Flavors of the Orient: Where to find Asian pastries in Araneta City

Bread may be seen as a Western staple—from French baguettes to Italian ciabatta. But in recent years, Asia has become just as influential in the world of baking. What sets Asian bread apart is its soft, fluffy texture and its variety of flavors that go beyond the usual white loaf.

Bakers in Japan, China, and across Southeast Asia often use methods like the tangzhong or water roux technique, which keeps bread moist for longer. Many recipes also include milk, sugar, and butter, making the bread richer and softer than European styles. Flavors such as matcha, taro, pork floss, and cheese add to the appeal, creating breads and pastries that feel both familiar and new.

In Metro Manila, there’s no need to travel far to taste this variety. In Araneta City, this baking tradition is alive and well, with a collection of bakeries and cafés offering everything from Japanese cheesecakes to Filipino favorites. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find.

Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory

Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2

At Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory, visitors can indulge in rich and creamy milk cheese cakes and signature cheese cookies made with Hokkaido milk. These delicacies are both indulgent and gift-worthy, bringing a little piece of Japan to mallgoers.

Mary Grace Café

Upper Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2

Mary Grace Café has long been a household name, and its Araneta branches showcase its most loved offerings. Their ensaymadas, cheese rolls, and cakes such as strawberry shortcake and sans rival remain timeless favorites. The Gateway Mall 2 branch is especially worth visiting—it’s the largest Mary Grace café yet, with space for 170 diners.

Kumori Japanese Bakery & Café

Upper Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 1

Kumori Japanese Bakery & Café is another must-visit. Known for its soft, cloud-like breads and pastries, the shop draws crowds with its Hanjuku Cheese tarts, Signature Cheese Tart, and Premium Cheese Loaf. Beyond the cheesecakes, breads like melon pan and matcha butter buns highlight Japanese flavors done right.

Jim’s Recipe

Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 1

For those who like sponge cakes, Jim’s Recipe is a treat. Its huge, jiggly sponge cakes are baked fresh every day, offering a light and mildly sweet snack that pairs well with their drinks. Their coffee lineup is just as creative, featuring flavors like Ube Mango Latte and Honey Calamansi alongside classic espresso-based drink

BreadTalk

Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 1

Looking for fun and playful bread? BreadTalk delivers. Famous for its pork floss buns, the Singaporean chain also offers quirky items like the Smart Aleck bun, Croissandwiches, and seasonal breads such as the Golden Flower or Egg-Fried Tuna Bread. Every visit feels like a little adventure in bread discovery.

Angkan Coffee

Second Floor, Gateway Mall 1

Angkan Coffee, a proudly Filipino café, puts a local spin on breads and pastries. Their Ensaymada Balls and Mini Classic Trio—featuring pandesal, monay, and putok served with coco and mango jam—are best enjoyed with drinks like their Pandan Latte, Kalamansi Espresso, or mango-inspired creations. A collaboration with Chef Jessie even adds specialties like Pan de Coco and Pandesal Espesyal to the menu

Clyde’s Breads & Pastries

Second Floor, Farmers Plaza

For something more homegrown, Clyde’s Breads & Pastries is a reliable choice. Established in Manila in 2014, the chain has become known for fresh yet affordable treats. Mallgoers can find everyday favorites like toasted bread, pumpkin bread, Japanese cheesecake, and floss rolls, all baked with care and consistenc

From Japanese cheesecakes to Filipino classics, Araneta City has quietly become a hub for Asia’s bread culture. Each shop offers a different experience, but all share the same promise: freshly baked comfort that keeps you coming back for more.