Breaking Bread

Written by Jonathan Lansang, Photos by Ryan Fernandez

GOOD BREAD IS A SCIENCE. With just flour and water as a base, one can mix in some yeast and sugar to make it rise, butter and eggs for richness, or even just switch the kind of flour used to produce an entirely different texture. That same bread is itself an element of a greater whole. Though often a side, or a simple vehicle for the filling, the right variety can add just the right texture or flavor that will bring together all the other elements of the dish. Choosing that perfect loaf may be difficult for the layman, but luckily you can get all that and more at Harina Artisan Bakery Café.

Harina in White Plains serves up artisanal baked goods daily. Left: Bread sticks with cheese and chocolate dips hearken back to the Yan-Yan snacks of yesteryear.

Located along White Plains on Katipunan, Harina is a charming little café that radiates the warmth of home. Well, a home with the gorgeous scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. Formerly Monsee’s the store has greatly expanded their all day breakfast menu while retaining some of their signature items such as their Spanish bread and breadsticks. Living up to the “artisan” in their name, all their baked goods are prepared in the traditional manner, hand-rolled and baked everyday with premium ingredients and absolutely no chemical additives.

Food is meant for sharing at Harina. Their Bloomin Bread, a fluffy focaccia loaf, is the perfect starter for groups.

Naturally, their menu capitalizes on this same artisanship and features several items with breads and pastries baked in the very same kitchen. Bloomin Bread is a great starter. The gorgeous loaf of focaccia topped with a bit of cheese and basil puree served with balsamic vinegar and olive oil on the side is a classic combination, one made better by the freshness of the bread. The loaf is huge, enough to share amongst your party and will definitely whet your appetite.

 The Chicken Caesar Sandwich is a savory treat combining Cajun chicken with lettuce, bacon, Caesar dressing and a perfectly poached egg on a baguette whose crisp crust is a good compliment to the other ingredients. 

The Waldorf Sandwich is another good healthy option. Like its salad namesake, it is composed of red and green apples, celery, chopped walnuts, joined by a chunks of chicken in mayonnaise all in a flaky pastry.

Perfect pairings: Left: Iced tea is served in adorable mason jars and striped party straws. Right: Harina's chunky waldorf sandwich is loaded with apples, walnuts, and chicken shreds.

If you’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth, Harina has two varieties of French toast which are sure to please. The Strawberry Cheesecake version, as the name implies, has a cheesecake and strawberry preserves filled brioche. As much as I loved it, I’m a total sucker for peanut butter, and the Peanut Butter, Banana and Chocolate French Toast (the name is pretty self-explanatory) take on the timeless combination of flavors in their special wheat honey walnut bread and among their desserts, it’s my top choice.

Toasts of the town: Opt for butter, banana, and chocolate French Toast (left), or a strawberry cheesecake twist (right) for your all-day breakfast cravings

My personal favorite of the their breakfast offerings though was the Breakfast Tart, a puff pastry with a filling of cream cheese, spinach, tomatoes and eggs topped with bacon. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine and the incredibly rich filling is only made more so by the gooey yolk as it flows out.

Harina's Breakfast Tart - flaky pastry topped with layers of cheese, spinach, egg, and bacon - is rich and savory. In short, it's the perfect way to start your day.

Bread's available all-day round at the bakery corner of the restaurant

As with all great bakeries, they have a selection of breads and other pastries like muffins and Danishes. Of special note though, was that they also had a variety of sweet and savory spreads that they make themselves. While the cookies and cream spread called out to me, I opted for the Bacalao as a take home for my family.

Baker's dozen: There's a lot to be had at Harina both for merienda and parties including muffins, cream puffs, danishes, and cookies.

As a final treat, we were offered a chance to try their brand new cronuts which were being brought out for the first time. Available in varieties of chocolate, blueberry and peanut butter (YES!), Harina has, for my money, produced the best cronuts in the local market in terms of both texture and flavor. I can definitely see people lining up for a box of these babies.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy place for brunch with your significant other; a great meal for your family (including decorate-a-treat cupcakes or cookies which kids are sure to love); or artisanal gifts for the holidays and beyond, swing by Harina. Munching away on some focaccia, you'll be happy you did.

Harina Artisan Bakery Cafe
118 Katipunan Avenue, White Plains, Quezon City
Tel. 352 6721
Open daily from 6:00am to 9:00pm

Read More