I’ve been missing LU since my last trip there, and have been jonesing to go out to enjoy a weekend brunch with Jericho. We’d usually go to Molito or Westgate for a bite to eat and soak in the morning sun on weekends, but I was also craving for kamote doughnuts, so we headed over to Aguirre street in nearby BF Parañaque to Masa Bakehouse for some nosh and coffee. This newest branch is a lot smaller than the one in La Union, but just as packed, with one table outside and about three inside, depending on how many customers they had at any given time. The bakery selection in LU is a lot bigger as well – I was looking forward to enjoying their jam-filled berliners and to take home a seeded loaf, but they didn’t have them at this store. They did have a lot of the best sellers, so we went for that instead.
Masa’s take on Eggs Benedict, the Manong Benny (₱180), puts a smile on my face every time I read it. A thick cut of butter toasted brioche nestles two poached eggs, wilted kangkong for a bit of color and much needed fiber, and a classic hollandaise. Jericho opted to add bacon strips for an extra ₱40.
I tried their Butta’ Chicken Masala (₱200) – chicken breast cooked in tomato, garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili and onions, butter toasted brioche and rice. I asked that they keep the rice, and just add more bread instead. It was okaaay. The flavors of a southern masala wasn’t quite there, but it was a good effort. I was still pretty happy with my meal
If I were to reorder, I’d probably go with the Chicken Snitch (₱200), which is what I had in LU. This uses their brioche bun, with fried chicken cutlet in between, smothered with aioli, topped with tomato and cucumber slices, and your usual greens. This is simple, straightforward, and filling.
Two of the things that I would schlep here for (or order over Grab for delivery) is their drinks and breads. The Spanish Latte (₱130) has been one I find myself ordering a lot of, whether hot or cold. Also called a Café con leche, this is an espresso-based drink topped with normal milk as well as condensed milk for extra sweetness, thickness, and happiness.
I’ve also fallen in love with their Kamote Doughnut (₱80), especially the white chocolate with almonds. They serve it warm, and it’s light and chewy, with a little sweetness from the white chocolate and a lot of texture from the chopped almonds. Delicious.
While this branch isn’t as complete as its big sister in Elyu, I love how they still brought the laid-back, relaxed vibe to the city, choosing a laid-back, relaxed spot to operate out of. Plus points that they’re on Grab and in my radius, so I usually end up buying my weekly supply of sourdough loaves from them, along with a few kamote doughnuts, para hindi naman sayang yung delivery fee. I’m crossing my fingers that they bring in the seeded loaves and berliners to this branch, too!
