To celebrate Filipino Independence Day and National Ube Day on 12th June, the Maginhawa Group, the collection of Filipino-inspired restaurants and concepts founded by restaurateur Omar Shah, is launching a special Ube Trail across London.

Running from 12th June – 30th June, the trail invites diners to explore the versatility of the Philippines’ most beloved ingredient, with 10% off selected ube dishes and drinks across the group’s venues. From pastries and brunch dishes to ice cream and viral desserts, the Ube Trail offers Londoners the opportunity to experience ube in its many forms while celebrating Filipino culture and heritage.

Known for its vibrant purple hue and subtly sweet flavour, ube has become one of the most recognisable ingredients in Filipino cuisine. The Maginhawa Group’s Ube Trail shines a spotlight on this iconic ingredient through a curated journey spanning breakfast, brunch, dessert and dinner.

The trail begins at Cafe Mama & Sons, the group’s Filipino bakery. Guests can start their day with an ube mochi croissant paired with an iced ube matcha. The bakery’s signature croissant features chewy ube mochi nestled inside a flaky, house-laminated croissant bow, finished with a light sugar syrup glaze and toasted coconut flakes. Served alongside the refreshing ube matcha, it provides a colourful alternative to the morning coffee routine.

For brunch, visitors can head to Bintang, London’s oldest Filipino restaurant and home to the city’s first Filipino brunch. Originally opened by Shah’s parents in the 1980s, the restaurant continues to champion Filipino cuisine for new audiences. Diners can enjoy its popular ube French toast, featuring fluffy toasted bread topped with rich ube sauce.

Those looking for an afternoon sweet treat can stop by Mamasons, the award-winning Filipino ice cream parlour celebrated for bringing authentic Filipino desserts to the capital. Here, guests can enjoy the parlour’s signature ube ice cream, served on its own or as a bilog – an indulgent ice cream sandwich with soft pandesal bread.

To round off the day, diners can visit Belly and indulge in the restaurant’s renowned Ube Tiramisu. One of London’s most viral desserts, the dish combines delicate layers of ube sponge with cream and a subtle rhubarb tang., with a delicious purple ube cream for that Instagrammable pour.

The Ube Trail forms part of the Maginhawa Group’s ongoing mission to celebrate Filipino food, culture and community while introducing Filipino flavours to wider audiences.