After more than a century of delighting sweet-toothed locals and travelers in Madrid, Chocolatería San Ginés is finally setting foot in Asia. Its first flagship in the region will open in February 2026 at The Podium Mall in Pasig City, bringing Manila a taste of one of the world’s most iconic chocolaterías.
For Filipinos, who already know their way around world-class desserts and locally beloved chocolates, the news might feel like “another foreign brand.” But San Ginés goes beyond being a simple churro stop. In Madrid, it has become a cultural institution, celebrated for golden, crisp churros dunked into thick, velvety hot chocolate, a ritual that has delighted locals and travelers for over a century.
The Podium location promises to balance the old and the new, reflecting San Ginés’ heritage while embracing Manila’s modern energy. Visitors can expect the classic churros con chocolate alongside an expanded menu of Spanish comfort dishes, from authentic tapas and tortillas to paella and the brand’s famed chocolate cake, tailored to appeal to the local palate.
For Pedro Trapote, founder of San Ginés, the choice of Manila for their first Asian flagship came down to a single location. He declared with certainty: “The Podium is the perfect venue — sophisticated, accessible, and at the center of Manila’s culinary energy.”
While the Philippines boasts an already inventive dessert culture, the arrival of San Ginés offers a tantalizing chance to dip into a 130-year-old sweet Madrid tradition while still celebrating local sensibilities. For Manila’s passionate foodies and dessert adventurers, February 2026 marks the moment this legendary Spanish indulgence finally meets our shores.
