Distinctive cheesecake
The signature cheesecake uses airy sponge layers, buttercream-style filling and grated cheese for a sweet-salty flavour.
Maria Paz Pastry
Al Satwa
Maria Paz Pastry is a small Al Satwa bakery known for Filipino-style cheesecake, including its distinctive sponge-and-cheese-topping version. It is mainly a takeaway stop, with kutsinta and other Filipino pastries also drawing returning customers.
Reputation Score
3.9
★★★★☆
371 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Good balance
Several customers find the cheesecake moist, light and not overly sweet, with a generous cheese topping.
Filipino favourites
Kutsinta and crinkles were both singled out as delicious, alongside the bakery’s cheesecake.
Birthday cakes
Customers have reported attractive birthday presentation and successful requests for cake dedications.
Fresh pastries
One recent customer found the pastries fresh, soft and pleasantly sweet without being overpowering.
Large sizes
Reviewers mention cheesecake and cakes ranging from small portions to sizes as large as 3.5kg.
Tips for a Better Visit
Order ahead. Pre-order cheesecake or celebration cakes, particularly if you are travelling from another emirate or need a specific pickup time.
Go early. For an unreserved cheesecake, aim for before 2pm; a customer said the small cakes can sell out by then.
Plan parking. Parking around Al Satwa is difficult. Consider using a nearby RTA open lot and walking, or bring someone to circle for a space.
Confirm payment. Ask before collecting whether card payment is accepted, as one customer discovered they needed cash only after arriving.
Check timings. Verify the closing time before travelling late at night; one customer found the shop closed at 10:40pm despite an online 11pm listing.
Expect takeaway. Treat the Satwa branch as a quick pickup rather than a sit-down dessert stop, since seating is very limited.
Plan the visit
Practical details
1 2nd St
Al Satwa, Dubai
| Mon | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Tue | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Wed | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thu | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Fri | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sat | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sun | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Popular Mentions
Brazo de Mercedes
A customer found the texture acceptable but considered this dessert much too sweet.
Sapin sapin
Sapin sapin was called a new favourite alongside the cheesecake.
Common Concerns
Uneven service
Multiple reviews describe unfriendly or unhelpful counter service, especially during evening shifts and busy periods.
Stock issues
Cheesecake can sell out early, and some customers were given unclear information about availability and reservations.
Small shop
The Satwa branch has very limited space and little or no seating, so it is geared towards quick takeaway visits.
Quality changes
A long-time customer reported that recent cheesecake orders were much drier and had less cream and cheese than before.
Food-safety report
One customer reported finding pieces of steel wool in kutsinta, a serious allegation that warrants caution.
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The Bottom Line
Maria Paz Pastry is a small Filipino bakery in Al Satwa, and its main draw is the signature cheesecake. This is not the usual dense cream-cheese style: reviewers describe airy sponge layers, a buttercream-like filling and grated cheese on top, creating a sweet-salty balance. Kutsinta, crinkles, sapin sapin and Brazo de Mercedes are among the other named treats customers mention, while birthday cakes can be decorated or given a dedication.
Prices are described as reasonable. 5AED. 5kg, are also mentioned.
The shop is primarily for takeaway, with little seating, and parking around Al Satwa can be a frustrating part of the visit. Plan rather than dropping in casually. Cheesecakes may sell out before 2pm, and several customers recommend ordering ahead for celebrations or travel from another emirate.
Pickup timing and communication have drawn criticism, including a nearly two-hour wait and incorrect cake names, so confirm the details, payment method and collection time. Most importantly, quality opinions are not completely consistent: recent reviews range from moist and fluffy to notably dry, and one older review reported steel wool in kutsinta.