In Manila, the iconic Parisian Maison reveals a new dimension &mdash; one where luxurious French gastronomy, tropical Filipino charm, and the ritual of lingering over beautiful meals come together in a space designed for modern-day indulgence.

For decades, Ladur&eacute;e has been shorthand for elegance in pastel form &mdash; the Parisian Maison that transformed the humble macaron into an object of global desire. It is the place we instinctively associate with afternoons softened by tea, pastries, and the sugary clink of porcelain. But step into Ladur&eacute;e Philippines today, and you quickly learn that the experience has grown far beyond the jewel-box confections that built its legacy. The Manila boutique reintroduces Ladur&eacute;e not just as a purveyor of sweets, but as a full sensorial escape: one where French gastronomy, tropical whimsy, and holiday conviviality meet.
The moment you cross its mint-and-rose threshold in One Bonifacio Highstreet, Ladur&eacute;e asserts itself as something entirely new within the Maison&rsquo;s universe. While unmistakably Parisian in its refinement, the space unfurls with distinctly Filipino warmth: lush green walls echoing palm canopies, scalloped drapery reminiscent of seaside leisure, and interiors that flirt with the tropics without ever losing that signature French poise. It is both transportive and grounded, beautifully capturing the soul of Manila while honoring the long-standing DNA of Ladur&eacute;e.

But the true surprise lies beyond the d&eacute;cor. Ladur&eacute;e Manila invites guests to stay, to dine, to savor, and not simply to nibble. Its in-dining menu is a quiet revelation: thoughtfully composed, deeply comforting, and unmistakably French in philosophy.

The Prawn Spaghetti with Lumpfish Caviar arrives as a study in restrained decadence. Springy noodles are enveloped in a silky lemon aligue cream sauce, its briny richness lifted by citrus brightness, then crowned with a perfectly grilled prawn and jeweled with delicate pops of caviar. It&rsquo;s a dish that understands its own drama &mdash; luxurious yet light on its feet, indulgent without excess, and the kind of plate that lingers in memory long after the last bite.

For heartier cravings, the USDA Short Ribs offer a slow-cooked embrace elevated by a velvety black garlic pur&eacute;e, whose deep, rich notes lend the dish a quietly dramatic edge. The rich, fall-apart tender meat rests atop crisp vegetables, finished with a glossy pour of sauce that feels almost ceremonial. It&rsquo;s French comfort at its most luxurious, unrushed, deeply layered, and confidently indulgent, with a complexity that reveals itself bite by bite.

Then there is the Tanigue Ceviche, Ladur&eacute;e&rsquo;s unexpected homage to the Philippines. Zesty, bright, and melodically fresh, it folds local sensibilities into the Maison&rsquo;s refined culinary language. Each bite feels like a seaside afternoon rewritten in Parisian cursive.
And of course, no visit ends without something sweet. Whether you're drawn to the classics, macarons in harmonious shades of rose, pistachio, and salted caramel or the decadent pastries Ladur&eacute;e is known for, dessert becomes not an afterthought but a return to the brand&rsquo;s origin story. Paired with a pot of fragrant tea or a velvety espresso, it completes the arc of a meal designed to comfort and enchant in equal measure.
This holiday season, when gatherings turn festive and rituals of warmth take center stage, Ladur&eacute;e feels particularly well-suited to holiday togetherness. It is a place that invites lingering conversations, long lunches that dissolve into golden afternoons, and celebrations that call for a touch of French romance, all without leaving the city.
Classic yet novel, elegant yet deeply inviting, Ladur&eacute;e Manila offers a dining experience that feels like a discovery, even for longtime devotees of the Maison.
Ladur&eacute;e Manila is located at One Bonifacio High Street, 28th St, corner 5th Ave, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila.

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