Auntie Em's Fine Foods & Pastries

A Taste of Home: Authentic Filipino Delicacies at Auntie Em's Fine Foods & Pastries in South San Francisco

Introduction / Overview

For decades, California has been a cornerstone for Filipino culture in the United States, and in the heart of the Bay Area, **Auntie Em's Fine Foods & Pastries** stands as a culinary beacon. Located in South San Francisco, this beloved, family-owned bakery has been bringing a classic taste of the Philippines to the local community since 2008. The catchphrase, "There is no TASTE like HOME," perfectly encapsulates their mission: to offer beloved Filipino delicacies, often referred to as *meryenda* (snacks), that evoke the comforting sights, smells, and tastes of the homeland for the Filipino diaspora and introduce these unique flavors to a broader California audience.

Auntie Em's, named for co-owner and baker extraordinaire Emee Santos, and run with the help of her family, is built on a passion for preserving generational Filipino recipes. It’s more than just a place to grab a treat; it’s a cultural connection point. The bakery specializes in high-quality, traditional Filipino baked goods and desserts, known for using authentic ingredients and preparing everything with a lot of heart. This commitment to quality and cultural authenticity has earned it a devoted following among Bay Area residents looking for everything from a quick, savory **Empanada** to an elaborate, celebratory **Halo-Halo Cake**.

The establishment offers a cozy and classic vibe, reflecting the warmth and care of a cherished "Auntie’s" kitchen. They provide an extensive selection of pastries, breads, and desserts that capture the sweet and savory notes of Filipino cuisine, making it an essential destination for anyone in the region seeking genuine, homemade-style Filipino comfort food.

Location and Accessibility

Auntie Em's Fine Foods & Pastries is strategically located to serve the robust Filipino and food-loving communities in the Peninsula and greater San Francisco Bay Area. You can find this local gem at:

1127 El Camino Real, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA

The location on El Camino Real, a major thoroughfare in California, ensures excellent visibility and ease of access. For local customers, accessibility is a key convenience:

• Parking: The bakery offers the advantage of free street parking nearby, making quick visits stress-free for customers driving in.
• Physical Accessibility: Auntie Em's ensures comfort and convenience for all patrons, providing a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot.
• Transit: Its position along El Camino Real also makes it accessible via various public transportation options connecting South San Francisco to the rest of the Bay Area.
• Convenience: The bakery is well-suited for a quick stop-in, whether you are picking up a small snack or a pre-ordered cake for a special occasion.

Services Offered

Auntie Em's provides a variety of services tailored to meet the needs of the Bay Area community, from daily treats to large celebratory feasts:

• Traditional Bakery Sales: Offering a wide selection of breads, pastries, and small desserts for walk-in customers and takeout.
• Made-to-Order Cakes: Specializing in custom and large cakes for birthdays, holidays, and other significant occasions, featuring unique Filipino flavors like **Ube Macapuno**, **Halo-Halo Cake**, and **Yema Cake**.
• Local Delivery Service: Providing the convenience of delivery through popular third-party platforms, allowing customers to enjoy fresh pastries at home without needing to commute.
• Takeout Options: Customers can place orders for pickup, perfect for those on a tight schedule.
• Catering: Offering options like the **Bread Pudding - Party Tray** and large Rice Cakes, ideal for catering events and large family gatherings.

Features / Highlights

What makes Auntie Em's a true Bay Area treasure is its dedication to specific, high-demand Filipino specialties, often hard to find elsewhere, alongside its authentic, homemade preparation style:

• The Iconic Bibingka and Ensaymada: These two delicacies are central to the bakery's identity and are served fresh daily. **Bibingka**, a baked rice cake, is offered in varieties like **Cheese**, **Salted Egg**, and **Ube**, while the soft, brioche-like **Ensaymada** comes in classic **Cheese**, **Ube**, and **Dulce De Leche** flavors.
• Specialty Ube Desserts: Ube (purple yam), a distinctly Filipino ingredient, is celebrated here. Highlights include the vibrant **Ube Cheesecake** and the decadent **Ube with Macapuno (coconut)** cakes.
• Full Rice Cake and Flan Selection: A wide array of traditional glutinous rice and custard desserts are available, including **Sapin-Sapin** (layered rice cake), **Maja Blanca** (coconut milk pudding), **Leche Flan** (caramel custard), and the classic **Cassava Cake** and **Inutak**.
• Homemade Savory Treats: Beyond sweets, the bakery is noted for savory items like the generously filled **Chicken** and **Beef Empanadas** and the savory Filipino bread known as **Cheese Bread** and **Cheeseroll**.
• Cultural Connection: Since 2008, the bakery has been actively preserving and sharing Filipino cultural heritage through its food, creating a deep emotional connection with the Filipino-American community in California.

Contact Information

For Californians ready to place an order for a spectacular cake or simply grab a quick afternoon snack, here is the essential contact information for Auntie Em's Fine Foods & Pastries:

Address: 1127 El Camino Real, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA

Phone: (650) 588-6068

The bakery welcomes inquiries regarding their custom cakes, large party trays, and daily selection of fine pastries.

What is Worth Choosing

Auntie Em's Fine Foods & Pastries is unequivocally worth choosing for any resident in the **California** Bay Area for its role as an authentic, family-run hub of Filipino culinary tradition. The experience is best for those who appreciate high-quality ingredients and a comforting, homemade style of baking, even if the price point is slightly higher than some mass-market options. Customers consistently note that the quality and authentic flavor profiles—often described as "not too sweet"—justify the cost, making it a worthy occasional or regular treat.

The bakery’s greatest strength lies in its specialized offerings. For those craving the real taste of the Philippines, items like the **Bibingka Kanin** with its *latik* (coconut curds) topping, the moist and flavorful **Ensaymadas**, and the unique rice cakes such as **Sapin-Sapin** are unparalleled local finds. Furthermore, for major life milestones, their stunning 8-inch and Big Cakes, particularly the colorful **Halo-Halo Cake** and the custardy **Yema Cake**, provide a spectacular, culturally rich centerpiece that you simply won't find at a standard American bakery.

In a region known for its rich diversity, Auntie Em's Fine Foods & Pastries offers an essential taste of Filipino heritage, baked with passion and proudly served to the South San Francisco community. It is a genuine, cozy, and classic establishment that provides an important connection to culture through truly fine foods and pastries.

Auntie Em's Fine Foods & Pastries

1127 El Camino Real, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA