By Sonja in Makati: Pastries, Crêpes, and More from Chef Sonja Ocampo
Pastry chef Sonja Ocampo expands beyond the cupcakes and celebration cakes she has long been known for with By Sonja, a café and bakery along Chino Roces Avenue Extension in Makati City.
The concept gives Ocampo more room to showcase a broader range of baked goods and café fare. Its selection includes croissants and other viennoiserie, scones, crêpes, galettes, mille-pressé, cakes, and other pastries, alongside savory choices that make the café suitable for breakfast, merienda, or a light meal.
Guests can also find croissant sandwiches, combining the bakery’s flaky laminated pastry with savory fillings. Meanwhile, its crêpes lean toward the sweeter side of the menu, while the galettes offer a savory alternative, reflecting the French influence behind many of By Sonja’s creations.
For something more filling, diners may want to try By Sonja’s Tomato, Mozzarella & Prosciutto Croissant Sandwich, which pairs a crisp, flaky croissant with tomato, mozzarella, and prosciutto for a satisfying savory bite.
Tomato, Mozzarella & Prosciutto Croissant Sandwich / IMAGE from By Sonja’s Facebook page
The Galette Brocéliande, meanwhile, is made with a golden buckwheat galette filled with smoked salmon, fresh spinach, and melted cheese, then topped with a sunny-side-up egg and a touch of crème fraîche. It offers a hearty savory option that works well for breakfast, brunch, or a light meal.
Galette Brocéliande / IMAGE from By Sonja’s Facebook page
Finally, the sweet-toothed will be surprised by the Crepe Suzette at By Sonja, a timeless French classic—thin, delicate crêpes bathed in a warm, fragrant citrus Bordier butter sauce with orange and yuzu juices, and a splash of Grand Marnier. It is then topped with candied orange zest and sweet, juicy jelly mandarin slices, then flambéed to perfection for a rich, citrusy, buttery finish.
Crepe Suzette at By Sonja / IMAGE from By Sonja’s Facebook page
Bonus: By Sonja is also now serving Granola Bowls made of crunchy house-made apple crisp granola, seasonal fruits, this season’s strawberry–banana compote, creamy Greek yogurt, and a scoop of their milk ice cream!
Granola Bowl / IMAGE from By Sonja’s Facebook page
Behind the café is Chef Sonja Ocampo, who first developed her cake-decorating skills at the Wilton School of Cake Decorating in Illinois before continuing her culinary education in New York.
She later completed programs in Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education, formerly known as Peter Kump’s New York Cooking School. Her professional experience also included working in restaurant and pastry kitchens in New York before eventually returning to Manila.
Ocampo went on to establish Cupcakes by Sonja in 2006, followed by Cakeshop by Sonja. With By Sonja, she brings that experience into a café format centered on breads, laminated pastries, crêpes, savory dishes, and desserts.
By Sonja is located at the YMC Building along Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City.
