Filipino Version of Magnolia Bakery — Kanin

Many have tried Magnolia Bakery’s banana pudding — now Chicago has an Asian twist: Kanin’s ube pudding! Kanin is a Filipino-Hawaiian hybrid spot (though calling it a restaurant isn’t quite right — most items are pre-made/packaged, with a limited menu). Seating is minimal — better to grab and go, or eat at the cafe next door. 🍙 Hawaiian-inspired musubi, influenced by Japanese cuisine. They offer several rice ball varieties — from classic Spam to Filipino longanisa sausage, topped with nori. As a meat lover, I thought both were delicious, though a friend found the longanisa too fatty — personal preference.❤️😍 The fried shrimp musubi wasn’t great — kept warm, but the shrimp turned soggy. Skip if texture matters. 🍮 Signature Ube Pudding – Like Magnolia’s star banana pudding, it’s incredibly smooth and creamy, but much less sweet and easier to enjoy. Real ube flavor comes through clearly. 🍵 If you still find the ube pudding sweet, try the matcha strawberry pudding — brightened by tangy strawberry bits. Originally a monthly special, it became permanent due to popularity — that says it all! They also carry Asian snacks — looks like a partnership with downtown’s H Mart. Lots of unfamiliar brands and flavors — curious to try next time. Close to the popular bakery Del Sur — perfect for a combo visit. P.S. Last pic is the community board — too cute. The baby only likes humans with curly hair (??) and dogs 😂 📍 Kanin 5131 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 #SummerFoodieCat 🐱 #ChicagoLife #ExploreChicago #ChicagoEats #GlobalFoodieChallenge