Packaged for take-home, Belmont Hotel Boracay’s Queso Seco Bun makes for a flavorful pasalubong.
in ,

Taste of Boracay: Why Belmont Hotel’s Queso Seco Bun Makes the Perfect Pasalubong

From Boracay to Home: Try Belmont Hotel’s Irresistible Queso Seco Bun

Some travel memories are made at the beach, while others begin with a bite.

Packaged for take-home, Belmont Hotel Boracay’s Queso Seco Bun makes for a flavorful pasalubong.

Packaged for take-home, Belmont Hotel Boracay’s Queso Seco Bun makes for a flavorful pasalubong.

For travelers exploring Boracay, discovering a memorable local flavor can be just as rewarding as finding a beautiful sunset or hidden island spot. And when that favorite comes in a box that can be brought home, it becomes an even better part of the journey.

One pastry making waves among visitors and locals is the Queso Seco Bun at Belmont Café, located at Belmont Hotel Boracay in Boracay Newcoast.

Inspired by the classic Filipino ensaymada, the Queso Seco Bun gives the familiar favorite a contemporary twist. It combines soft, potato-enriched brioche with a rich butter-and-cream-cheese filling, finished with dried cheddar for a savory, slightly salty bite.

The result is comforting and familiar, yet different enough to stand out.

A Modern Take on a Filipino Classic

The Queso Seco Bun takes its inspiration from ensaymada, one of the Philippines’ most beloved pastries.

A modern interpretation of the classic Filipino ensaymada, Belmont Hotel Boracay’s signature Queso Seco Bun offers a distinctive take on a familiar favorite.
A modern interpretation of the classic Filipino ensaymada, Belmont Hotel Boracay’s signature Queso Seco Bun offers a distinctive take on a familiar favorite.

Instead of simply recreating the traditional version, Belmont Hotel Boracay Executive Chef Paul Aligaen developed a pastry that evokes childhood memories while forging its own identity.

“Ensaymada was my go-to snack when I was a kid,” shares Aligaen. “I wanted to keep that sense of comfort and familiarity while creating something with a character of its own—something guests could enjoy here in Boracay and remember after their stay.”

That balance between familiarity and originality is central to the pastry’s appeal.

The bun starts with soft brioche dough enriched with potato, giving it a tender and satisfying texture. Inside, butter and cream cheese create a rich, creamy filling. Dried cheddar sprinkled on top adds a savory finish that cuts through the pastry’s subtle sweetness.

The name Queso Seco, which means “dry cheese,” comes from the dried cheddar topping that gives the bun its signature character.

Why Travelers Are Adding It to Their Boracay Food List

Boracay is best known for its powdery white sand, turquoise waters, sunset cruises, and lively dining scene. But food can offer another way to connect with a destination.

The Queso Seco Bun is a good example.

It is easy to enjoy during a relaxed café stop, especially with a cup of coffee between sightseeing and beach activities. At the same time, its convenient packaging makes it suitable for travelers looking for something to take home.

Belmont Hotel Boracay Area General Manager Maia Israel says the pastry has become part of the travel experience for many guests.

“Some of the most memorable parts of a trip are often the simplest—the meal you enjoyed, the snack you kept coming back for, or the treat you wanted your family and friends to try when you got home,” shares Israel.

“That is what has been exciting to see with the Queso Seco Bun. Guests discover it here, enjoy it during their stay, and bring it home to share.”

A Boracay Pasalubong With a Filipino Touch

Bringing home pasalubong is a familiar part of Filipino travel culture.

Whether it is a regional delicacy, local snack, handmade souvenir, or something unexpectedly delicious, pasalubong allows travelers to share a small part of their trip with family and friends.

The Queso Seco Bun fits naturally into that tradition.

Travelers can enjoy one fresh at Belmont Café before heading out for the day’s adventures or purchase several to bring home. Individual packaging and boxes of six make it convenient for sharing.

For visitors staying in Boracay, it can also be a simple food souvenir that requires little planning. Pick up a few before leaving the island and turn a favorite café discovery into something everyone at home can enjoy.

Executive Sous Chef Paul Aligaen serves his signature Queso Seco Bun at Belmont Café.
Executive Sous Chef Paul Aligaen serves his signature Queso Seco Bun at Belmont Café.

What Makes the Queso Seco Bun Special?

The appeal lies in the combination of textures and flavors.

The brioche is soft and tender, while the butter and cream cheese filling adds richness. The dried cheddar provides a savory and slightly salty contrast, preventing the pastry from becoming overly sweet.

It is this combination that gives the bun its distinctive personality.

For fans of Filipino pastries, the connection to ensaymada makes it immediately recognizable. For travelers seeking something new, the cheese-forward finish offers an unexpected twist.

It is familiar enough to be comforting but different enough to become one of those food discoveries travelers remember after a vacation.

Freshly Baked Throughout the Day

The Queso Seco Bun is freshly baked in batches throughout the day at Belmont Café.

It is available daily for PHP 95 per piece, while supplies last. Guests can order it for dine-in or takeaway, with individual packaging and boxes of six available.

Travelers planning to purchase a larger quantity are encouraged to pre-order. This can help ensure that freshly prepared batches are available, particularly for those planning to bring the pastry home as pasalubong.

A Delicious Reason to Explore Boracay Beyond the Beach

A trip to Boracay naturally revolves around the island’s spectacular beaches and outdoor adventures. But some of the most enjoyable discoveries can happen between activities.

A leisurely café stop, an afternoon snack, or a pastry picked up before the journey home can become part of a vacation’s story.

The Queso Seco Bun offers exactly that kind of experience.

It takes inspiration from a Filipino classic, gives it a distinctly modern personality, and turns it into a pastry that can be enjoyed both on the island and at home.

For travelers creating a list of what to eat in Boracay, it is a worthwhile addition—especially for anyone who enjoys Filipino pastries or is searching for a unique pasalubong.

After all, the best souvenirs aren’t always something you can display. Sometimes, they’re something delicious you can share.

Queso Seco Bun Details

Where: Belmont Café, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Boracay Newcoast
Price: PHP 95 per piece
Availability: Daily, while supplies last
Options: Dine-in, takeaway, individual packaging, and boxes of six
For larger orders: Pre-ordering is encouraged for freshly prepared batches
Contact: 0917-867-2515
Email: fbsup@belmontboracay.com.ph
Website: www.belmontboracay.com.ph

Boracay Travel Tour Packages You Should Try

Klook.com

Follow and subscribe to OutofTownBlog.com on Facebook Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube  for more Travel-related updates.

Read:

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

What do you think?

Comments

'She’s a beast': Alex Eala roots for Coco Gauff in US Open

Alex Eala Backs Coco Gauff: “She’s a Beast” — Who Can Stop Her at the US Open?