Ube is having a moment. You’ll spot the flavor on both Starbucks’ and Peets’ seasonal menus this spring. But around Northern Virginia, ube is nothing new. The lightly sweet purple yam, native to the Philippines, is a staple flavor in NoVA’s cafés, bakeries, and ice cream shops.
Here are seven spots where you can get a taste of the popular flavor in coffee, baked goods, and more.
Drip Cà Phê
There are a few ube-infused drinks on the menu at this Vietnamese coffee shop in Annandale. You can try it as a sea salt foam latte (made with no coffee) or an espresso-based latte with vibrant purple milk. While you’re here, also try the pandan flavors — it’s another southeast Asian flavor that’s sweet and slightly nutty, similar to vanilla. 4230 Annandale Rd., Ste. 160, Annandale
Layered
Layered, a concept from the owners of Chateau de Chantilly, opened in Fairfax last year and promptly went viral for its intricate desserts that are almost too pretty to eat. When you stop by to pick up a popular fruit-shaped pastries, grab a slice of ube cheesecake. 3924 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax
Midori Tea House
It’s all about matcha at Midori Tea House. There are more than 10 varieties of iced matcha lattes, and a creamy ube variation is one of them. Want something sweet to pair it with? Try the ube tres leches cake or the ube Basque cheesecake. 450 W. Broad St., Ste. 120, Falls Church
Mimi’s Handmade Ice Cream
Mimi’s is the place to go if you want a scoop of housemade ice cream in a flavor you’ve never tried before. There’s ube on the menu here, alongside other fun flavors like Thai iced tea, cherry blossom, snow ginger, and even wasabi. 1201 Joyce St., Arlington; 2985 District Ave., Ste. 160, Fairfax
Okaeri Japanese Cafe
This Centreville spot is known for its ultra-fluffy souffle pancakes, which come in six flavors. Try the ube, which comes with a vibrant purple cream on top of the light-as-air pancakes. Other varieties include chocolate banana, strawberry, matcha, tiramisu, and plain with fresh fruit. 14215 Centreville Sq., Centreville
SoftSpot
For a cup or cone of creamy soft serve, visit SoftSpot. You can try ube soft serve on its own or swirled with a “shaken espresso” flavor for a frozen dessert version of your morning coffee. If you opt for a sundae, add toppings like toasted coconut or crushed almonds. 13905A Metrotech Dr., Chantilly
Toi Moi Bakery
This NoVA bakery is known for its over-the-top pastries, including large, circular croissants stuffed with decadent fillings. You can try the “Suprême Croissant” with ube, matcha, or a rotating seasonal flavor as the filling. They’re topped with a white chocolate glaze. 4520 Daly Dr., Ste. 108, Chantilly, multiple farmers markets
Feature image courtesy SoftSpot
