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House of Silvanas
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 11 am - 7 pm
Sun 11 am - 3 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
192 reviews for House of Silvanas
Review Highlights
"Perfect alternative for the adoring sans rival fans."
(in 39 reviews)
"My personal favorite is buko-pandan, the Mr."
(in 30 reviews)
"sandwiched between two cashew-meringue wafers."
(in 7 reviews)
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192 reviews in English
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Review from Monique R.
Kew Gardens, NY
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
I cannot believe I did not review this place!
During my long weekend trip in California, I came to House of Silvanas for dessert after dining at Sinugba and fell in love.
First thing you need to get out of your mind; although they LOOK like macarons, the silvana is NOT a macaron. When you can get over that, you can move on and not need any therapy.
The silvanas here are cookies. They are kept in the freezer and when properly store maintain the freshest quality. AKA, in the freezer. The cookies are cashew merengues sandwiched with buttercream and rolled in cookie crumbs. The colors represent the flavors. The texture is airy, yet crispy and they are positively addicting.
My favorite flavor is the ube flavor, AKA the purple one which i believe is taro flavor.
During my visit to House of Silvana, i asked where i could find these on the east coast. And sadly, there are no silvanas on the east coast. And because they require freezing, overnight shipping with dry ice would be the only way... Definitely ask about shipping! cuz they do!
Since I wasnt getting the minimum required for shipping (5-6 boxes) I settled for taking home Ube Flavored Lengua de Gato cookies. tasty... but not the same!
This location is tucked away in a mini mall that might be a little difficult to get to... but once you do, its worth it.Listed in: Sweet Treats
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Review from Steph D.
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Thanks Cherylynn N. for recommending House of Silvanas!
First let me say..this place was not easy to find. The bakery is tucked away in a mini mall next to another mini mall..which is next to another mini mall...and NONE of the damn parking lots connect. I kept driving in one way and getting road blocked, lol.
I was on a mission for macarons. I ordered a few silvanas ($1.75/ea)and a couple other goodies from this tiny bakery. Let me tell you..it smells SO good in here when you walk in! I ordered 3 silvanas - strawberry, mocha, and buko-pandan (which is basically coconut?). Silvanas are so much lighter and fluffier compared to french macarons! I ALMOST want to say they were soft like Oreo Cakesters (don't kill me!) but they're much softer. The filling is buttery, light, and sweet. The outer layer of each silvana has a small crunch to it.
We also picked up a plain brioche and a cheese roll. The cheese roll was also extremely light! Almost reminded me of a pastry from Sheng Kee. Brioche was sweet and sugary.
Would probably pass on the brioche and other bread type things, but would definitely order more silvanas! They also have a honey crunch cake that sounds absolutely delish.Listed in: Get yo snack on!
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Review from Leana L.
1/4/2012
Delicious! Their delicious macarons showed up at a work holiday party and one bite into them, I was a fan!
I don't know what flavor it was -- it was green -- but it was tasty and I finished the entire cookie! -
Review from Mike H.
New York, NY
1/1/2012
To everyone with a rating less than 5: where are you getting your silvanas, and can I come next time?
These things give macarons a run for their money. Dense, flaky, buttery, crisp, (not too sweet!), ... every good dessert adjective rolled into one tiny package. Loved the ube silvanas. -
Review from Tiffany C.
Daly City, CA
11/16/2011
Mmm house of silvanas, I delight in you!
1. It can be hard to find because it's in a plaza amongst many plazas so GPS it!
2. Wow these silvanas are delicious! It's kind of like a macaroon, but filipino. I tried the original, ube, strawberry, and pistachio (I think that's the green one). They were ALL delicious! This must be like what manna from heaven tasted like because it was as light as a snowflake and melted on the tip of my tongue. Try it!
3. Like other reviewers have said, it's more of a grab-n-go kind of place. However, I was so excited to try it I ate it in the parking lot sitting on my bumper like the ghetto-wannabe that I am. Yeee-uh. -
Review from Ally C.
12/12/2011
Gag me, please. Just gag me before that whole stick of butter solidifies into my intestines and forms multiple platelets into my heart thus causing me to fall prey to an early excessive butter induced heart attack. The next time I crave a whole stick of butter I will make sure to drop by House of Silvanas. But I never eat butter by the stick AKA I'm never coming back here again.
I should have known better and should have read reviews thoroughly. For those of you looking for macarons in Daly City, House of Silvanas does not sell macarons. They may look like a poor man's macaron, but please do not be fooled. These poor man macaron wanna-bes are actually silvanas AKA butter cut into tiny circles and faintly dyed into traditional macaron colors, but I repeat, they are NOT macarons.
But I was having serious macaron withdrawals from my recent macaron addiction. And once withdrawal peaks, I'll do just about anything to get the next best thing. I saw those traditional macaron colors of purple, green, pink and brown and I just couldn't help but to settle for one. Unfortunately the store is cash only and the only cash the BF and I had was the rare $2 bill that he carried in his wallet. Like feens, we spent that last rare dollar on a couple silvanas only to be left with the hugest disappointment of all macaron history. My first bite left me aghast by the strange texture of wafer crisp yet butter chunk solidifying into my molars. It wasn't pleasant, the flavors were all drowned out by the butter overload and it definitely was nothing compared to my sweet beloved macaron. My heart hurts not only from the disappointment these silvanas have left me with, but from the butter build up that slowly clogs my arteries. -
Review from Linh N.
12/5/2011
One of my good gfs is Filipino and she introduced me to this place. We were eating next door to HOS, at Signuba that day, and she asked if I wanted some sweets. Of course I do. My first time having a Silvanas was last year. After taking the first bite, i said out loud, "What is this? Dayam it's good." "It's a silvana, a Filipino sweet that comes in different flavors", she replied. My favorite is the pandan flavored green silvana. My gf turned me into a silvanas loving eater that day.
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Review from Luis C.
8/11/2011 13 photos
Finding this shop is an example of why Yelp is great. Otherwise most people would never know that this unique somewhat hidden Filipino bakery existed. http://s3-media3.px.ye...
2 different friends told me that they got lost on the way there, so that prompted me to post this now. Okay, so finally here's my review, 3 years late, better late than never. Ha-ha. Hey, at least I posted my pics 2 years ago, so it's not like I didn't do anything.
The bakery is located on City Heights Plaza, which in the past was connected by a little road to Gellert Square, many years ago. Not any more. I was told by the shop owners that one day someone realized that Gellert is part of So. SF, while City Heights is part of Daly City. So for tax reasons, the mall installed a barrier blocking that little road.
So now people have to do a U-turn on Gellert Blvd. and drive until u see the City Heights Plaza sign, http://s3-media1.px.ye... to find the entrance. That's why people get lost.
U could buy just 1 or 2. Most customers order the assorted box http://s3-media4.px.ye... of Silvanas (14 pieces). http://s3-media2.px.ye... Looks like big multi color Oreo cookies filled with buttercream (7 flavors), but the cookies are made of meringue. http://s3-media3.px.ye... They should be kept cold at all times for best taste.
Other pastries and candies:
- yemas http://s3-media4.px.ye...
- polvoron http://s3-media2.px.ye...
- polvoron with Pinipig (rice flakes) http://s3-media2.px.ye...
- mango bars http://s3-media4.px.ye...
- lemon square http://s3-media2.px.ye...
- food of the gods (butterscotch with dates & walnuts) http://s3-media4.px.ye...
- lenguas de gato cookies. http://s3-media2.px.ye...
- ensaimada (brioche bun topped with cheese, butter and sugar), in chocolate & regular flavors. http://s3-media2.px.ye...Listed in: Bakeries
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Review from WinnJess E.
South San Francisco, CA
1/15/2012
I love sans rival so when someone told me about this place, I HAD to try it and it did not disappoint!
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Review from Colleen V.
Manhattan, NY
8/28/2011
In my desperate search for macarons in the peninsula, my yelp search led me to House of Silvanas.
For anyone that does not know what a "silvana" is, I suggest you find out before venturing to this mall place tucked away in a remote corner of Daly City/SSF. Silvanas are NOT macarons. I wasn't aware of this, even if I'm half filipino. Shame on me, I guess.
Here's the wiki definition of a silvana: "a crunchy, creamy, frozen cookie made up of a layer of buttercream sandwiched between two cashew-meringue wafers, and coated with cookie crumb" & that's exactly what you should expect at the House of Silvanas.
The cookie is actually very light and true to each flavor. It's definitely interesting but didn't satisfy the macaron craving I had all day. Couldn't blame them though. The girl at the counter sensed my disappointment and gave me attitude the entire time I was there. Pass.Listed in: sweets & diabetes
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Review from Anna D.
7/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Warning: buttery goodness & added calories for your hips! ....But worth it! I grew up loving sans rival since my aunt used to make them all the time. Silvanas are a portable, personal sans rival made just for you! And HOS offers them in a variety of flavors: Buko-Pandan, Mango, Ube, Mocha, and my two favorites, Chocolate & Strawberry. The Mocha tasted like a regular plain Silvana - didn't taste too much of a mocha flavor. My friends who loooove Pandan, looooove the Buko-Pandan. You can buy them at $1.15/piece or 14 for $13. Great tip from Jess M. - if you buy less than 14, you don't get the cute box! Do yourself a favor, just get the 14 but learn to share with friends or family! Nice treat, crisp, light, sweet and buttery!
They have an assortment of cakes and other baked goods. I did spy the Chocolate Ensaimada and bought one to try. It was simple - an ensaimada with a bit of chocolate baked in and some chocolate shavings on top - but good. For $1.75/piece though it was a tiny portion that could be eaten in 4 bites.
I foresee many more visits to House of Silvanas, especially for family parties and gatherings with friends! -
Review from Olivia D.
San Jose, CA
8/1/2011
First time I tried this was from my friend's friend who brought it back to SJ and somehow made it into my car. (Does that make sense?) THE UBE SILVANA COOKIE AND I WERE MEANT TO MEET.
2 weeks later, I'm in Daly City specifically for them. Less than one hour to get from San Jose to Daly City. NO PROBLEM. Made it here with time to spare.
If you've never been here, it's kind of hard to spot and figure out how to get to the store, because there's about 2 other plazas around. We walked in, and oh nooo, they didn't have any more ube ones left. Juuuust kidding. They have a whole bunch in the back already packaged to go. I got 2 boxes with 4 of each flavor and a dozen of the mango bars. By the time I got back to SJ, there were no more Ube left. I should have gotten a box of those.
If anyone's wondering, they were fine the whole day in the car (~6 hours without refrigeration). I just popped them back into the freezer for a few hours and they were good to eat again.
Note: They might not have change for big bills near closing time! -
Review from Jessica C.
East Bay, CA
5/17/2011
Date/Time: Saturday - 4:30pm
Occasion: Dessert
Party of: To-go
Location: In a strangely situated plaza. Small. Discrete.
Total incl gratuity: ~$1.15 per silvana
All I have to say is that these little cookies are bites of heaven. I am sure they are ridiculously high in fat and calories but who cares when these things taste so freaking amazing! As previously noted by fellow yelper Rose A., they are frozen layered buttercream in a between two crisp cashew meringue wafers. They come in several different flavors but my favorites are the pandan, original, and mango. I try to buy just a few each visit so I don't feel so much like a heffer but it's so tempting to just buy a box of 14 for $13..
I'm planning to try their sans rival on the next visit; I'm sure that's just as decadent. -
Review from Mike A.
San Leandro, CA
11/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Why so far? This is the only location I know of in the Bay Area. I live in San Leandro, but I do occasionally drive out to Daly City for my every-now-and-then Silvana fix. :) And its definitely well worth the trip. A box of Silvanas $13. for 14 pieces. plus a $5 toll fee to cross the bridge. Well worth it :)
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Review from Amy L.
Came here with the boy, who had never heard of silvanas before, despite being filipino. [I mean, I hadn't either.. but I'm not FIlipino lawl]
It was harder to find than we thought! It's behind the plaza Luigi's is in, in case anybody gets lost. But it was so worth the confusion.
We only got one buko-pandan silvana [1.15] and a mango bar [.85]. The mango bar was alright. Not SUUUUPERDELICIOUSOMG but it was definitely good. Buuuuuut... the silvana... NOMZZ.
I didn't want to get a whole silvana for myself because I wasn't sure if I was allergic to cashews [I'm allergic to peanuts and pistachios, but I'm still hesitant when it comes to other nuts.. although peanuts aren't really nuts anyway.]. Thank goodness I'm not, because the silvana was heavenly!
The boy's face when he had his first bite: O_O
Teehee. I liked how the shell's very crispy and light. It's kind of a Filipino-macaron, but... not exactly. It was so good, I wanted to buy a box afterwards, but that'll have to wait until next time!
Putting this in "hidden gems" because.. it's kind of hard to find. -
Review from Sheila M.
San Leandro, CA
6/17/2011 1 photo
I LOVE Silvanas! If you don't already know, they are Filipino cookies made up of butter cream sandwiched in cashew meringue wafers.
They're basically the Sans Rival (cake), in a smaller, easy to eat, hand held version.
At House of Silvanas you can choose from 7 different flavors: Ube (purple yam), Mango, Buko Pandan, Strawberry, Mocha, Chocolate and of course the Original.
Personally, I love the Chocolate and Ube flavors, but you can't go wrong with the Mango and Original. They're refrigerated so they're a nice cold treat to have on a warm day, but make sure to get them to back to the fridge because they will get soft and mushy; they're best eaten cold.
My family and I usually like to buy a pack of 14, which is slightly discounted at $13. 1 silvana is about $1.15.
The store itself is tucked away in a little plaza on Gellert Blvd. It's not that easy to spot from the main road so be patient, because they're definitely worth the effort!
I've never tried anything else from the store except for the silvanas and the sans rival. The silvanas are definitely better than the sans rival, so make sure to choose those instead.
Be prepared to eat 3, or 4 in one sitting! They're so good. -
Review from Marjie T.
10/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
i'm filipino and have never heard of silvanas...so, of course i had to find out what this mystery filipino treat was all about. it's basically a crumbly french macaroon...it is more of a casual version. the flavors are simple and not complex in any way. i would get another one again, but it wasn't something that wowed me.
so, why such a high rating? this is also a bakery and they make these ensiamadas in muffin form. these are basically buttery, fluffy pastries with butter and cheese on top that you heat in the microwave that melts the cheese and turns it into perfection. this little paper-wrapped pastry gave me the impression that this was a wonderful bakery!
for me, it was a ensaimadas that have me coming back. -
Review from Sheila M.
South San Francisco, CA
9/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here
SIlvanas are the Filipino version of a french macaron. I love these crunchy delights. My favorite flavors are the ube, chocolate and original. You do need to eat these fresh from the freezer though. If they stay at room temperature, they're not so yummy anymore. The Sans Rival cake is good too, but it's a heart attack waiting to happen with all those layers of butter. Just stick with the Silvanas.
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Review from Fraulein C.
Santa Clara, CA
3/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love sans rival! It's one of my Filipino favorite delicacies. Since the minute I came here, my first time visit, I've had a heart for Silvanas. It's that GOOD! Two smushed wafer-like cakes/cookies and buttery cream centered in the middle, makes my heart drop. The bakery is known for this specialty ranging with the likes of Original, Ube, Buko-Pandan and other flavors. They do catering services for these sweets, but book it in advance as the business does get busy. You can order a box for cheap to take home or for a large party.
I wouldn't be surprised when famous Filipino celebrities often stop by here. If they love this place, who else wouldn't? I'm hoping they open another location in the South Bay. *hint hint* -
Review from angela l.
3/26/2011
WHAT ARE THESE?!? I don't understand.
whatever they are, they're delicious. I've always heard people talk about silvanas, seen pictures, and no one could explain what it is. a friend of mine posted pictures after she bought a bunch, and generously offered me some. I'm not sure what flavors I had, I know I have strawberry and chocolate, and then a yellow one and a tan colored one haha. I've been nibbling on all of them and they're the perfect balance of light and decadent. they are sweet, but the cookie part is so light that it doesn't become overbearing. be careful, they are seriously addictive. -
Review from MB M.
San Francisco, CA
9/1/2011
Ok. i've had the silvanas before and they're alright, but this review is specifically for the black bottom cupcakes. Holy toledo. Those things are sooooooo good!!!!
You bite into one, and it's a definitely a pleasurable experience. You take another bite and your mouth waters for some more of that happiness. As you enjoy yourself, you take a third bite, and WHOA! A whole morsel of rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate surprises you and takes things to the next level. Once you're done, you will be picking at the paper muffin cup in a desperate attempt to devour every last living crumb of spectacular cupcake goodness. Trust me.
Ahhh... the black bottom cupcake. What's really great about them is that they're not too sweet and have the perfect consistency, so you're not rushing for a glass of milk by the third bite. I mean, i know there are people out there who despise chocolate because the richness and decadence "gives them a headache" (you are crazy little sister), but i promise you, these will not be the culprint of your next big migrane. The "richness" and the "sweet" factor of these cupcakes is subtle and surprising. It hits you in all the right ways. It's not so intense that you're over it before you even finish your dessert. And i dunno about you, but as much as i LOVE cupcakes, i hate when eating one becomes a feat. You know, like the ones that look all cute, but you never know how to take the first bite cause you know it'll be a hot mess once you do. It crumbles everywhere, gets your hands and face all sticky... Well, I ain't into no high maintenance cupcake, and believe me, House of Silvanas black bottom cupcake is not that kind of cupcake. It is a no fuss, keep it real, tell it like it is piece of amazingness that will never leave you scraping the roof of your mouth forever after to get rid of the overwhelming sweetness overload, you know what i mean?
This is gonna turn into a full out thesis, so i'm just gonna tell it straight now. If you ever find yourself here, sure, try the silvanas... but don't forget to grab a black bottom cupcake on the side. You will be happy. -
Review from Rose A.
5/9/2011 21 Check-ins Here
Silvana: a frozen cookie with a layer buttercream in between 2 cashew-meringue wafers.
I heard there was a House of Silvanas in Daly City and just had to check it out...and I am so glad I did! I never knew silvanas could be made in different flavors.
I believe they offer 7 different flavors: original, mocha, mango, chocolate, ube, strawberry and pandan. My favorites are the original, mocha, and pandan. My daughter loves ube and strawberry.
Silvanas are meant to be frozen but I like to store them in the fridge (although, they don't keep as long) because I like the crunchy yet chewy texture and the not so overly sweet creaminess of the buttercream.
House of Silvanas has other yummy treats such as cupcakes and lemon squares.
Plus, House of Silvanas make a good gift idea or potluck item... -
Review from Charles A.
Milpitas, CA
9/2/2011
Plain Silbana's are like crack!!! Sooo good...
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Review from Ti S.
San Francisco, CA
4/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
What are these things?!?!? I definitely wanted to go for the $13 for 14 deal, but I know that these things must not do my body any good. So, I just got one of each flavor, minus the chocolate one, just cause I like chocolate as chocolate and not flavored in other things.
So far, I only tried the ube one, I'm waiting for the boyfriend to come home before we devour the rest. Looking at the pictures, I thought it was going to be some sort of crunchy cookie/wafer with buttercream in the middle. Boy was I wrong. It is this heavenly chewy sweet cookie thing with buttercream. I think these are WAYYY more worth it than french macaroons, and if anything, I think these things are tastier than macaroons, and I LOVE macaroons.
All in all, I haven't tried the other products that they have but I'll be definitely going back for boxes of these Philippino macaroons. :]
................................
edit: a few hours later... I got to try the strawberry one and the original one. It turns out that they are crunchy (when they come out of the freezer). The first one I ate was thawed, that's why it was soft and chewy. Nonetheless, it's yummy. -
Review from Susy C.
San Francisco, CA
7/22/2011
get a box of silvanas in a variety of flavors.. dont' ask what they are, just fridge em and eat them
thank me later. -
Review from Shirley P.
San Francisco, CA
Who in the heck is Jose Rizal? haha Cause when I was younger that's what my sister called Sans Rival- Jose Rizal.
Sans Rival or the smaller version, Silvanas was always the first thing I ate at family parties! Yummy, crushed cashews for decor. Cold, creamy, buttery cream sandwiched between layers of crispy cashew meringue. It was the only thing I ever bought from Goldilocks, and believe it or not, I was like the only Filipino that hated Goldilocks.
Thank God for House of Silvanas now, they offer both the cake size version, Sans Rival and a variety of flavors of Silvanas- 7 to be exact. These include my personal faves; Chocolate, Mango, and Original. There's also Strawberry, Buko Pandan, Mocha, and Ube.
You can buy box of 14 for $12, pre-packaged has 2 of each flavor or you can choose your own. Buying in singles I believe is a $1 each.
They're fast & friendly... and will remind you over and over again these treats are not good for anyone with nut allergies!!! -
Review from Elizabeth B.
Pleasanton, CA
4/3/2011
How do I begin to describe my love for silvanas? How do I even describe what these things even are? Are they refrigerated? Frozen? I don't know, but they are so good!!
My friend took me here, and my eyes were instantly drawn to the colorful rows of silvanas sitting in the cold case. They look like French macaroons, but they're these cookie-crumb coated sandwich cookies with cream filling. Trust me, you just have to try these out for yourself. Just make sure you have a napkin, as they tend to get all over the place.
My favorite flavors are the original and mocha. -
Review from Domingo D.
San Francisco, CA
11/30/2010
What the hell are Silvanas? The fact that no filipino I knew, not even my mom, could answer that question made me need to come here.
After finding this place in a hidden part of the plaza I was immediately greeted by one of the workers. She was very upbeat and obviously very passionate about their product. She quickly explained to me what Silvanas were and honestly all I could think about was how they were the filipino equivalent of macarons. Pretty soon I was walking out with 14 Silvanas, 2 of each flavor.
So we got to my car so the workers wouldn't see us pig out and tried all the flavors. Everything was pretty good and the texture was amazing. The almond cookie thing crumbles when you bite into it so be prepared to get messy. The buttercream in the center is very rich and creamy. Kinda like ice cream. It wasn't overfilled and I thought it was the perfect amount. The whole thing literally melted in my mouth. I think my rating of flavors from best to least favorite would be Ube, mango, strawberry,chocolate, original, buko pandan, then mocha. The fruit flavors were especially delicious and were actually rather refreshing.
It was a great experience and will definite return. I can see the resemblance to macarons, but they are completely different. I would recommend trying them at least once in your life. -
Review from Jenn C.
Vallejo, CA
4/14/2011
Butter heaven in different flavors!!! =)
I had to deduct one star cause it's a silent killer. Shouldn't have too many but you can't just have one. They're addicting. -
Review from Pia V.
10/13/2010
When I first got in I thought the place was closed. There was no one there to greet us nor were there anything in the display cases. A woman came from the back and asked us for our order. We saw their selections on the wall menu, and I decided to just order what they're known for, the silvanas.
I ordered a couple of each kind to be able to give 'em all a try, and they weren't pricey at all. She pulled out the different types from paper bags that were in a freezer behind the counter. We decided to start trying them in the car on our way home. We thought they were great, but we also felt like it was missing something. Plus I would've really liked to see the place actually have the displays up and filled.
None-the-less it was delicious and worth going back to for more.Listed in: I left my heart in San…, Sweet Tooth
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Review from stacy k.
West Sacramento, CA
8/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
I was elated when I got the opportunity to finally go to this little whole in the wall Filipino bakery that I see alot of my friends and family rave about.
Upon walking in, you'll notice that the bakery shop is pretty bare. Just a small glass case holding a couple of cakes and pastries and filipino candy.
I ordered a box of the infamous silvania's. I got Ube, Mocha, Original, Strawberry, Chocolate, and Mango. I enjoyed the ube and mocha out of all of them, but I overall, I wasn't really gung ho about these most talked about Filipino treats.
They are very buttery for sure and best eaten when frozen. But they didn't really knock my socks off. Perhaps it was because I found them to be a bit bland and too buttery tasting. It basically was like a slab of butter and then cookie.
So sad that I don't feel the same as does everyone on here. -
Review from Chris L.
8/16/2010
Thanks yelpers for finding this hidden gem! (Literally, it's on this hilly shopping center that is not level with the rest so you have to go a little past it and turn in and go downhill and make a left into the half-empty shopping center).
The ube silvana was so good! The cookie sandwich had a perfect amount of buttercream (not too much) and the cookies were scrumptious - perfectly not stale and melts in your mouth. Each cookie is $1 and it's $12 for 14 of them. I want to try them all next time!
Also, most Filipinos that I asked don't know this place or don't know this cookie that I'm talking about - but one of them recognized it after I showed her what it was. What is this cookie called in Tagalog? Let me know if you know. These cookies would also be great for a party! They will be a big hit. -
Review from Daniel M.
Daly City, CA
9/14/2010
I gotta tell ya, this place is pretty darn good.
My mom made me take a box back to Santa Cruz about 2 weeks ago to share with my housemates. At the time, I had no idea what it was. All I knew was that the colors were very pretty.
When I finally decided to take my first bite into one (the ube one), words left my vocabulary. My spirit left my body and decided to take a trip to the Philippines all by itself. When it came back, my body had already finished the whole box. The crispy cookies filled with delicious butter cream just melted in my mouth. Yum yum in my tum tum all the way, man.
The friends who ate it with me actually give me MONEY every time I go home just to bring them a box back to Santa Cruz. My favorite is the ube one, followed closely by the buko pandan flavor. Go buy yo'self a box.
Tell your kids, tell your wife, and tell your husband!Listed in: Home Sweet Home
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Review from erica a.
San Francisco, CA
The woman who helped me was SUPER FRIENDLY. I was very happy with the service that I received.
I was only planning on buying a box of 14 for my mom; but I wanted to try a bunch of them too, excluding chocolate. I'm not a big fan of chocolate. -
Review from Joline R.
San Francisco, CA
2/23/2011
I ate next door & saw this. I was so intrigued by the name, I had to go in. The shelf was empty except for some colorful Silvanas. I've never seen them round & in different colors. They almost looked like big french macaroons. But the lady behind the counter told me that they have everything in the back.
I was excited to see that they have food for the gods! I've only had them when someone comes back from the motherland. So I got a few of them along w/ lemon bars, ensaimada & silvanas. When I got home, I noticed how small all of them were. The food for the gods were like $.35 each but the size of those milky ways during halloween. They were all halloween sizes. The ensaimada is in a shape of a cupcake. I must admit that the silvanas were good. I tried the ube & mocha one. They were dry, but in a good way & not too buttery. -
Review from Cath M.
12/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
Came here the day before XMAS Eve and it was crazy... Fellow Filipinos getting their boxes like I did just in time for Noche Buena!
I ended up getting their Silvanas sampler for the familia... I was going to get Sans Rival but they ran out...
Overall... it was a hit with the fam (sans sis). My fave would be mocha and the original. It's not oozing with butter at every bite so that helped a lot. It had enough crunch ... delish!
Would definitely be coming back now that we know the flavors that we like... friendly service at a hectic time as well! -
Review from Jess M.
8/4/2010
This is a great melt-in-your-mouth dessert! You can feel the butter melting in your blood! hahaha My favorite flavors so far are the pandan, original and ube! Perfect alternative for the adoring sans rival fans! These are great right when you buy them but not ideal to be kept in the freezer overnight! It tends to take on the flavor of anything near it not even arm & hammer can help that!
Take a box home for yourself or to share and especially fun to take to parties! If you buy less than fourteen though they just put them in a brown paper bag *sad face*... -
Review from Jayne A.
San Francisco, CA
12/29/2010
I went here a couple days ago and was surprised about how the service was. People have talked about how the employees are friendly and nice, I don't think they met this girl who served me. She was impatient and not helpful at all. After asking to explain what the silvana she told us to ring the bell that was on the counter when we needed help. This was the first time I went there so I expected someone who would be helpful and explain what they were and stuff but she was too busy talking to her co-workers in the back. Thanks to my helpful boyfriend I ended up getting an ube, mango and strawberry silvana and quickly left.
The silvana itself was pretty good like a Filipino wafer macaron thing. My favorite was the mango.
I am pretty sure I won't be going there again. It was a couple days before Christmas so I understand they were busy but when I can obviously see this employee going to the back and just talking, not working on anything, it makes me wonder why she isn't able to talk or at least be around when I am examining their products. After all it is the customers who help her get her paycheck right? -
Review from Grace L.
4/8/2010
House of silvanas = House of yummy goodness!
After a slew of my Yelp buds raved about this place (Peter L., Selle A., Lolia S.), I knew I had to see what the fuss is about the very next time I found myself in the city. These silvanas that everyone raved about intrigued me to a point where I sat and wondered what my experience would be like. In my head were thoughts of meringe, cookie, crispy, frozen. It was time to feed my curiosity. On the way there, I debriefed my bestie on Mission Silvana and the fellow foodie she is, I piqued her interest.
When we pulled up, it was a nice, clean, hole in the wall bakery. Location off the main road is the pits though. Just keep your eyes peeled for it. A cute older Filipino lady wearing a cute apron and a peter pan collared shirt greeted us. I asked for one ube flavored silvana. The lady asked, "Just one?" As if she knew I was going to want more after. When I took that first crunchy bite, my senses spun like Alice down the rabbit hole. The crispy, lightly flavored and sweet cookie exterior slowly gave way to the delicate French buttercream inside. The frozenness added the right amount of firmness it needed. It was absolutely nothing like I've ever tasted in my life. I ordered only 6 more, one in each flavor, to bring home to my parents. I completely regret not getting more as the 6 only lasted about 5 minutes when I got home.
Bestie also agreed with their goodness and got 3 along with an emsaimada.
Everyone needs to try this dessert. Even if you aren't a fan of sweets, you'll find the silvana to be the perfect after meal, make-your-tastebuds-do-cartwheels type of treat. I just hope someday they can cater to people on the other side of the bridge and open a bakery in the East Bay.Listed in: Honeybunches, sugarplums...
-
Review from Lorraine Y.
Millbrae, CA
5/19/2010 4 photos
Sunday afternoons are made for caloric splurging! Last Sunday, we had watermelon freezes from Eggettes, and while we were cruising, Nick suddenly had a hankering for halo halo. Where can we get halo halo fast??? Goldilocks. But before we made it to Goldilocks, we made a pit stop at House of Silvanas to get frozen cookies. We walked in at 2:55, and there was NOTHING in the display case for the silvanas. "We still have silvanas in the freezer, every flavor. We're just cleaning up for the day!" The man working there was so nice to us even though they were JUST about to close.
We walked out with two ube, one strawberry, one original, one buko-pandan, and 3 polverone treats all for $6.50. I couldn't wait to have one so before we even got back to the car, I already had my hand shoved in the bag reaching for an ube one. Frozen, light, and DELICIOUS. I can't even begin to describe how good the cookie was. The buttercream was rich and creamy, while the cookie itself was light and crunchy. My favorite was definitely the ube silvana, but each one was still good. I didn't get to taste the polverone.. Nick took them and shared with his bro bro.
Warning, if you're allergic to cashews, DON'T GET ANY SILVANAS! The cookie is made with cashews! The man let us know in case either of us were allergic. If you're not allergic, eat to your heart's desire! These are heavenly treats!
We never made it to Goldilocks that day...
