Get That Bread! Searching for the Best Bakery in Cebu

Why do Cebuanos love hot bread so much?

Typically consumed as a substitute to a common Filipino breakfast, oven-fresh batches of bread can be bought at a bakery in Cebu as early as five in the morning.  

There are many kinds of breads in the Philippines, from all time favorites like the pandesal and cheese bread to local delicacies like binangkal and even the Argao-style torta. 

With each having its own recipe, which bread shop stands out as the best on the island? 

We have compiled a list of names to determine the best bakery in Cebu based on these specific themes: popularity, longevity, artisan, price, and those that deserve more recognition. 

Remember these names the next time you crave some of the country’s beloved hot breads!

THE BEST BAKERY IN CEBU BY CATEGORY

• POPULARITY: Julie’s Bakeshop

Arguably the country’s top bread shop, Julie’s Bakeshop first opened in Wireless, Mandaue City in 1981. 40 years later, the bakery now has over 450 stores all over the country, according to their official website. 

In Cebu, you will find a Julie’s branch in almost every neighborhood or street corner. It can be a small kiosk or a physical store with a number of seats available. There are even a few that operate 24/7. 

Their pandesal is a classic, but among their fan favorites is the cheese streusel. This soft bread bun is filled with diced cheese and covered with a crunchy, gritty topping. Their ensaymada is also notable for using a mung bean (monggo) filling. 

Aside from bread, Julie’s has expanded to serve other desserts and pastries including cake slices, siopao, and more. 

• LONGEVITY: Anita’s Home Bakeshop

Now operating for over 50 years, Anita’s Bakeshop is a timeless Cebuano establishment. They only have branches in Cebu, specifically near landmarks like Fuente Osmeña Circle or inside shopping malls.

Anita’s started as a “kitchen classroom”. According to an article in The Freeman, its owner Anita taught her helpers how to bake. Her big break happened when Philippine Airlines chose her to be the supplier for their in-flight snacks. (2018)

As her business grew, she opened out-of-house branches, the first being in Ramos Street. Now, with 17 branches around the city, it is the go-to bread shop for many Cebuanos. 

Among their assortment of breads, their most famous is definitely their Spanish bread. It’s known for its crunchy exterior and generous caramel filling. 

• ARTISAN: Kaffee Alde

For artisan pastries, Kaffee Alde takes traditional breads to the next level by using refined cooking techniques, courtesy of the Creative Cuisine Group. They are the same organization that runs Chikaan, Brique, and Etta’s. 

This Cebuano-owned bakery doubles as a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. It is located along Juan Luna Avenue, right across from the Mabolo church. 

They offer a selection of sweet treats, such as customized cakes,  flavorful donuts, and French pastries.

Their shakoy (a sugar-coated bread twisted into a knot) is their bestseller, best paired with a hot cup of their in-house coffee.  

• AFFORDABILITY: Malunggay Pandesal Bakeries

How much do you think a single piece of bread costs? If you buy malunggay bread, you can go for as low as Php 2 a piece.

Malunggay pandesal is a different version of the classic recipe, where pieces of malunggay (moringa) leaves are added to the flour mix for a healthier variant.

While the recipe is technically more expensive because of its added ingredients and health benefits, the bite-size portions make the Php 2 a piece pretty reasonable. 

Malunggay pandesal can be bought at small street side stalls or mobile kiosks that pass through different barangays in the city. They are usually stationed at specific areas at specific times, so take note of them if you want to go for this type of Filipino bread.

• UNDERRATED: Country Basket

Country Basket is a breakfast cafe tucked within Vibo Place on North Escario Street. While most customers enjoy their breakfast meals, many others are fans of their delicious pastries.

This bakery in Cebu offers flavored artisan cakes and cookies, but their selection of local breads is just as impressive. They have meat rolls and tuna buns, as well as Cebuano pastries like pan burikat and fig pie. 

They also sell binangkal, a chewy bun covered in sesame seeds that is popularly prepared in the countryside towns of Cebu. Its seed coating gives it a slightly salty taste, but it’s soft and chewy on the inside. 

They have buy one take one promos as well, depending on the availability of certain breads. You can ask to have them warmed up if you prefer to dine in.