This review is for LUISA & SON's UNION CITY BRANCH As much as I love some of their baked items,I am so disappointed to received a stale food item which is very unacceptable knowing that they are running a food business. The beef empanada is super dry and the filling looks so dark and it smells something funky. I am not sure How long has this been sitting in their store. This incidence happened twice already and I tried speak with their staff and informed them if what had happened and they offered me to replace the same item,I just told them to please never do it again so other customers won't experience it. I hope that they will make sure 100% that they are checking the quality of thei baked/food products before selling to their customers. I didn't attempt to take a bite as I dont't want to suffer any health issues/food poisoning. Please,Luisa and Sons-Please, do better in your food business.Don't try to push old /stale food products for consumption it is a health hazard! This review is for LUISA & SON's UNION CITY BRANCH
Kyra M.
Obsessed with their pandesal corn beef. I didn't get the chance to take a picture because I was hungry, and I finished them right away. Originally came here because somebody told me they sell siomai but they don't or maybe not in this location. Butttt, I'm glad I did check because if it wasn't for the siomai, I wouldn't know they sell this kind of pandesal. love it!
Irene
Their ensymada's and siopao's are a step up from Red Ribbon,Valerios bakery and Goldilocks.fairly priced for the size n unbeatable in flavor.
Sherman T.
Literal hole in the wall of a bakery! I had a lot of trouble finding it as I drove by until I just parked in the huge lot and walked into the Island Pacific Seafood Market (as you enter, it's on the left side and door that leads right into the bake shop from the supermarket). Upon entering, you'll be greeted with sweet aromas of baked goods with hints of fried snacks that'll make your stomach crave a feasting. The bread/buns, cakes/rolls, and hot snacks looked and smelled fresh. Pandan and ube heaven for those interested in these island flavors. All of their in-house baked items can be found in the island (pun intended) in the middle of the shop but you'll also find goodies in the racks and fridge on the side. Pick up your items and pay at the register up front (where you'll also be able to order hot food). They have a niche collection of ensaimadas which are just sweet buns but flavored with a variety of ingredients including pandan, ube, coconut, chocolate, cheese, etc. They also have cupcakes and rolls which pack some strong flavors in small morsels. I'd suggest sharing or portioning these items as they can be quite rich and filling. The staff were very friendly and helpful. They seem to be fluent in Tagalog in addition to English so if you only speak the native language, you'll be fine. Seems to be a local favorite but definitely deserves much more attention! Here's to hoping this little gem continues to flourish and help Union City shine!
Lorna B.
Traveling to as far as Union City just to purchase my EMPANADAS was a waste of my time and gas because the recipe was changed and no longer the same, the size were smaller, raw even with the use of my air fryer to bake it completely did not make a difference. Sugar instead of raisins was substituted, had to throw the rest away.NEVER EVER to come back AGAIN.
Shaira S.
Soooo many goodies and tasty bread! If its your first time at luisa & son bakeshop here is my recommendations for you. 1) Macapuno balls !! Not tooo sweet yet creamy in texture and soft. Its almost as if im eating a balled up leche flan ! Lol 2) Corned beef Pan de sal !! Perfect in the morning paired with a hot cup of coffee. Tastes way better if you toast it in a toaster oven, gives it ghat crispiness in the outside and warm soft fluffy bread when you take a bite. 3)Pan de coco bread! This bread is basically like a pan de sal but stuffed with coconut and I believe brown sugar inside. If you have a sweet teeth in the morning this is probably the best way to go !
Ryan A.
I've been coming here for years, back when it was a valerios bake shop. I last stopped by a few weeks ago before the holidays. This place is located on the left side with its own entrance at Island Pacific Grocery store in Union City at the corner of Alvarado/Dyer. This place has really good breads, rolls, etc. They have a huge variety with their breads, savory, sweet, plain, all freshly baked and tasty. They also sell empanadas and other freshly made hot items. Pricing has gone up recently, but what hasn't?
Rosie W.
Their pandan emseymadas are unreal. They're not too sweet, chewy and full of flavor, with a hint of powdered sugar on top. I can eat these everyday!
Stephanie C.
Great quality and great service. Tried the empanadas, pan de sal, and ube buns were best I ever had! Definitely prefer over Goldilocks or Valerios any day.
Nestor Gerales
The Ube Macapuno Ensaimada is amazing. This fool that gave one star for a turn doesn't know what he's talking about. But I guess he's entitled to his own opinion.The Yema is exceptional. Crunchy outside nice and creamy inside and it is not overly sweet.
Love this little Filipino bake shop. Packed with all kind of goodies, I always stop in and get something for later (or now). Some of the goodies I've had in the past: all different kinds of polvoron (crumbley shortbread), pancit malabon, turon (banana lumpia). Their turon is caramelized and extra crispy on the outside and the banana is beautiful cooked on the inside. They also have favorites like pandesal, ube macapuno ensaimada, buko pandan salad, embutido (meatloaf), mamon, siopao, leche flan, and cassava cake. The ladies that work here are always friendly and kind. Love that they are so welcoming when you enter.
Claire J.
My mom raves about this place as she likes getting their ensaymada. I decided to check this place out and I've been here few times. My favorite is the siopao which you can get sauce on the side. It reminds me of my childhood in the Philippines when my parents would take a trip in the city and grab some siopao asado I think. Actually their other siopao, the one with the egg is also good. Meaty and soft. They have different ensaymada flavors. It's not my most favorite ensaymada but they make it good here too. The empanada is also good. I actually prefer this than the store that was previously here, better quality. Can you open one up in the Peninsula?
Gillian A.
First time checking out this Filipino bakery chain. This particular location is inside Island Pacific Seafood Market. Got several goodies. Ube egg pie: The MVP here. The texture of the custard is outrageously smooth; this pie is essentially ube leche flan with a thin pie crust. Wished there was more of an ube taste to it though. Still, definitely worth a try. Ensaimadas: the sugar cream topping is really smooth as well; the sugar is well incorporated into the cream, and I actually like the cream here more than the one on Goldilocks ensaimadas. I kinda prefer the ensaimadas without the buko/macapuno though (there are versions without it); the jarred syrupy coconut strips are used and the gumminess of the strips are just too contrasting to the bread texture of the ensaimadas. The pandan one doesn't have much pandan flavor; get the ube one or go classic instead. Ube pan de sal: tastes pretty much like plain pan de sal. Ube macapuno cake: really similar to the prepackaged ube cupcakes you'd find in the snack aisle at a Filipino grocery store except it's larger and slightly softer. Empanadas: I tried the chicken one and beef one. Both of them are tasty but if I had to choose one, I'd choose beef; it just has a meatier taste and is more hearty (I think Worcestershire sauce is used in the filling). The pastry layer is pretty crispy. The empanadas are small though.....like 3-bites sized. Makes a great snack, maybe right after getting groceries at Island Pacific. Overall I dig this Filipino bakery chain. I think I prefer this one over Valerio's (been a while since I've been to a Goldilocks so can't really compare.....except when it comes to the ensaimadas as I can never forget about those there). Wished there were more locations (I don't live in the Bay Area so can't visit this location often even though this one is the closest from where I live).
Tag Along Tagalog
The Ube Macapuno Ensaimada is amazing. This fool that gave one star for a turn doesn't know what he's talking about. But I guess he's entitled to his own opinion.The Yema is exceptional. Crunchy outside nice and creamy inside and it is not overly sweet.
Shiela T.
I'd only heard about Luisa & Son from the mouths of it's many fans who've told me that I absolutely had to try them. The popular items that were highly suggested: Ube Egg Pie Chicken Empanadas I have to say I've never had an Ube egg pie nor have I heard of any bakery that offered it. Absolutely delicious! The filling had the perfect amount of ube flavor, the texture was gelatinous yet creamy - and most importantly.... A powerful ube flavor! It may be the FIRST ube egg pie I'd ever had but it doesn't mean it can't be the best. The chicken empanada is also really good. One objection I'd heard about it is that they come pretty small but, for me, they're just the right size. The filling isn't dry either (as some may expect from a chicken empanada) and trust me I've had some dry chicken empanada before. All the rumors are true. Luisa & sons shall not be one to ignore. Check em' out!
This review is for LUISA & SON's UNION CITY BRANCH As much as I love some of their baked items,I am so disappointed to received a stale food item which is very unacceptable knowing that they are running a food business. The beef empanada is super dry and the filling looks so dark and it smells something funky. I am not sure How long has this been sitting in their store. This incidence happened twice already and I tried speak with their staff and informed them if what had happened and they offered me to replace the same item,I just told them to please never do it again so other customers won't experience it. I hope that they will make sure 100% that they are checking the quality of thei baked/food products before selling to their customers. I didn't attempt to take a bite as I dont't want to suffer any health issues/food poisoning. Please,Luisa and Sons-Please, do better in your food business.Don't try to push old /stale food products for consumption it is a health hazard! This review is for LUISA & SON's UNION CITY BRANCH
Obsessed with their pandesal corn beef. I didn't get the chance to take a picture because I was hungry, and I finished them right away. Originally came here because somebody told me they sell siomai but they don't or maybe not in this location. Butttt, I'm glad I did check because if it wasn't for the siomai, I wouldn't know they sell this kind of pandesal. love it!
Their ensymada's and siopao's are a step up from Red Ribbon,Valerios bakery and Goldilocks.fairly priced for the size n unbeatable in flavor.
Literal hole in the wall of a bakery! I had a lot of trouble finding it as I drove by until I just parked in the huge lot and walked into the Island Pacific Seafood Market (as you enter, it's on the left side and door that leads right into the bake shop from the supermarket). Upon entering, you'll be greeted with sweet aromas of baked goods with hints of fried snacks that'll make your stomach crave a feasting. The bread/buns, cakes/rolls, and hot snacks looked and smelled fresh. Pandan and ube heaven for those interested in these island flavors. All of their in-house baked items can be found in the island (pun intended) in the middle of the shop but you'll also find goodies in the racks and fridge on the side. Pick up your items and pay at the register up front (where you'll also be able to order hot food). They have a niche collection of ensaimadas which are just sweet buns but flavored with a variety of ingredients including pandan, ube, coconut, chocolate, cheese, etc. They also have cupcakes and rolls which pack some strong flavors in small morsels. I'd suggest sharing or portioning these items as they can be quite rich and filling. The staff were very friendly and helpful. They seem to be fluent in Tagalog in addition to English so if you only speak the native language, you'll be fine. Seems to be a local favorite but definitely deserves much more attention! Here's to hoping this little gem continues to flourish and help Union City shine!
Traveling to as far as Union City just to purchase my EMPANADAS was a waste of my time and gas because the recipe was changed and no longer the same, the size were smaller, raw even with the use of my air fryer to bake it completely did not make a difference. Sugar instead of raisins was substituted, had to throw the rest away.NEVER EVER to come back AGAIN.
Soooo many goodies and tasty bread! If its your first time at luisa & son bakeshop here is my recommendations for you. 1) Macapuno balls !! Not tooo sweet yet creamy in texture and soft. Its almost as if im eating a balled up leche flan ! Lol 2) Corned beef Pan de sal !! Perfect in the morning paired with a hot cup of coffee. Tastes way better if you toast it in a toaster oven, gives it ghat crispiness in the outside and warm soft fluffy bread when you take a bite. 3)Pan de coco bread! This bread is basically like a pan de sal but stuffed with coconut and I believe brown sugar inside. If you have a sweet teeth in the morning this is probably the best way to go !
I've been coming here for years, back when it was a valerios bake shop. I last stopped by a few weeks ago before the holidays. This place is located on the left side with its own entrance at Island Pacific Grocery store in Union City at the corner of Alvarado/Dyer. This place has really good breads, rolls, etc. They have a huge variety with their breads, savory, sweet, plain, all freshly baked and tasty. They also sell empanadas and other freshly made hot items. Pricing has gone up recently, but what hasn't?
Their pandan emseymadas are unreal. They're not too sweet, chewy and full of flavor, with a hint of powdered sugar on top. I can eat these everyday!
Great quality and great service. Tried the empanadas, pan de sal, and ube buns were best I ever had! Definitely prefer over Goldilocks or Valerios any day.
The Ube Macapuno Ensaimada is amazing. This fool that gave one star for a turn doesn't know what he's talking about. But I guess he's entitled to his own opinion.The Yema is exceptional. Crunchy outside nice and creamy inside and it is not overly sweet.
Restaurantji Recommends
Love this little Filipino bake shop. Packed with all kind of goodies, I always stop in and get something for later (or now). Some of the goodies I've had in the past: all different kinds of polvoron (crumbley shortbread), pancit malabon, turon (banana lumpia). Their turon is caramelized and extra crispy on the outside and the banana is beautiful cooked on the inside. They also have favorites like pandesal, ube macapuno ensaimada, buko pandan salad, embutido (meatloaf), mamon, siopao, leche flan, and cassava cake. The ladies that work here are always friendly and kind. Love that they are so welcoming when you enter.
My mom raves about this place as she likes getting their ensaymada. I decided to check this place out and I've been here few times. My favorite is the siopao which you can get sauce on the side. It reminds me of my childhood in the Philippines when my parents would take a trip in the city and grab some siopao asado I think. Actually their other siopao, the one with the egg is also good. Meaty and soft. They have different ensaymada flavors. It's not my most favorite ensaymada but they make it good here too. The empanada is also good. I actually prefer this than the store that was previously here, better quality. Can you open one up in the Peninsula?
First time checking out this Filipino bakery chain. This particular location is inside Island Pacific Seafood Market. Got several goodies. Ube egg pie: The MVP here. The texture of the custard is outrageously smooth; this pie is essentially ube leche flan with a thin pie crust. Wished there was more of an ube taste to it though. Still, definitely worth a try. Ensaimadas: the sugar cream topping is really smooth as well; the sugar is well incorporated into the cream, and I actually like the cream here more than the one on Goldilocks ensaimadas. I kinda prefer the ensaimadas without the buko/macapuno though (there are versions without it); the jarred syrupy coconut strips are used and the gumminess of the strips are just too contrasting to the bread texture of the ensaimadas. The pandan one doesn't have much pandan flavor; get the ube one or go classic instead. Ube pan de sal: tastes pretty much like plain pan de sal. Ube macapuno cake: really similar to the prepackaged ube cupcakes you'd find in the snack aisle at a Filipino grocery store except it's larger and slightly softer. Empanadas: I tried the chicken one and beef one. Both of them are tasty but if I had to choose one, I'd choose beef; it just has a meatier taste and is more hearty (I think Worcestershire sauce is used in the filling). The pastry layer is pretty crispy. The empanadas are small though.....like 3-bites sized. Makes a great snack, maybe right after getting groceries at Island Pacific. Overall I dig this Filipino bakery chain. I think I prefer this one over Valerio's (been a while since I've been to a Goldilocks so can't really compare.....except when it comes to the ensaimadas as I can never forget about those there). Wished there were more locations (I don't live in the Bay Area so can't visit this location often even though this one is the closest from where I live).
The Ube Macapuno Ensaimada is amazing. This fool that gave one star for a turn doesn't know what he's talking about. But I guess he's entitled to his own opinion.The Yema is exceptional. Crunchy outside nice and creamy inside and it is not overly sweet.
I'd only heard about Luisa & Son from the mouths of it's many fans who've told me that I absolutely had to try them. The popular items that were highly suggested: Ube Egg Pie Chicken Empanadas I have to say I've never had an Ube egg pie nor have I heard of any bakery that offered it. Absolutely delicious! The filling had the perfect amount of ube flavor, the texture was gelatinous yet creamy - and most importantly.... A powerful ube flavor! It may be the FIRST ube egg pie I'd ever had but it doesn't mean it can't be the best. The chicken empanada is also really good. One objection I'd heard about it is that they come pretty small but, for me, they're just the right size. The filling isn't dry either (as some may expect from a chicken empanada) and trust me I've had some dry chicken empanada before. All the rumors are true. Luisa & sons shall not be one to ignore. Check em' out!