Cupcakes by Sonja
I have heard a lot of hype regarding Sonja’s cupcakes for quite some time now and I am aware that there have been other food bloggers who have already tried these desserts and written about them too. Reading their testimonials, I got excited and for so long have wanted to have a go at these seemingly picture perfect desserts.
I guess you would ask why I did not indulge. One reason really is that I have never stepped foot in the Serendra area since the time it opened to a lot of dining establishments. I have been too busy at work to travel to the Fort area even for Friday lunch outs.
So I made the most of my first trip to Serendra Piazza by visiting the highly popular Cupcakes by Sonja. Despite the rains, my officemates and I went from Bonifacio High Street to where Sonja’s was. I knew I could not leave without the cupcakes that I have been dreaming of for so long.
My first glimpse of the store made me go “Awwww” just like someone who has seen an old couple kissing or a baby gurgling. The store was all pink and white so that made me an instant fan (I absolutely love pink!). There was a glass counter that displayed all the delicious cupcakes that they sold. I spent about 15 minutes just ogling all the goodies on display. There was a white counter that looked out a glass window which was perfect for when you want to eat in. Another thing I really loved about the place was the homey feeling it gave you. I am reminded of those quaint candy stores that they have in the states or even old fashioned diners (although I doubt they have that in pink). And the stuff that they had decorating the store was something out of the 1950’s (think Pleasantville).
I wanted to get all the cupcakes that I wanted to try but it would be too expensive for a first time visit. So I had to settle with all those that have chocolate in them. I figured that I couldn’t go wrong with those as I simply love anything that has to do with chocolate.
The cupcakes were packaged in these adorable blue boxes that screamed simply chic. I loved their individual boxes as they looked like packaging one would get when buying jewelry.
So far, everything about Sonja’s that I have seen has thrilled me no end. I am anticipating the same as soon as I get my teeth into those chocolate yummies.
These were the cupcakes that I have been able to try and what my take is on each:
Mocha Motion is a chocolate cupcake topped with mocha buttercream icing. I must say that aside from a total lover of chocolate, I am also very much fond of mocha, which is basically anything that resembles the taste of coffee. So it wasn’t much of a challenge deciding to get this flavor. The cupcake was packed! I used an exclamation point because I think that will more accurately describe how packed with flavor the cupcake was. It wasn’t fluffy or airy. It wasn’t sickening sweet too. I think its because the sweetness will be provided by the icing. And sweet it was. Too sweet even for me. Halfway through the cupcake, I felt a sore throat coming along. (Php55.00)
Chocolate Surprise is described to be Valrhona Chocolate cupcakes topped with either our signature vanilla buttercream or creamy chocolate frosting. I chose creamy chocolate frosting (need you ask?). It brought the same goodness as the Mocha motion including the sweetness of the creamy icing. The tag said Valrhona which is known to be high quality chocolate from France. My tongue though was too excited to eat the cupcakes that I really could not tell the difference. For me, this is just the chocolate version of Mocha Motion. (Php62.00)
Valrhona Milk Choco-Hazelnut Tart is definitely not a cupcake. It has though become my favorite. The crust was crumbly but good. The hazelnut filling was absolutely marvelous. And the chocolate glaze topping was perfect. The tart did not have the same sweetness of the cupcakes so you can actually finish a whole one in a minute. I was craving for more after the last bite. The sad thing was I only bought one of those. Oh well I can always go back right. (Php65.00)
So there you have it. Sonja’s is all what it is hyped up to be. It is more in some areas and less in others. Many have read Lori’s interview of Sonja and understand why it is what it is - delicious, pricey, sweet. I think many are taken aback by the steep price because of very high expectations. But are you all aware that these cupcakes are similarly priced as Starbuck’s pastries (not cakes but the pastries)?
I applaud Sonja for sticking to her standards no matter how high it appears to be for some people. And although personally, I may not choose to frequent her store - it is a personal choice driven by practical reasons. Let us just say if I had money to spare, I wouldn’t complain about the price. She has found her home in the grounds of Serendia Piazza where I believe she will always have customers and lovers of her cupcakes.
Cupcakes by Sonja
1C03 Serendra Piazza, 1st Level
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
8560308
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Those cupcakes look sooo good, it looks fake! Haha!
Just looking at the icing, make my teeth ache and my throat sore! But I would still eat them! Haha!
Jigs - I know! But believe me it isnt fake but yes they are sooo sweet. Try it so you will see whether you like it or not.
Been to Sonja’s and like you loved the ambiance and sheer feeling of stepping into a store filled with nothing but sweetness. However, the cupcakes were all too much for me. Specifically, the ones encased in the glass shelves nearest the counter. They are supposed to be stored at a certain temperature to prevent them from melting. Sweet tooth a prerequisite to love the Sonja cupcake experience.
M - Yeah I saw those cupcakes and they looked to overwhelmed with the frosting for my taste.
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want the same quality of cupcakes as sonja but way cheaper? check out http://www.charcupcakesgalore.com they have very moist choco cupcakes but are served at only 25php per piece. their 1 box of cupcakes (9pcs.) are only 200php!
not kidding! check it out yourself!
their cupcakes are honestly very heavy and moist. it’s not very airy… you know those dry cupcakes sold everywhere? they are not like that.
try niyo. order lan kme sa text or even sa website niya mismo. then they deliver!
o divah?!
nina - thanks for the recommendation! I will visit the site and try it.
nina - I tried the site just now and its timing out… hmmm…
hmmm… i wonder why. when i tried going to the site, it was just fine. i think they also have a multiply account. look up charcupcakesgalore.multiply.com
but try at another time to look at the website. everything’s there.
nina - Ok I will try again. Thanks!
my husband bought some of their cupcakes since a lot have been raving about it.. and since we wanted to compare it with my home-baked cupcake.. to my dismay it’s dry and the frosting was nothing special, kinda generic.. oops
you guys should try their flourless chocolate cupcake. it’s about 100 i think but really– it’s worth it! i only treat myself to that like once in a couple of months.
mayeth - I think there are some cupcakes there that would really not apply to everyone’s tastes (like me and you). But I guess its the expectation. While I love the more creamier type cupcakes, some would expect lighter fluffier ones. And for the price you have to pay, sometimes it really would not be worth it.
karina - Their flourless chocolate cupcake would probably be similar to the Valrhona although that would be more tarte than cupcake.
Hello there! talking about quality of cupcakes and value for money, just visit http://www.cupcakechicculture.multiply.com because they sell happiness down there! =) cyah!
I have tried the Sonja’s cupcakes but the individual cupcakes are heavy, very sugary…and appeal to cake-aholics like myself….however I have to cut back on cholesterol, so its better to make your own cupcakes at home to control sugar, salt, and cut down on egg yolk, or fats ( no cholesterol). Best bet for those on a diet is an angel cake cupcake without egg yolks, no fats of any kind, less salt, less sugar, and make chocolate icing with cocoa and splenda…definately satisfies the cravings, with less calories and no cholesterol.
Mary - Yes Sonja’s cupcakes are definitely packed. I agree that it appeals to those who are more inclined to eat sweets and sugary desserts.