The Mallorcan ensaimada and its distant cousin, the Filipino ensaymada
The Mallorcan ensaimada is one of the most iconic products of Mallorcan cuisine. What many people do not realise is that, more than 11,000 kilometres away, in the Philippines, there is also a local version called the ‘ensaymada’. Although they are very different today, both share a historical origin dating back to the era of the Spanish Empire.
The Spanish Empire, Mallorca and the Philippine Islands
The Philippines, a vast Asian country comprising more than 7,000 islands, was part of the Spanish Empire between 1565 and 1898. Throughout this period, there was constant cultural exchange, and indeed the Spanish influence remains very much in evidence, with countless towns and cities bearing Spanish names, such as Toledo, Santander, San Sebastián, Ronda and Alcoy…
Many Filipinos also have Spanish first names and surnames, and in the local cuisine, even today, you’ll find dishes such as ‘Serbesa’, ‘Bino’, ‘Tortilya’, ‘Longganisa’ and ‘Polboron’. All these words come from the modern Cebuano language (from the island of Cebu).
We Mallorcans have also left a mark of our presence with something very much our own: the ‘ensaymada’.
What is the Filipino ensaymada like?
It is a pastry that is currently very popular in the Philippines, but bears little resemblance to the ‘authentic Mallorcan ensaimada’. In most cases, it has not even retained its spiral shape and actually looks more like a madeleine or an American muffin.
The Filipinos have gradually altered the original recipe, and nowadays the dough is usually more like sponge cake or doughnuts. But what seems to be very important is the addition of grated cheese on top – the more, the better… because over there, everyone makes it however they like. The only thing that remains almost exactly the same is the name.
Those who are curious could go and try it at ‘Pastelería Mallorca’ in Quezon City, near Manila, although you’ll also find it elsewhere. Almost any bakery in the Philippines sells them.
Final thoughts
The Filipino ensaymada shows just how far Spanish cultural influence has reached in Asia. Although the recipe has evolved over time and in line with local tastes, it still retains a name that recalls Mallorca’s most iconic sweet treat. And whilst it may be a culinary curiosity, the truth is that we prefer the one from here, with its traditional and authentic recipe, protected by the Regulatory Council of the Ensaimada de Mallorca PGI.
If you’re interested in traditional products, we invite you to discover Mallorca’s culinary specialities here: Discover the best gourmet products from Mallorca
