-to cake for birthdays and Christmas Eve. And New Year celebration won't be complete without a Cuerva's Honey cake.

[@marcelobaliguat7486]

I became a bit sad remembering how I used to help my Lola make cakes - just for the family, and be around preparing dishes as well. She inspired me to cook. Her recipes were written on sheets of a chinese calendar. In my 50's now but still remember how she would meticulously clean the utensils and pans and measure ingredients. Thank you Featr for this video.❤

[@sikadcommuter6702]

Love this video. These mom and pop businesses are not that profit-oriented. Love how they approach business, quality comes first. Old-school yes, but quality is the ambassador of their business.

[@topakmode09]

As a kid, remember getting cake from Estrella’s in their old Recto “bakeshop” with my mother. It was in an old building, and at first I was scared of the dark stairs leading to their spot. But when you get to their floor, the room was spacious and clean, you’d see the boxes of cakes waiting to be picked, a glimpse of the kitchen/baking area maybe(?). I still love their cake and wish I can eat them again.

[@mariac6340]

Great job FEATR for shining a spotlight on our local food scene. I'm discovering places and products I otherwise would not have known, especially family-owned businesses with history. They do it out of love and keep the operation small to maintain the quality. I'll be checking them out next time I'm in town.

[@able8803]

Proudly Pinoy! I am an Estrel's fan. Happy to know Cuervo's. Thank you for this beautiful video.

[@chata9321]

First time to watch a FEATR video. Loved it! No distracting music, clean cinematography, and straightforward and relevant interviews! Subscribing now :)

[@ForeverForty]

Nakakatuwa, every single one of them are really passionate and caring about their customers. They really want to give the best and show love through their cakes.

[@mln7771]

I love, love how these businesses started off as home based side gigs. In Canada, where I am from, not possible. Strict rules about production and safety of food for the public. No home cooking. Period. Food must be prepared in a commercially inspected & licensed kitchen, by a cook/baker with at minimum, a food safety handling certificate. Your business must be licensed by the city as well.

[@pheebsdazon3469]

Most food related businesses in the Phils start out this way. If its not good enough for your family & friends, it wont be good for strangers who won't mince their words.

[@bbch088]

I prefer the stricter rules - because food safety is important.

[@pheebsdazon3469]

@@bbch088 and that is why amall businesses like these can't start in Canada.

[@marikitliwayway6703]

you forgot Becky's Kitchen near De La Salle University in Manila

[@jopan3162]

A cake is a very important part of a family meal especially during special occasions. Thank you for this. I just came from Estrel’s and will be trying Dimpy’s and Cuerva soon 😊

[@Maria-bp9mq]

Hope Featr would come up with a book with all the documenataries (food & travel/culture) you've shown in this chanel.

[@John081590]

I was introduced to Estrel's by my friend when I was in college. That cake is so delicious! Whn go for vacation in Philippines I would try Dimpy's and Cuervas as well.

[@kurtquibin3556]

The feature on these cakes has brought back memories from when I had my first slice of cake from my hometown, and how as a family we have enjoyed it and the occasion we were celebrating. Needless to say, I am looking forward to making new memories with family and friends to a slice of heavenly pastry.

[@kilometrico9971]

My favorite feature of them all ❤❤❤❤

[@evangelinelee5226]

Love Estrels!!! Compliments to Gina, Joy and everyone there.

[@maylourentofficial]

Basta delicious and with love and passion imong baking or cooking. People will talk and recommend. I strongly agree on this. "Word of mouth"

[@rebeccarebecca9696]

I always love Estrel's birthday cakes since my elder sister would always ordered there and has been yearly practice ...love the caramel coated ....❤❤❤

[@Siopaogustoko]

Ang galing ng topic. Metro Manila has everything ❤

[@jenniferdreyfus5449]

Estels is the best! You know its a special day when you have this on the table. It brings good memories to a new one. Truly deserving to be part of the list.

[@kristelmalnegro7929]

Excellent content. Kudos to FEATR team 🙌👏

[@richardengelhardt582]

Brassa (spell?) de Mercedes was my favorite cake during my wonderful years when I was posted by the U.N. to the Philippines. Our admin officer at the U.N. was a cake gourmet and introduced me - and our whole office -- to the best of the best! Glorious merienda, day after day!

[@aprilczareen5706]

Such a good feature! I love learning about the history and hearing how passionate each of them are. Just looking at these beautiful yummy creations makes me hungry too~ Wish I could have some of that chocolate caramel cake right now 😋

[@AngryKittens]

Yung hobbies talaga yung usually nagiging best business ideas. Kasi may drive ka eh, to really make it stand out. More than just the drive for profit.

[@delilah28100]

It's my first time hearing about Dimpy's Kitchen, I'll definitely try their cake.

[@harujaku936]

thank you featr for this video. I love how you presented the stories behind each company. It's like listening to a tour guide explain the history of something during field trip.

[@khluna6584]

Dimpy's banana walnut muffins are sooo good! We tasted one at Manila Polo Club way back in 2015, I think. And since then has had them as part of our Christmas fare.

[@duanekirbybarreza832]

Very touching stories. From humble beginnings to well-deserved success.

[@BJAugustin]

Dimpy's brazo is a must try 💯

[@rubyellainecorpuz1066]

omg thank u featr for letting us know this..ang dami ko pang hndi alam sa pilipinas ❤

[@mitchiesablan8761]

my wosh i hope someday i can buy one to them for now i cannot afford but soon hopefully i can buy one for my mothers birthday i always wish i can have one specially this holiday season this will be a great present for my parent❤❤❤ keep inspiring by this succesful filipino bakers.

[@user-qn7lq5dj3l]

Estrels! Always our go-to caramel cake!

[@ayrasanmiguel9363]

Awee! I love Estrel's! 😮❤🎉 Most Solid Cake I tried so far! 🫶🙌👏👏☝️👌 The Best! It's been a long time when I ate Estrel's 😢

[@davidkim_7]

quality talaga lagi yung vids niyo featr, always satisfied 🤗❤️

[@sunflower-im7lo]

I like the last two women, very humble. I will try all of them when I go back home.

[@pinkvelvet3865]

Wow! These cakes looks so yummy! I will try all these 3 bakeshops when I go home next year.

[@rezzac]

I'm a kinda surprised (ok, maybe slightly shocked) that there's no mention of COSTA BRAVA. They've been around for decades, and their Caramel Cake is still SOOOOO GOOD! ❤

[@andreagalanza5920]

Estrel's-our favorite caramel cake ❤

[@justhuman3424]

Really love the new content of featr featuring popular filipino foods

[@bbch088]

Thank you for sharing these - truly delicious bakeshops are rare in the Philippines - and I mean the not too sweet types

[@Sammyduo214]

i tried estrels once in a friends party and fell in love with it. di pako naka bili dyan personally thats my dream talaga to get one. hayyy hopefully soon

[@ednapolo8648]

Oh my missing again Philippines...When I was still working in Makati I had this boss who is always up to date where to order yummy cakes and these 3 really are her go to brands...my mouth's watering now 😋😋😋

[@evelyndial2421]

Years ago I have the privilege of accompanying a church mate to visit Estrel's cake at Recto, Manila. Ang galing Ng cake decorators. Just last year another church mate order a Church Anniversary cake. I boast around that it was the best cake for me

[@ACS888]

The best .memories of past and present and fut😢ure

[@rainebuquid2299]

If I may correct, Joy and Gina's surname is misspelled as Navarra. It should be Navarro. Anyway, Estrel's caramel cake is our family's favorite. Their cake is not too sweet for us seniors to enjoy. 😊

[@BuhayBukid1013]

Kudos featr and everyone behind the scenes. Ganda ng storytelling

[@LieuBequin]

The power of word of mouth ❤

[@xxxnini]

Love this series❤❤❤❤

[@euphoria1698]

I love Dimpy's!!!! Im a fan!!!!

[@MoonaLoona8]

I wish you featr'ed Costa Brava rin. I looove their marshmallow cake. So old skul.

[@JK-fn7zv]

This is quality content 🥹🥹🥹🫶 I’m amaze sa effort 💯 pure passion

[@evperdz48]

Truly masarap ang estrels cake di sya matamis❤ sana maulit mulii❤️😊👌

[@KrystalXMaiden]

Super loved Dimpy's chocolate cake. I really don't like dry cakes, especially when it comes to chocolate cake. True enough, it is extra moist and the caramel sauce that comes with it gives it that extra oomph. Absolutely delicious.

[@candychimes8184]

This episode .....WOW ❤

[@emiliomariopile2400]

I used to buy estrels cakes at laperal bldg in recto the taste hasnt changed in decades was introduced to it by a friend who worked at manila city hall brings back fond memories

[@celeneandsnacks]

I love everything about this video ❤ this inspired me to do what I love all the more.. baking. ✨❣️💖

[@user-me7mm2bq2j]

I really like their simplicity.All of them

[@jennypepster1462]

Beautiful episode ❤

[@michellecoscolluela3127]

i love the old fashion baking ❤❤❤

[@yukoyams5682]

Thank you for always trying to show up! 🍝🍝🍝 - Jammybear since 2017 🐻💛

[@pamelaorevillo7925]

Ms. Polly's Chocolate Cake for the next featr!! :)

[@quiz-blasters227]

Very nice. Thanks for the video.

[@josephorlyespedido302]

Thank you for sharing ...🙏🇵🇭❤️👼

[@winacajelo]

Love this!

[@Shana11XXX]

I first tried of Dimpy’s chocolate caramel cake when my brother brought home one from work which was given to him as a bday present. It was really good! Sad they no longer have a shop at Molito. But would want to taste it again

[@karrenmenil5058]

Wow! That was beautiful!🇵🇭🎂🍰 💕

[@onceuponalonetime]

Yulo's Strawberry shortcake is the bomb❤

[@ronahgarcia3560]

finally nakita ko na owners nyang mga cakes na yan!

[@Kayemarie77]

Costa Brava is also a favorite cakes ❤

[@hyekyo2023]

galingggg🤩🤩🤩

[@sarahjaneonso6671]

Love the caramel cake i bought it always when i was there

[@PaulRamone356]

estrella pala yun! hinahanap ng matatanda samin noon, nawala na daw, estrells na pala

[@HanzelGapayao]

Hi, you may also include BECKY'S KITCHEN (near DLSU) for your next batch of favorite cakes in Manila.

[@briarroseblackburn7368]

I love cakes. Wanna try them all. ❤

[@d173adpool]

Everyone can bake, can follow instructions, but gosh anghirap. Even friends na marunong telling me "bilhan nalang kita bago ako magbake". Ang effort kasi ahaha

[@mikaelafrancis8008]

Watching this is making me hungry at 3 in the night

[@AgentAO7]

Dimpy’s!!!!!!! I miss that! ❤

[@littlesusieofficial]

My 18th birthday cake decades ago was from Estrel's (Recto). Though it was not a caramel cake but it was delicious as well.

[@misalisa256]

If I had money I would have already booked a flight to the Philippines before the video even ended! 🤣🤣🤣

[@ccrz.z]

Estrels ❤❤❤ the ambience the people ❤😊

[@teumenoona1991]

I didn't like cakes until i tasted Estrel's. My gosh. Wish i could taste it now but I'm living here in Visayas huhu

[@Jlb-fz7nl]

I miss home badly especially during Christmas

[@ryanluchycalina344]

Kaya lalong yumayaman mga mayayaman kasi grabe sipag nila

[@user-wl3xu7sg3c]

Yes! Alam ko yang cuerva mangoe torte! Sa dasma vill sa makati and sa old ancestral home sa san lorenzo makati

[@kkakameori]

nostalgic cakes ☹️🤍

[@gg1970]

Tried Cuerva’s Honey cake because of this video. Thank you Featr. Next Mango torte:-)

[@jamatwar]

I feel kind of emotional and I’ve never had any of these cakes before.