10 Great Delis and Specialty Food Stores in Manila

Delis—deli being the short form of delicatessen—are essentially food stores, but they’re also so much more than that. Whereas supermarkets cater to our most essential of essentials, delis are where you can browse a more diverse, well-thought out range of foods from all around the world. They’re a fantastic resource if you’re into cooking as they’re likely to carry specialty ingredients that’ll elevate your humble home-cooked fare—and if you’re looking to give gifts to the discerning gourmand in your life, well, this is the place to go. Really, pretty much any food enthusiast open to going beyond convention is bound to be in for a treat at these specialty shops. Shop one-of-a-kind, high-quality food finds at these delis in Manila:

Featured Specialty Food Shops

Dough & Grocer

This online-turned-physical specialty food shop stocks one-of-a-kind food finds from around the world—some of which you might not even know ever existed, or even needed. Dough & Grocer is at 86 Scout Gandia Street, Quezon City. We’re talking the likes of Coombe Castle Saxonshires cheese (with layers of five regional cheeses from England), Hedene Chestnut Honey, and the famed Michel Cluizel chocolate bars from Normandy. And though they don’t necessarily market themselves as a Japanese food store, they’ve got a superb Japanese selection ranging with everything from A5 Wagyu to specialty variants of rice.

One World Deli

Located along Jupiter Street, One World Deli is a haven for food enthusiasts—in no small part for their diverse, but curated, selection of products on offer. Both foreign and local brands are represented here; think Saltverk sea salt, Fiscalini cheese, A Buzz From The Bees honey, Malagos cheeses, and Risa Chocolate. Perhaps most impressive here is their range of fresh produce, meat, and seafood as they stock options from ethical and/or sustainable sources—making for vibrant colors on their Pedro Farms veggies and full-flavored character on their Jack’s Creek Wagyu beef. Pro tip: you can have these cooked in-store, too.

The Bow Tie Duck

Made for the fine food fans among us, online food store Bow Tie Duck presents a wide, eye-opening array of specialty foods from all around the world. You’ll find some of the world’s best food brands here—Fage greek yogurt, Bordier butter, Casa Rinaldi olive oils, and Angelina Paris confections. Really feel like splurging? Take your pick from their selection of premium caviar, truffles, foie gras, and oysters.

Bacchus Epicerie

Bacchus International, Inc. was established by brothers Alex and Clifford Lichaytoo—both of whom were passionate about wine—in 1995. Today, Bacchus Epicerie remains a top-of-mind store for those who appreciate fine food and drink. This epicerie stocks products from some of the world’s most renowned food brands, from Lavazza coffee to De Cecco pasta and Caputo 00 Pizza flour.

Terry’s Selection

Terry’s is more than just a Spanish restaurant with sublime paella and mains; at their core they are a specialty food shop peddling high-quality food finds from Spain. As you can expect, their selections of Spanish cheese, canned goods, and cold cuts are extensive. They’re also a fantastic spot to pick up Spanish wines, liquors, and Sidra (cider).

Comparison of Top Specialty Stores

Your Daily Bread Guide: Gourmet Bread Shops

Just like rice and pasta, bread is among the world’s dominant staple foods with a universal appeal that can draw even the most health-conscious. Metro Manila alone never runs short of bread shops and cafes that produce the freshest batch of baked treats on the daily. Whether you are from the east or the west, you are sure to find the crunchiest crusts, chewiest crumbs, and the most delectable bread to satisfy your cravings.

Notable Bakeries and Patisseries

• Bake House in Shangri-La at the Fort: Your Eco-Friendly Pastry Shop has many pastries to offer using local and natural ingredients.
• 28 Derby in Quezon City: This serves as a small-scale commissary that produces freshly-baked bread mostly for restaurants and cafes.
• Trigo in Makati: A bakery dedicated to healthy, honest bread, serving classic gourmet bread and Filipino favorites.
• Baker & Cook in S’Maison: A bakery from Singapore that boasts artisan bread that's always oven fresh.
• Dylan Gourmet Cafe: Prides itself on crafting delightful delicacies made from the finest available ingredients using artisan techniques.

Bread Storage and Consumption Tips

Proper storage of bread helps preserve its flavor and texture. The hot, tropical climate of the Philippines is one of the important considerations. When storing bread in the refrigerator, once the temperature falls below 10°C, the wheat will start “aging,” which will cause the bread to stale. Therefore, it is best to store bread at room temperature for about 2 days after purchase before putting it in the freezer to stabilize its aging. To enjoy the best texture, sourdough, for example, is best savored by toasting the whole loaf before slicing it to achieve a crunchy crust and moist crumb.

Pandesal 101: Filipinos’ Favorite Bread

Filipinos’ all-time favorite bread, pandesal, is as versatile as it gets. With its simple, slightly sweet taste and distinctly grainy texture, pandesal can be paired with almost every food and beverage. In the Philippines, the most common way of eating pandesal is to take a piece and dip it in a hot cup of coffee or chocolate, making a perfect and easy breakfast combo. Popular spreads include kesong puti (white cheese), cheddar cheese, and coconut jam.