The History of the Brallow: A Family Favourite Born in Our Kitchen
History
A Legacy of Baking, Love, and the Sweetest Creation
Every family has that one person who brings everyone together with food. For us, that was Granny Rosa, the heart of our kitchen and the mastermind behind what would one day become the Brallow—a mouthwatering fusion of rich, fudgy brownie and fluffy marshmallow that’s now a family favourite amongst our community and beyond.
But Granny Rosa’s story didn’t start with brownies. It began in the warm, bustling kitchens of the Philippines, where her love of baking was first ignited.
A Filipino Heritage of Sweet Delights
Born and raised in a small town in the Philippines, Granny Rosa grew up surrounded by the comforting scents of coconut, vanilla, and caramelized sugar. In her home, desserts weren’t just treats—they were an experience, a way of bringing people together, celebrating life, and showing love.
Her grandmother—my great-great-grandmother—was famous for her traditional Filipino desserts like bibingka (rice cakes), leche flan, and pastillas de leche (sweet milk candies). She taught Rosa that the secret to the best sweets wasn’t just the ingredients, but the love and patience that went into making them.
Even as a child, Rosa was mesmerized by the magic of baking. She would watch as her mother and grandmother stirred thick, creamy batters over a charcoal stove, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
When she moved to the UK as a young woman, she brought those traditions with her—but she also discovered something new: a deep love for chocolate.
Bringing Filipino Passion into British Baking
Settling in her new home, Rosa embraced British baking, experimenting with Victoria sponges, shortbread, and rich chocolate cakes—but she always found ways to add her own twist. She loved the balance of textures and flavors in Filipino desserts, where chewy, creamy, and fluffy elements were often combined.
One of the biggest revelations for her was the brownie. She fell in love with its fudgy richness, deep chocolate flavor, and comforting brownie texture. But she also missed the lightness of some of her childhood treats—especially the soft, melt-in-your-mouth feel of toasted Filipino-style marshmallows, often enjoyed at celebrations.
And then, one day, inspiration struck.
PS. A big thanks to Nick who has helped us move our site from our domain to this domain recently. We thought it was about time we promoted the business a bit more, so thank you. #supportsmallbusinesses