A couple of months ago, I reviewed Fiesta Grill, a Philippine restaurant close to Journal Square in an area with a large Filipino influence and population. Another extremely well-known spot in the area is Philippine Bread House, a large bakery primarily featuring rows and counters of baked goods to go although there is a small seating area and some hot savory options as well.
During my visit, I picked up an ensaymada and a mini taisan loaf. Both are sweetened, yeasty breads as is typical of most Filipino baked goods and sweets.
The taisan (pictured directly above) is the Philippine version of a pound cake that's been lightly spread with a sugared margarine. It's a big lighter and airier in structure than typical american pound cakes, but still quite substantial. It was delicately sweet and although the spread on top took a bit of getting used to, it added a nice salty/sweet/crunchy quality that made the cakey bread somewhat addictive and prevented it from being overly sweet. I ate it over several days and it help up extremely well.
The ensaymada I got was an ube version which is a purple yam very common in Filipino cooking. When cooked, it has a texture not unlike a sweet potato. The ensaymada is topped with another butter/sugar mix and then some shredded mild cheese is sprinkled on top. The bread itelf is very brioche-like - light but eggy and rich, it creates an interesting combination of flavors and textures especially when you add the touches of ube, which is also sweetened, throughout the bread. All the ingredients worked well together,creating mixes of slightly salty, creamy, sweet, buttery flavor.
All in All:
Both breads were very fresh and were light but filling and just scratch the surface of all that Philippine Bread House has to offer. Prices are incredibly reasonable (really downright cheap - most things are only a couple of dollars) and while some of it might be unfamiliar if you haven't experienced Filipino food, it's worth checking out. Do be prepared for more bread/sweet type things than anything else but PBH offers a lot of traditional Filipino food and a tasty look into another culture.
In related news, Jersey City will be hosting a typhoon relief fundraiser at Port-O Lounge, 286 1st Street, this Thursday (11/14) from 6pm-9pm. A representative will be available from the Red Cross to collect checks if you'd like to contribute. https://www.facebook.com/events/600808179977869/ The damage that has been wrought is substantial and there are so many people displaced with nowhere to go; any help at all is appreciated.
If you'd like to find other ways to contribute, I found this article which lists a number of organizations working to help provide aid and relief through various means: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/11/11/21386694-how-to-help-organizations-offering-relief-to-typhoon-haiyan-survivors
As much as I hate to say it, please exercise caution and do research before donating to any organization to make sure your contribution will be going to its intended purpose.
Lastly, if you have friends or family in the Philippines, I hope they are safe and secure and I, along with so many others, are keeping them in our thoughts.
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