Stefanie Y.
Yelp
I first came across Kouklet's famed cake rolls at some Center City street fair in the summer of 2021. Frankly, I wasn't totally sold - I think I got some kind of birthday cake flavor, and it was just too sweet for me.
But then I walked past their bright, sunny exterior down on Passyunk, saw the array of pastries and sweets in the window, and couldn't resist going inside. I'm so glad I did - everything I've tried since, from the sourdough doughnuts ($5 ea.) to the banana caramel-topped flan pudding ($6) to the pineapple upside-down cake ($6) to the gingerbread cake ($5) to the numerous little boxes of cookies, as been excellent. I love how the slight sourness of the doughnuts temper the sweetness of the caramelized condensed milk filling, and how the cakes aren't just sweet, but have another contrasting element (the tang of pineapple or the bite of Christmas-y spice) that adds dimension to each bite.
The last time I visited, I also tried a creamy chicken empada ($10). I felt that it was on a pricey side; that being said, the pastry was flaky and delicious, and the filling was unique and tasty.
The bakery staff have been friendly and helpful each time I've visited, and I look forward to the next time I find myself down by the sunshine-y Kouklet!