Ann Castro
Love Korean food? Go beyond the usual kimbap, spicy noodles, and Korean ice cream. Try Moshi Manju!
Moshi Manju is a soft, warm, and sweet Korean cake filled with pastillas, chocolate, or mocha. It’s perfect for late night K-drama episodes or early morning breakfasts. It’s best partnered with black coffee whose bitterness balances out the sweetness of the cake.
The breading has a spongy, pancake-like texture while the filling is gooey and thick. Others say that it is quite comparable to a Belgian waffle or one of those waffles from Waffle Time.
If you are looking to add a bit of flair, buy a box and pair it up with a bowl of Kakigori, the Japanese variation of halo-halo or shaved ice. The refreshing taste of fresh fruits on top of the ice is perfect after a bite of warm Moshi Manju.
Though advertised as a Korean cake, it is actually a Japanese dessert that takes its roots from China. From the Chinese term “mantou”,it became Manju when Japan incorporated it into part of their dishes. In Japan, moshi translates to “hello” and manju to “something sweet”.
Of course, not all manju are the same. Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Manju are still different but equally tasty! As well, people constantly produce new variants that they can eventually call their own.
When bought straight from kiosks, a snack pack (4 pieces) costs around ₱18, a paper pack (8 pieces) costs ₱35, a small box (15 pieces) costs ₱62 , and a big box (24 pieces) costs ₱92. For less than ₱100, your sweet cravings will be satisfied.
Not near any of their branches? Some reputable resellers and apps offer deliveries that arrive within the day. It would be slightly more expensive with shipping costs, but it is worth it.
Recipes could be found all over the internet if you are looking to make it yourself. They are easy to make and exceptionally delicious when homemade. Surprise your loved ones today with your batch of manju! Here is a recipe for a Japanese Manju variant that can try today.
Or if you want something simpler, you can buy molds from online shops, whip up some pancake mix and gooey filling, and then serve!
The Essentials
SM City Manila Branch
- Address: Basement Food Court, SM City Manila, Natividad Almeda-Lopez, corner A. Villegas and San Marcelino St., Ermita, Manila
- Operating Hours: 10:00AM – 10:00PM
- Google Maps Link
SM City San Lazaro Branch
- Address: SM City San Lazaro, Felix Huertas Cor. A.H. Lacson St., Santa Cruz, Manila
- Operating Hours: 10:00AM – 10:00PM
- Google Maps Link
Davao City Branch
- Address: Gaisano Mall, Poblacion District, Davao City, Davao del Sur
- Operating Hours: 10:00AM – 10:00PM
- Contact Number: +63 935 754 0537
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Robinsons Galleria Branch
- Address: Level 1, Robinsons Galleria, EDSA Cor, Ortigas Ave, Ortigas Center, Quezon City, Metro Manila
- Operating Hours: 10:00AM – 10:00PM
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Mega Mall Branch
- Address: LG, Mega B,Kiosk, Mega Mall, Doña Julia Vargas Ave, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila
- Google Maps Link
SM City Fairview Branch
- Address: SM City Fairview Quirino Highway Cor. Regalado Avenue, Pasong Putik Novaliches, Quezon City, Metro Manila
- Google Maps Link
