We are at the start of December, only a couple more weeks away from Christmas.
While you’re busy catching up on deadlines at work, blocking out dates for your Christmas parties and reunions, and surviving the harrowing traffic, the days pass.
Next thing you know, you’re only a few hours away from Christmas and you’re scrambling to buy food for your Noche Buena feast.
Of course, you wouldn’t want to break tradition. And what’s Christmas without our mainstay hams on the table?
If you don’t want to get caught between throngs of people shopping for their last-minute groceries, then you need to act fast.
Here are 8 of the best hams in Manila and all the places where you can get them:
1. Excelente Ham
Where to purchase: 155-157 Carlos Palanca Street, Quiapo, Manila
If you don’t mind the long wait, then go to Quiapo for this smoked Chinese ham that sees a long line of patrons during the holidays every single year.
Excelente Ham has been in business since the 1930s, earning them a reputation of one of the best hams in the country. Hurry up before the crowd gets to it!
Their store is open 8:00 am to 7:00 pm daily. You can visit their Facebook page for directions or call (02) 733 6355.
2. King Sue Ham
Where to purchase: 402 Tandang Sora St., cor 1st Ave., Grace Park, Caloocan; The grocery stores near you
King Sue’s Christmas ham roster includes Chinese Ham Bone-in, Hawaiian Ham Christmas Loaf, Pear-shaped Ham, Piña Ham, and Sweet Ham.
They make hams out of the leg part of the pork, guaranteeing you a good meat-to-fat ratio.
Keep in mind that their Bone-in Ham, should you order, needs quite a bit of time to prepare. So if you’re going to bring this to a potluck, make sure to follow the instructions the day before you serve it.
Visit their website for more instructions on their products, or call the following numbers: (02) 881-0530, (02) 364-5430, and (02) 376-6441. You can also check out their Instagram account.
3. Majestic Ham
Where to purchase: Selected grocery stores; various store locations
One of the most popular and easily recognizable hams, Majestic Ham has perfected the salty-sweet taste that Chinese hams are known for. Its quality remains the same throughout the decades.
Visit their page for all the outlets where you can find Majestic Hams around the Metro, as well as a list of supermarkets where you can find their products.
4. Holiday Ham by Michelle Dee
Where to purchase: Call to order and then for pickup at Forbes Park
Rated as the top ham in Metro Manila, this Holiday Ham by Michelle Yuchengco Dee is what makes Christmases a dream you will remember for years to come.
A definite labor of love, Dee inherited the recipe from her friend—the late Chef Ed Quimson. She only makes this ham every Christmas season, which makes the rarity of it all the more appealing.
It is glazed in sugar while maintaining the ham’s saltiness. The flavor is then complemented by the cup of sauce that comes with the order.
If you want this ham, you need to call now, as orders start coming in as early as September.
We couldn’t find a website or a social media page for her. You can, however, call (02) 892-0688 and (02) 893-3036 or email at mdeesan@pldtdsl.net.
5. Adelina’s
Where to purchase: Greenhills, San Juan
Adelina’s have been serving hams for countless of Filipino families since 1955.
These hams found the balance between the saltiness and the sweetness typical of its variety. The sauce served on the side only enhances the overall flavor.
Adelina’s Ham is available in Greenhills. Click here to go to their Facebook page for directions. You can also call the following numbers: (02) 985-4102, (02) 692-8529, (+63) 917-8613111, and (+63) 917-8150417.
6. The Plaza Premium Baked Ham
Where to purchase: Order from their website; Makati City, Mandaluyong City
With its recipe passed down to four generations, the Plaza Premium Baked Ham would be the perfect centerpiece to your Noche Buena if you want to give your night some throwback feels.
Tender and just the right amount of saltiness, this ham can be served with premium glaze, wasabi mayo, sweet mustard, or gutsy garlic. It’s your choice really.
Check their website if you want to order online. You can also see the locations that they have, if you’re in Makati City or Mandaluyong City.
7. Santi’s Ham
Where to purchase: Multiple branches across the Metro
Santi’s Delicatessen may not be the top of mind when one thinks of Christmas hams. After all, it’s a deli that serves mostly pastries.
But you’ll be surprised. Santi’s Christmas Honey Ham does not disappoint. It is glazed with honey under all that crust, and would surprise you with moist meat underneath.
It’s cheaper than most of the hams on this list and would definitely be a good pasalubong for the family.
You can click here to see all their store locations.
8. Purefoods Fiesta Ham
Where to purchase: Supermarkets
Of course, for the most affordable and available one in the bunch—we can’t complete this list without mentioning Purefoods Fiesta Ham.
If you are really pressed for time or you don’t have the patience to fall in line nor travel far, then this go-to Noche Buena ham is for you. While arguably not as flavorful, Purefoods would still complete your midnight feast, with its sweet and tasty ham.
Its price would also fit anyone’s budget. Just go to the nearest grocery store near you and get yourself one.
Which of these hams will you have on your Noche Buena table? Let us know in the comments!
