EXPERIENCE THE FLUFFIEST AND CHEESIEST ENSAYMADAS
HOLA CAFE celebrated the grand opening of HOLA Lipa, its 21st branch, on July 19, 2023. Surprisingly, HOLA CAFE’s journey began in 2019 as a humble Silk Tea Float store and evolved into a beloved baked goods haven in mid-2020, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the odds, this little cafe not only persevered but flourished, perfecting their ensaymada recipe and capturing the hearts of food enthusiasts far and wide.
Side note: There are still some HOLA branches that offer drinks. They can be found at HOLA The Quad (Nepo Center Angeles City), HOLA Balanga Bataan, HOLA SM Center Dagupan, and HOLA San Fernando, Pampanga.
But what does HOLA stand for? It means “House of Love and Affection,” aptly named for the products they make. Throughout their journey, HOLA CAFE remained dedicated to creating authentic Kapampangan delicacies that bring joy to every bite. With passion, love, and the unwavering support of their customers, they’ve reached a milestone of 30K loyal followers on their Facebook page.
What are Ensaymadas?
The origin of the ensaymada can be traced to Spanish roots from Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain, and are known as “ensaïmada”, meaning “lard.” As a Spanish colony for over 300 years, this baked good was eventually introduced to the Philippines. Over time, Filipinos developed their own unique variations of this pastry, becoming the ensaymadas we know today.
The Filipino ensaymada is a sweet and soft bread, usually made with simple ingredients such as flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and cheese. It is often topped with grated cheese or sugar glaze and sometimes sprinkled with salted egg, making it a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors.
How Are Pampanga-made Ensaymadas Different?
Kapampangan ensaymadas refer to a specific regional variation of the ensaymada found in the province of Pampanga in the Philippines. Pampanga, known as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines,” is renowned for its rich and diverse culinary heritage, and their version of ensaymada is no exception.
Kapampangan ensaymadas are a special and unique take on the traditional Filipino pastry. They are typically larger and more substantial compared to the standard ensaymadas found elsewhere in the country. The dough is soft, fluffy, and buttery, often enriched with egg yolks and other premium ingredients. Kapampangan ensaymadas are known for their distinct buttery flavor, which sets them apart from other regional varieties.
The topping of Kapampangan ensaymadas is what truly makes them stand out. Instead of the common powdered sugar or grated cheese found in other ensaymada versions, Kapampangan ensaymadas are lavishly covered with a generous amount of butter and sugar. The butter and sugar glaze create a delightful caramelized layer that enhances the pastry’s richness and taste. HOLA CAFE takes it another step by offering generous toppings on their pastries, complementing the rich and fluffy taste of their goods.
Where is HOLA Lipa located?
The shop is conveniently located right next to Maquiling Builders Depot and Popoy & Basha, just before SM Lipa. For easy navigation, you can set your GPS to Maquiling Builders Depot, and you’ll find HOLA Lipa right beside it. This bright yellow building is hard to miss, so be sure to keep your eyes out when you’re driving through Lipa. There is no seating area at this location.
Quick tip: Be sure to follow HOLA Lipa on Facebook and Instagram so that you can be updated on whether or not they have sold out for the day.
What Does #TeamHelloLipa Have to Say About Their Experience?
HOLA CAFE products have been trending time and time again, especially their Cream Cheese ensaymada. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll definitely come back for more! Our team agrees that these ensaymadas are worth the hype: they’re generously topped with rich cream cheese, the bread is incredibly fluffy and practically melts in your mouth, and they strike the perfect balance of filling to satisfy every bite.
As soon as you bite into one of their baked goods, your mouth is immediately filled with the buttery and unique ensaymada taste. We also tried their rolls and bread bites, and the craftsmanship and dedication to quality are truly evident in every bite. HOLA CAFE doesn’t cut corners with their products. Take a look at our gallery and see for yourself. Their menu can be found in the last photo.
We would like to thank the HOLA Lipa management for inviting us to your grand opening.
How to Contact HOLA Lipa:
Operating Hours: Every day from 9 AM to 8 PM
Address: Located along Ayala Highway, beside Maquiling Builders Depot near SM Lipa
Facebook: HOLA Lipa
Instagram: @hola.lipa
AVDLR pursues art projects and other creative hobbies in her free time.
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