There's no taste like home at Auntie Em's Fine Foods and Pastries
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- "There's no taste like home." And when you walk through the doors of family-owned Auntie Em's Fine Foods and Pastries, you'll find out that the bakery's motto rings true.
The hidden gem serves up classic Filipino creations made by South San Francisco's favorite auntie. Her name is Emee Santos aka Auntie Em, and she comes from a long line of aunties whose recipes live on through her traditional treats.
"It means a lot to me because food is the blueprint of every culture, it defines their people and their country," said Auntie Em.
"For people who can't easily go back to the Philippines and reminisce about their childhood with the things that they've eaten, we try to bring a taste of their home closer to their own home here in the United States," added Andrew Santos, Auntie Em's son and assistant. "So that all those memories come rushing back to them the moment that they have a bite."
The bakery is a hotspot for ube cheesecake, Halo-Halo cake, Sapin-Sapin (a glutinous rice and coconut dessert), mango cake, and the list goes on.
If you can't decide what to order, Emee recommends sampling two famous Filipino desserts: Ensaymada and Bibingka. These delicacies are hard to find in the San Francisco Bay Area, but Auntie Em's bakery serves them fresh every day.
"Our main products are Ensaymada and Bibingka," said Auntie Em. "Ensaymada is a brioche bread, they have a choice of three flavors, it's cheese, ube, and caramel."
The treat isn't easy to make, in fact dough preparation begins a day before baking.
"We have to wake up early in the morning, so that we, just at the right time, have the right amount of rise," described Andrew. "We put it in the oven, once it's cooled down enough we put the toppings on it," described Andrew.
Toppings include brushed on butter, sugar, and cheese. The result melts in the mouth and is best enjoyed with coffee or tea.
"It's one of the most recognized delicacies by most Filipinos," said Andrew. "Not everybody can just pop them out in their own home, which is why it's something that most Filipinos share with each other as a gift or something to treat yourself with."
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Auntie Em adds, "Also, we have Bibingka, it's a traditional rice cake cooked in banana leaves."
The dessert is broiled on top and bottom, which gives it a smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the coconut rice.
"It's almost like a soufflé and a pancake got married, that's what the texture is like," explained Andrew.
The specialty desserts have drawn customers to Auntie Em's since 2008.
"I drive all the way from the East Bay, just to get Auntie Em's pastries, it takes time, but it's worth it," explained longtime customer Dave Domingo. "I love that it's freshly made, and it's so good."
"All of these (recipes) mainly I learned from my aunts," said Emee. "Now, I'm lucky to be an auntie to the Bay Area, like spread all these wonderful pastries to you guys, for you to try and taste."
For more information, visit here and follow @auntieemsfinefoods on IG and Auntie Em's Fine Foods and Pastries on Facebook.
