Calamansi plays a significant role in the Philippines’ culinary heritage—perhaps just as much as vinegar or patis. In fact, this green citrus fruit, no bigger than a shallot, is ubiquitous in Filipino cuisine, from mixing it with soy sauce to make a salty-tangy condiment perfect for fried dishes to a zingy dessert that lifts the palate after a rich pork-filled meal.
According to the 1987 book Fruits of Warm Climates, experts believe that the calamansi originated in China. Hundreds of years ago, Chinese traders introduced it to Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines and Indonesia. So associated with Filipino food that the world knows it more as the Philippine lime.
In the 21st century, it has become a hot commodity worldwide. Despite its affordability and accessibility and the fact that it’s one of the more humble seasoning agents, it has reached the kitchens of world-renowned chefs, such as David Bouley, Nick Malgieri, and dessert trendsetter Dominique Ansel. Its versatile bright flavor can go from sour to floral to sweet, which explains its versatility.
Can’t get enough of that calamansi taste? Here are some products that show off the unique tartness of this local lime.
Real Coffee and Tea’s Calamansi Muffins
You can’t go to Boracay without stopping by this humble coffee shop-slash-inn. Real Coffee has been around since 1996—one year after its owners, Californian mother-and-daughter team Lee and Nadine Rosaia, moved to a pre-commercial Boracay. A favorite of tourists and celebrities (the Rosaias lavishly decorated the place with photos of family, friends, and big-name guests through the years), the original calamansi muffin is moist, delicate, with a fruity twist that makes it refreshingly beach-perfect.
2/F Sea World, Station 2, Balabag Boracay, Aklan
Cookiemanster’s Calamansi Cake
The people behind this once-trending cake understood that even the simplest components could make an indelible impact when used correctly. Cookiemanster’s creation looks unassuming enough—a butter cake in a disposable tin pan. But perhaps it’s a statement on how well a few squeezes of calamansi can uplift a dish. The cake itself is infused with fresh calamansi juice—a hint of brightness that’s emphasized by the calamansi puree jam and calamansi zest on top. It’s also smothered in tangy cream cheese frosting, but there’s enough sugar in the recipe to keep the flavors balanced.
Order via Instagram @cookiemansterph
M Bakery’s Calamansi Ice Box Bar
You have to hand it to this beloved New York haunt. When it opened in the Philippines a couple of years ago, it made a tremendous effort in incorporating local flair into its renowned menu. Calamansi plays several roles in the bakery, from cheesecakes to cupcakes, but attention must be paid to the ice box bar. A study in balance, it has a graham cracker crust with luscious calamansi-spiked custard, whipped cream, and calamansi zest. Easy, comforting, delicious.
23 5th Avenue corner 28th Street, One Bonifacio, High Street Mall, Taguig
Theo & Philo’s 65% Dark Chocolate with Calamansi
Here’s a real zinger: imagine being deep into the bold, bittersweet flavors of dark chocolate. Then, a bright flavor comes through—like sunshine slipping through dark clouds. In this case, though, these dark clouds are Theo & Philo’s signature Davao chocolate. Okay, this flavor has rendered us incoherent. Let’s just say if the classic chocolate-and-orange combination makes sense, then chocolate-and-calamansi is just too perfect for words.
Fog City Creamery’s Calamansi With Pili Ice Cream
Dairy and acid don’t mix, which is why when it comes to frozen desserts, citrus flavors are usually relegated as sorbets. Fortunately, the geniuses over at Fog City Creamery figured out the magic formula to present pure calamansi comfort in the form of a perky ice cream flavor speckled with crunchy pili nuts.
Shake Shack’s Calamansi Pie Oh My
This beloved hamburger chain collaborated with homegrown-favorite Wildflour to create this fail-safe hybrid. The premise is simple: Wildflour’s calamansi pie stirred into Shake Shack’s vanilla custard. It’s equal parts tart and sinful.
Earnest Bakes’ Calamansi Pie
If you’re a fan of key lime pie or other similar desserts, then your taste buds will be blown by Earnest Zabala’s boldly zippy, picture-perfect pie. The crust is impressively thin, as if not wanting to distract from the beautiful balance of the custard filling. It’s sweet, sour, rich, and refreshing. This pie has been around for over a decade, but its flavors still hold up today.
Order via Instagram @earnestbakes or Viber 0917-813-5819
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