I have a thing for breads. I love a good crusty bread, and I also love flavorful rolls that I could enjoy by themselves. Those, or the ones that I could sprinkle with herbs and cheese and pop in the oven for a few minutes. Pan de Manila has become such an ubiquitous neighborhood place that is a reliable source of good hot pan de sal, but the bakery's breads are underrated. I just love the cheese rolls, which come plain and also flavored with pesto. I can't open one and not finish it in one sitting - it is that good.
I also love their packaged spreads and smears, including the herb cream cheese, their yema/dulce de leche spread and the coconut jam that they also have on offer. My sister loves the hot chocolate that comes in packets, though I strongly believe that it's just local cocoa mixed with powdered milk. The branch in Maginhawa closes at around 11, which sucks because I would always crave a Spanish sardine and cream cheese pan de sal sandwich at odd hours of the night. However, when they are open, I would come by for their dense and heavy pan de sal (unlike other bakeries with airy breads). Pan de Manila never gets old. read more