As we entered the bright and minimal space, I found the environment welcoming and the full tables and long line to be a bit nerve-racking. 

I didn’t expect it to be so busy on a Tuesday afternoon. As my lunch buddy, Roy Holman, looked over the menu trying to find good gluten-free options, I even offered, “we could always go somewhere else.” 

Enseamada is located in the same plaza as the One Twelfth Street Diner, Tyler’s Donuts, Pho 36, Touba Bakery, and others. 

The line moved quickly, though, and tables opened up swiftly before we even finished ordering. The staff was very efficient and super friendly. 

The menu options are minimal, just like the decor, but each individual dish is packed with vibrant color. 

Roy struggled to find much that excited his diet. I typically don’t eat meat, which wasn’t an issue since the Ube Pancake caught my eye (and I wouldn’t mind going back to try their garlic shrimp). 

The Ube Pancake, I was told, is made from taro. The color was stunningly vibrant and the perfectly cooked pancakes were deliciously drenched in the ube cream sauce. The strawberries on top and especially all of the macadamia nuts definitely had me feeling like I was back in the tropics. The only time I can recall having macadamia nuts on pancakes was at the ‘Gazebo’ in Maui. 

I will admit, I had to look up ube. It is also known as purple yam and seems to be a staple of Filipino desserts. So I guess it’s no surprise ube is also used in Enseamada’s pasalubong, their signature bakery treats made of buttery soft bread that come in a myriad of flavors. Triple cheese, ube cheese, yema, halaya, and more. 

Roy had the garlic shrimp. He was a good sport about trying something new, but it just wasn’t really his cup of tea. Can’t win ‘em all. But judging how packed the place was, I think plenty of patrons love what Enseamada has to offer. 

Their 808 Mix Plate even comes with bbq ribs, lumpia, spam, and more! Stop by and try Enseamada out for yourself. You just might find a new island favorite.

Enseamada
11114 Evergreen Way Suite A 
Everett, WA 98204 

Garret is the co-founder + CEO of Live in Everett. He’s also journeying toward wholeness at GarretHunt.com.