Bakerrae located in East Chinatown along Broadview Ave near Gerrard St. E. is a modern Filipino bakery. Bakerrae actually started during the pandemic where Rhea, the owner, started selling her baked goods at popups/markets. The bakery did have another location in East York a few years ago, however, they had to close down that space. Currently this new space operates as a bakery and production site for both Bakerrae and Chachalate (Rhea's partner, Ryan's, chocolate business!).
I didn't realize that Bakerrae was currently in their soft opening period as there was not much activity on social media announcing this. However, I did drop by recently on a Friday afternoon while I was around East Chinatown to see if indeed the shop was open (it was!). To my surprise the space was already half busy with customers enjoying their coffee and baked goods. Both Rhea and Ryan were there and it was really nice to see their shop thriving as I chatted with the both of them.
In terms of the menu, as soon as you enter the shop you are greeted by a display full of pastries and baked goods near the coffee bar at the back of the cafe. You have your classic croissants and cookies as well as more unique offerings like the pandan coconut twice baked croissant, ube ensaymada croissant, smores croissant, a spam, tamago, and cheese pastry, a red bean sesame twist as well as ube/matcha basque cheesecakes.
In terms of the drink menu, you can grab your classic espresso based drinks or order one of their specialty drinks (think pandan lattes, calamansi espresso tonic, or the pandan aerocano). They also have hot chocolate made from Chachalate chocolate as well. The coffee beans they use is their own blend made from Coffee Wallas from beans originating from the Philippines.
While I was there I opted to get a cortado and matcha basque cheesecake to enjoy while soaking in the vibes of the bakery. I did also grab a pandan coconut twice baked croissant as well as a chocolate croissant to go. Coffee was made well with beautiful latte art by Rhea. My basque cheesecake had the perfect amount of matcha flavour and the cheesecake it's self was delicious. During my time there the place got busier and busier as customers came in to grab desserts and coffees.
Overall, a wonderful addition to the East Chinatown neighbourhood. I will definitely be dropping by again if I'm in the area!! read more