The saying “Never trust a skinny chef” has been around for decades, often tossed around with a laugh or printed on kitchen aprons. While it first appeared in the 1960s, the idea still lingers: a good cook must also be a hearty eater, that someone who doesn’t indulge in their own food couldn’t possibly be trusted to make it. But that stereotype is due for a rewrite.
Yeda Ashley Quiñones, founder of The Skinny Baker, is doing just that, challenging the idea one pastry at a time.
The name itself was born out of college teasing and the infamous saying. Instead of taking offense, Ashley leaned into the joke, turning it into a playful brand identity. What began as a nickname quickly became a name people wouldn’t forget and a quiet rebellion against the idea that only those who eat the most can make the best.
Cebu’s Early Taste of Custom Cakes
For years, store-bought, ready-made cakes were the norm. But as people began craving something more personal—cakes that told stories, matched themes, and felt uniquely theirs—custom creations started taking the spotlight.
Ashley was among the first in Cebu to meet that craving. She started by baking for friends and family, then slowly took on orders that reflected her signature style: thoughtful, clean, and elegant. Even as the custom cake scene grew louder and more elaborate, she stuck to her roots. “I’ve always believed cakes should feel personal but never overdone,” she says.
Her approach was never about following trends. It was about honoring taste, simplicity, and the people she was baking for.
When Passion Turned Into Something Bigger
What began as a means to earn a living while waiting for the right job opportunity quickly grew into something much more. Orders poured in from new customers, and her custom cakes gained a reputation for their personal touch and elegant style.
She never planned on opening a cake shop or café. Her drive was simple: bake for the love of it and share good food with those around her. But the overwhelming success of her online business paved a new path. With each repeat customer and each positive word-of-mouth recommendation, the demand grew until a physical space became the natural next step.
Today, her café reflects everything that The Skinny Baker stands for: simplicity, elegance, and warmth. The space is designed to be bright, cozy, and minimalist, echoing her signature style. Even amid expansion, Ashley has stayed true to her roots. The café is not just a business venture but a continuation of her original vision—serving real, heartfelt food with a personal touch.
Signature Dishes with a Story
At The Skinny Baker café, every dish on the menu is intentionally made. Ashley has poured herself into each recipe, many of which come from a mix of nostalgia, personal favorites, and her own trial-and-error in the kitchen.
Take the burger steak, for example. She came up with her own take on it, tweaking the sauce and patty until it hit the right balance, comforting, homey, and just a little indulgent.
The lasagna mixes both chicken and beef, giving it an unexpected texture. It’s not your usual sweet-style Filipino lasagna. Instead, it leans toward cheesy, herby Italian flavors, while still staying comforting and familiar.
For cakes, the current chart-topper is the tiramisu—their own take on the trend. Instead of mascarpone and rum, they use cream cheese to create a more accessible version that still delivers on flavor.
But there are old favorites that remain just as loved. Their blueberry cheesecake is based on a recipe from Ashley’s dad, a sentimental classic that predates the tiramisu hype and continues to win hearts.
“It’s not just about what’s trendy or Instagrammable,” Ashley says. “We want food that feels good. Food you’d come back for.”
Whether you’re dropping by for a slice of cake or a full meal, The Skinny Baker café invites you to slow down and savor the moment. Nestled in a quiet corner of One Tree Plaza Hotel Commercial Center in Banawa, it’s the kind of place where everything—from the cozy interiors to the food on your plate—feels intentional and comforting, like a warm pause in the middle of your day.
Photography Kyrra Kho
