Sabadas

Sabadas are a type of baked or fried pastry originating from the Philippines. They are typically made from a dough of flour, eggs, and sometimes milk or butter, which is then filled with a sweet or savory mixture. Common sweet fillings include custard, ube (purple yam), or sweetened cheese. Savory versions might contain ground meat, vegetables, or cheese. The dough is shaped into a crescent or other decorative forms before being cooked.

The preparation method can vary. Some sabadas are baked until golden brown and slightly crisp, while others are deep-fried. The texture is often described as flaky or slightly chewy depending on the recipe and cooking method. Sabadas are often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, and their popularity extends beyond the Philippines, with communities of Filipino diaspora enjoying them worldwide. They are a common sight at Filipino bakeries and gatherings. While the exact origins are not definitively documented, they share similarities with other stuffed pastries found in various cuisines, suggesting a possible influence from historical trade routes or colonial interactions. The term "sabadas" itself may have various etymological interpretations, but its association with these sweet or savory filled pastries is widely recognized within Filipino culinary tradition.