In the competitive world of pastries, Czaczacza Cafe, led by Czarina Sevilla, is making waves with their Knafeh Pistachio Cake—a dessert that is quickly becoming a must-try in the culinary scene. The cake is a brilliant fusion of two beloved traditions: the rich layers of chocolate cake and the timeless Middle Eastern treat, Knafeh. This fusion cake is filled with layers of velvety chocolate ganache, encased by golden homemade shredded phyllo dough (Kataifi), creating a perfect balance of soft, creamy, and crunchy textures in every bite.
But what makes this cake even more special is Czaczacza’s signature homemade pistachio sauce. The sauce infuses the cake with a nutty richness, complemented by the delicate fragrance of rose petals and a bold hint of tahini paste, resulting in an unforgettable flavor profile. As Czarina Sevilla shares, “We are the ones who are making everything from scratch. From pistachio paste, Kataifi, tahinis, layering the cake, and everything in between. This cake is made from passion, love, hope, and patience.”
The journey to success, however, wasn’t without its struggles. Czaczacza faced challenges, especially with their donut stores, which had trouble picking up steam. Czarina reflects, “Two years nang breakeven, madalas negative na ung donut stores namin nilalaban ko lang kasi madaming employees na umaasa sa brand and of course dream ko tong pastry shops na eto.” At times, she felt like giving up, but the belief in her product kept her pushing forward.
Her turning point came after trying a viral Dubai chocolate knafeh. “When I saw my friend selling it online, I ordered it without asking the price. I got the bill, and it was around 60k—crazy!” Czarina recalls laughing. “So I thought, gawa nga ako ng version ko.” That decision sparked the creation of the Knafeh Pistachio Donut and eventually the cake that would become their most successful product.
Despite initial pricing concerns, the cake took off when customers began raving about it. “Nagulat ako isang araw andami nang nagblog nung cake namin!” Czarina shares. The orders flooded in, and the cake became a sensation. “Masarap, sing lasa siya nung sa Dubai chocolates,” she adds, echoing the sentiments of her delighted customers.
Czaczacza’s Knafeh Pistachio Cake is a perfect example of how perseverance, passion, and innovation can turn a challenge into success. With new variants already in the works, this local brand’s journey is far from over.
