For many Filipinos in Toronto, Claire’s Kakanin isn’t just dessert — it’s nostalgia wrapped in banana leaves and coconut oil. Known for its soft kutsinta with yema sauce, Claire’s has become a staple at Filipino gatherings, from birthdays to weddings, and now it’s entering a new chapter with its bigger, brighter store at 878 Wilson Avenue.
Claire’s story began long before the storefronts and deliveries. Back in her Hong Kong days, she was already making and selling kutsinta. “I brought my molds and measuring cups from Hong Kong to Canada,” she says proudly. “Mahilig talaga akong gumawa ng kakanin.”
When she arrived in Toronto, she sold biko and kutsinta from a trolley at parks, churches, and even consulate events. During the pandemic, when everyone stayed home, orders for her homemade kakanin exploded. She perfected her recipes, upgraded her packaging, and eventually started supplying Filipino stores across the GTA — now more than 15 regular clients.
Weekends are the busiest. “Saturday, sold out lagi,” she laughs. From puto cheese to sapin-sapin, ube biko to cassava cake, every tray is made with care and patience. And for those who have tried her signature kutsinta with yema sauce, they know — nothing compares.
After two and a half years at her first store, Claire is finally fulfilling another dream — expanding into a larger space on Wilson Avenue. The new location will not only serve her famous kakanin but also hot dishes like kaldereta and laing, plus catering for all occasions.
“Everything I have, I owe to the Lord,” she says. “Every day, I start with gratitude. This store is His blessing.”
From a rolling cart to a bustling kitchen, Claire’s Kakanin continues to serve the sweet taste of home — proof that passion, faith, and Filipino flavor always find their way forward.
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