I am never really a fan of buko pie. I've tried a few over the years, especially during overnight bus trips from Bicol to Manila, but most of them were thick, dry, and honestly quite forgettable. That changed when I visited a fine dining café in BGC and tasted a young coconut pie that cost around ₱325 for just one slice. It had a thick, creamy filling, a beautifully baked golden-brown crumb topping, and was served with a sweet cream sauce on the side. It completely changed my expectations of what a good coconut pie could be.
So imagine my surprise when I discovered that I didn't have to travel back to Manila to enjoy a coconut pie that left the same lasting impression. Right here in Sorsogon, I found exactly that at Nono's Bakery. Their Yema Buko Pie and Ube Buko Pie may have a more traditional, homemade presentation, but one bite was enough to convince me that they deserve a spot among my favorite coconut pies. Even better, for just over ₱300, you're already taking home an entire pie instead of paying nearly the same amount for a single slice.
Nono's Bakery Yema Buko Pie Review
The Yema Buko Pie is Nono's Bakery's signature bestseller, and after trying it, I completely understand why. If you're unfamiliar with yema, it's a classic Filipino confection made from egg yolks, condensed milk, and butter, giving it a rich, creamy, caramel-like flavor.
At first glance, I honestly thought the pie would be too sweet because of the generous yema and grated cheese on top. Thankfully, I was wrong. The sweetness is well-balanced, allowing the fresh young coconut to remain the star of every bite. The young buko is tender, naturally sweet, and not overly watery or too mature, while the flaky, lightly buttery crust provides just the right amount of crunch. The creamy yema and cheese create a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors without overpowering the pie. It's simple, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.
Nono's Bakery Ube Buko Pie Review
Over the past few years, ube has gained worldwide recognition, becoming one of the Philippines' most celebrated ingredients. From ice cream and cheesecakes to cookies, doughnuts, and lattes, this vibrant purple yam has become a favorite in cafés and bakeries around the globe.
As demand continues to grow, many ube desserts today rely on powdered mixes, extracts, or artificial flavorings to recreate its signature taste and vibrant purple color. That's one of the reasons I appreciate Nono's Bakery's Ube Buko Pie.
Rather than using artificial flavorings or powdered ube, Nono's Bakery uses real ube sourced from local farmers in Sorsogon. The difference is noticeable. The filling has a naturally rich, earthy flavor that blends beautifully with the fresh young coconut, creating a pie that's creamy, flavorful, and unmistakably authentic. Every slice not only celebrates one of the Philippines' most iconic ingredients but also supports the hardworking farmers who grow it right here in Sorsogon.
Best Served Chilled
Although both pies are delicious straight from the box, I personally think they're best served chilled. After a few hours in the refrigerator, the filling becomes firmer and creamier, making every bite even more enjoyable.
Keep in mind that Nono's Bakery only sells in whole pies in Magsaysay Street (where we were able to try these for the first time) so you won't be able to buy just a slice. The good news is that when properly refrigerated, the pies can last about one to two weeks, making them an excellent pasalubong for family and friends. In other branches of Nono's Bakery, you can.
Final Verdict
Nono's Bakery completely changed my perception of local buko pie. Their pies don't rely on fancy presentation or dipping sauces to impress. Instead, they let quality ingredients do the talking—fresh young coconut, flaky crust, creamy yema, and real locally grown ube.
If you have to only pick one, it is really hard to choose. You got to eat both the Yema Buko Pie or the Ube Buko Pie because you're bringing home more than just dessert. You're enjoying a delicious taste of Sorsogon that you won't find elsewhere with the same taste.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 – A must-try pasalubong when visiting Sorsogon.
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