We first tried Napoleones from an online supplier in Manila called Gurbies Pastries and we fell in love with it instantly. After researching, we learned that Napoleones originated from Bacolod so, we decided to go there and try all the napoleones we can find.

Bacolod is well-known for its sugar industry and sweet delicacies. One of the most sought after pasalubong is the napoleones but do you know where to get the best one?

We tried and compared the napoleones from the famous stores and rated them based on our experience.

1. BongBong’s

The most popular pasalubong center in Bacolod that has also made its way in Manila. Most of the pasalubong being sold here can already be bought in Manila but not the napoleones. Maybe because it has a short shelf life and it has to be kept refrigerated.

We love the ratio between the puff pastry, custard-like filling and the sugar glazing on top. The sweetness was just right and we also love its flaky and soft texture even after it was refrigerated. We tried it straight from the fridge and reheated, and it both tasted fantastic! This is simply the best for us.

Price: Php 137
Table for: 8 pcs
Food Rating: 5/5

2. Merzci

We’re not lucky enough to try this in Bacolod since it was sold out at the time we went and the store at the airport was already closed since we had a late-night flight going back to Manila. Luckily, we have a friend who went there and was able to buy us one. Thank you @thepatkidinside (follow him on Instagram)!

Upon seeing the napoleones, compared to BongBong’s, this one has a thinner layer as you can see in the photo.  This one is also sweeter. Actually, we think that this one is the sweetest among the four. It was soft but not flaky enough even after reheating it.

This one tastes better after reheating it so, make sure to reheat this one!

This one tastes close to BongBong’s but more affordable.

I have a friend who lives in Bacolod and told us that the Bacolodnons prefer this one over BongBong’s when it comes to pasalubong.

Price: Php 85
Table for: 6 pcs
Food Rating: 4/5

3. Cafe Bob’s

We tried this in-store while dining at Cafe Bob’s. We love its cozy ambiance!

The chocolate drizzle on top was enticing but it does not affect its flavor. It wasn’t even a tiny bit chocolatey and we’re not complaining. It has a thick puff pastry (thicker than the two). Flaky but not that creamy. It has less custard filling and sugar glaze compared to the first two.

This one is perfect for those who’s not much into sweets.

Price: Php 25
Table for: 1 pc
Food Rating: 3.5/5

4. Roli’s Cafe

As we went on searching for the most delicious napoleones in Bacolod, we came across this one which happened to be beside The Hostelry where we stayed in Bacolod.

We had their napoleones for breakfast since it was also where we had our complimentary breakfast. As compared to the above ones, this one is bigger and longer.  Very different.

The puff pastry was thick, the thickest among all four. The custard filling was concentrated in the middle and not layered in between the puff pastry like the others. It was a bit crunchy rather than flaky and wasn’t soft enough as we wanted. Maybe because it was a bit toasted on the sides.  It also lacks the sweetness that we wanted despite the thick custard filling and sugar glaze.

Not sure if this was really how they cook their napoleones but this was our least favorite. This was contrary to all the food reviews we have read. Also, we won’t recommend that you try this if you want to get the value of your money.

Aside from this, they also have the chocolate variant which was sold for Php 32. We’re not able to try it since it wasn’t available at the time we went.

Price: Php 30
Table for: 1 pc
Food Rating: 3/5

Overall, we vote for BongBong’s as the best napoleones in Bacolod and we highly recommend it.

We have heard about Pendy’s and Virgie’s napoleones but were not able to try it due to limited time.

Where’s the best napoleones for you? Share it with us by commenting below!

Disclaimer: We bought all the napoleones and this review was written based on the author’s personal preference.

Update: Tried Pendy’s which is now known as Leones Napoleones and the best part is, you can get it in Manila! Check it out here.