Ube, a purple yam native to the Philippines, is popping up left and right at local bakeries, cafes and ice cream shops. The Southeast Asian veggie (pronounced ooh-bay) has grown popular in the last year among foodies, thanks to its eye-catching hue, velvety texture and subtly sweet vanilla flavor. Thoa Nguyen has been serving ube products at her bakery, Bánh & Butter in Aurora, since she opened in April last year.