4 Spots To Satisfy Your Unconventional Ube Cravings

Known for its striking violet color, ube or purple yam is a versatile ingredient that’s been used in jam, kakanin, and a number of other local delicacies.

Nowadays, ube is having a moment. Both Filipino and non-Filipino restaurants abroad have started working this root crop into donuts, cakes, and even soft serve ice cream. Back home, local eateries and cafés stay ahead of the ube game with their own out-of-the-box ube creations. Check out some of these spots for unconventional ways to enjoy ube desserts around the metro.

 

Ube Taho at Unimart Capitol Commons

G/F Unimart, Capitol Commons, Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

 

At one of the stalls right outside the supermarket, you’ll find this unique taho concoction. Taho is usually made with fresh tofu sweetened with arnibal or brown sugar syrup, and topped with tapioca pearls. The infusion of ube to the tofu adds a savory dimension that doesn’t overpower any of the sweetness. It’s a new twist on a classic Filipino snack.

 

Double Decker Ube Leche Flan at Bellefleur by Beatrix

G/F Unimart, Club Filipino Avenue, San Juan, (0917) 825-8730

Photo courtesy of Beatrix Atienza

 

Bellefleur by Beatrix serves a one-two punch of Pinoy desserts by combining leche flan and ube into a single cake. Sweet, creamy, and melt in your mouth, this Double Decker Ube Leche Flan is a treat that’s twice as nice. And if cakes aren’t your thing, try their popular Frozen Ube Brazo or ube ice cream layered with meringue.

 

 

Purple Potato Latte at Subspace Coffee House

G/F Grand Emerald Tower, F. Ortigas Jr. Road corner Garnet Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, (02) 655-7077

 

Subspace is a quirky little coffee house that offers unique treats such as this Purple Potato Latte. The taste of ube is subtle and slightly nutty, nicely complementing the richness of the coffee. Their use of ube extends to their food offerings as well. Try out the Happy Purple or ube waffles topped with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and fruit loops.

 

Ube Champorado at Providore by Raintree

G/F SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City, (02) 802-9448

 

Now, mainlanders can finally get a taste of the original ube champorado by Chef Kalel Chan of Cha Cha’s Boracay. Served with a shot of milk, toasted coconut strips, and topped with danggit, it’s a combination that doesn’t seem to work on paper, but it all comes together when it hits the palate. Flavors range from sweet, to salty, to smoky, sometimes all from just one bite. There’s no telling how long this limited offer will be on the menu, but we can only hope it stays for good. If champorado isn’t your thing, you can also try Providore’s Ube Tres Leches Cake.

 

Photos by Monique F. Suzara