22 Grams is an innovative dessert-focused restaurant offering inventive savory pastries and curated dessert tasting experiences. Its name, inspired by the master and angel number 22, reflects ideals of balance, harmony, adaptability, and creativity, while also nodding to the exact weight of a perfect, bite-sized cookie—honoring the brand’s roots. Founded by a team of passionate food lovers led by Chef Dave Cervantes, celebrated for his deep expertise in pastry and unconventional flair, 22 Grams began as a modest online business selling 22-gram cookies and distinctive cakes during the pandemic. A year ago, it transformed into Poblacion’s beloved dessert bar, taking over the former Kermit Manila location.
We tried the tasting menu of savory and dessert creations—here’s what to expect at 22 Grams:
22 GRAMS, POBLACION
Upon entering, you might feel slightly intimidated by the high ceilings and romantically lit interiors, fronted by a pastry counter and café bar. It evokes a more mature Wildflour, yet with a fresh, youthful vibe.
22 Grams Dessert Bar and Restaurant
4636 Molina Street, Makati 1210
Operating Hours:
MON – Closed | TUES – THURS 10AM – 11PM
FRI – SAT 10AM – 2AM | SUN 10AM -11PM
IG: @22grams.mnl
FB: 22 Grams Manila
📞 +63 966 4187-888
✉️ reservations@22gramsmanila.com
The secret to their irresistible flavors lies in their use of a rotary vacuum evaporator, which distills ingredients to capture their pure essence in oils or distilled forms, adding depth and intensity to their pastries.
The second floor hosts the main open kitchen, creating an immersive atmosphere where guests can watch the culinary action unfold. This space also serves as the restaurant’s primary dining area, ideal for special events and tasting experiences.
Note: We tried the tasting portions depicted in photos, but the pricing is for a whole serving.
STARTERS
CALAMANSI BRIOCHE
with Inasal Butter
This small, mushroom-shaped, soft, and buttery bread is infused with calamansi zest and pairs nicely with Inasal-flavored butter, offering a delightful contrast of flavors as a teaser.
EDAMAME (Sharing Portion – ₱425)
Water Chestnut Ceviche, furikake, panipuri
This Edamame Ceviche, featuring water chestnuts and edamame chickpea hummus, delivers a satisfying crunch from the panipuri shell while maintaining an elegant flavor profile that doesn’t overwhelm the palate.
MICHELADA
Blueberry Lemon with Jalapeno, Paprika, Salt
A refreshing lemonade spiced up with paprika salt and a hint of jalapeño—a perfect aperitif with a subtle kick.
TOM YUM CHICKEN (Sharing Portion – ₱495)
Honey spiced chicken skewer, tamarind powder
One of my favorites, this dish features a delightful clash of flavors—honey sweetness, spiciness, and the sourness of tamarind—creating a Thai-inspired chicken that is irresistible.
SOUPS & SALADS
TKG (₱385)
Red Coconut Curry Soup, Chicken Fried Dumplings
The TKG (Tom Kha Gai), or red coconut curry soup, is a comforting dish with a rich, creamy coconut flavor. Be sure to save the chicken fried dumpling for the last bite to fully enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors.
PASSION FRUIT FIZZ (₱180)
It was enjoyable, though I initially thought the fizz came from soda water, but they actually used Sprite so this is technically a sweet soda.
TOAST, SANDWICHES & PIZZA
PASTRAMI BANH MI CROISSANT (₱395)
Liver Pate, Pa Muchim, Pickled Vegetables, Roquette, Cilantro, Nouc Cham
This Pastrami Croissant, filled with liver pâté, pa muchim (scallion salad), pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, makes for a deliciously savory brunch treat, perfect alongside a cup of coffee.
OH MY CHEESUS (₱445)
5 Cheese Grilled Sandwich, Mornay, Chili Honey
You’ll find yourself saying, “Oh My Cheesus!” as you bite into this grilled five-cheese sandwich, drizzled with sweet chili honey and lightly torched for a hint of smoky flavor.
TOMATO (₱420)
Stracciatella, Pesto, Marinated Tomatoes, Sourdough Toast
Sometimes, simpler flavors are the most satisfying. Enjoy the lighter Tomato and Stracciatella Sourdough Toast, topped with pesto and marinated, juicy tomatoes.
RASPBERRY BASIL FRITZ
Dry Gin with Raspberry, Basil
This dry gin cocktail is perfect for cleansing the palate as you progress through the tasting.
PASTAS & MAINS
EGG NOODLE KRA PAO
Prawn, Stir Fried Egg Noodles in homemade
The menu leans Thai-inspired, featuring dishes like the Egg Noodle Krapao—a decadent mix of crab fat, prawn, and burrata with homemade krapao sauce. Even though we were full, it was so good we couldn’t resist finishing it.
DESSERT
FRENCH TOAST (₱360)
Vanilla Chantilly, Fresh Fruits
The French Toast may look simple, but it’s packed with flavor. A touch of Chantilly adds sweet creaminess, while the fruit brings a bit of acidity to balance the sweetness.
EARL GREY MIDNIGHT CAKE
Dark Chocolate Earl Grey Scented Cake, Lemon Curd,
Dark Chocolate Cremeux, Roasted Cacao Nibs
MATCHA FLORA
Layers of Matcha Biscuit, Matcha Cremeux, Lemon Elderflower
LEMON INTENSE
Layers of Lemon Scented Vanilla Biscuit,
Vanilla White Chocolate Mousse, Lemon Curd
Treat your senses to the inventive dessert offerings at 22 Grams. Savor the Earl Grey Midnight Cake—a luxurious chocolate creation infused with black tea and bergamot, crowned with candied hazelnuts, zesty lemon curd, and a shiny chocolate mirror glaze. Discover more with the Match Flora, blending matcha with elderflower, or the vibrant Lemon Intense cake, crafted with lemon-scented vanilla biscuit, smooth white chocolate mousse, and tangy lemon curd.
It’s best to sample them in bite-sized portions, alternating flavors for a full experience.
ICED SPANISH LATTE (₱185)
A creamy sweetness with a hint of coffee—perfect for pairing with the pastries.
HOJICHA (Gelato by the Scoop – ₱120)
Housemade Hojicha Gelato with Milk Chocolate Feuillitine
One of our favorites is the Hojicha, a roasted matcha-flavored ice cream with a delightful hint of milk chocolate crunch.
PETIT FOURS
BLACK SESAME MACARON
LOCA BANANA COOKIES
ALMOND BUTTER MADELEINES
CHOCOLATE PRALINE
For smaller bites, sample the Loca Banana Cookies, filled with ripe bananas, dark chocolate, and walnuts in a perfectly sized 22-gram treat. The extra-moist Madeleines, rich Chocolate Praline, and striking Black Sesame Macaron also offer bold flavors in every bite.
I love sampling different mini versions of desserts with contrasting flavors—it’s a great idea!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, the dessert pastries are outstanding, with rich flavors even in the mini versions, and I admire their skill in combining flavors. On the savory side, however, the hints of sweetness can become a bit cloying over time.
From a branding perspective, while it’s great that 22 Grams is top of mind for dessert in Poblacion, I believe the culinary team could create equally impressive main dishes based on the flavor and texture combinations they’ve showcased. Sayang, if they are just known for desserts.
Happy Anniversary! Wishing you continued success with 22 Grams—Animo, Chef Dave!
Discover even more of what 22 Grams has to offer, Poblacion’s latest hotspot for all-day and late-night dessert and savory pairings. Each dish is a meticulously crafted culinary journey, ensuring unforgettable flavors and experiences that will keep you coming back for more.
22 Grams Dessert Bar and Restaurant
4636 Molina Street, Makati 1210
Operating Hours:
MON – Closed | TUES – THURS 10AM – 11PM
FRI – SAT 10AM – 2AM | SUN 10AM -11PM
IG: @22grams.mnl
FB: 22 Grams Manila
📞 +63 966 4187-888
✉️ reservations@22gramsmanila.com
Live an Awesome Life with Christ,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: This article was written entirely by 100% human, with my own biases, opinions, and insights. It was then grammar-checked by AI.
P.S. Their commissary is also located on-site, and they are well-known for providing branded desserts for events and catering sweet treats for celebrations.
