The Ensaymada Project — Restaurant in Santa Clarita

When cruising back to NorCal after a gig in SoCal, I always search for random places along my route for different snacks or meals to bring back with me as souvenirs for the family to eat, and for me to enjoy on the drive home. Out of complete dumb luck, I ended up finding The Ensaymada Project and discovered a new "must stop" to make along the way anytime I pass through Santa Clarita.

The shop tiny and in a random little shop with plenty of parking. My son and I thought the place was closed, but it wasn't and it was FULL of ensaymada. These little pastries are delightful. They're soft, pillowy, and the buttercream is flavorful without being cloyingly sweet. My son and I ended up buying a box to drive home, and all of the ensaymada made it back - with much difficulty because we wanted to eat them all in the car on the drive back! - and were still super soft and delicious the next day. There are a lot of different flavors to choose from and we're definitely going to have to visit again...

I’ve been following Ensaymada Projecg when they were just a little IG account doing house pickups. I watched their business grow & prosper over the pandemmy into a brick & mortar store, and their social following grow as well. I couldn’t be more proud for such a deserving business! Especially coming from a fellow pinay 🇵🇭 I’ve been waiting for them to open a shop for years. You really cannot go wrong with any flavor, and I love how they’ve introduced some savory flavors as well (I.e. pesto!). My recommended: queso de bola (classic Filipino ensaymada), ube (purple sweet yam - also classic Filipino flavor), coconut pandan (pandan can be considered Asian vanilla), ube halaya (filled). The brioche is always soft & perfect. Love how you can purchase different size boxes, different size ensaymadas & can purchase individuals. I think the store opening hours are fair! Can’t say enough delicioso things...

The best (as far as I'm concerned) ensaymada I've ever had. It is pretty expensive but I say the taste is worth it. The only drawback is you cannot add a note for free and you can't choose a date for delivery (like Fairytale Brownies do and they have free shipping too). Also, it'll help if they put the name/flavor on the wrapper or at the bottom of each ensaymada. Sure, they include a card with names but some of them look the same. ...