When talking about the top-hailed kakanin in the Philippines, one of which that would usually come into our minds are those which are well-known in Luzon- well, it’s not about the two other big parts of the country are disregarded, it’s just that Luzon has a lot to offer and fortunately, it prides itself with something that is really worth bringing the identity of the country in terms of cuisine.
Well, with no further ado, here are the top Kakanin that you can mostly found only in Luzon!
Puto
If you think puto is so normal that it could be of no specialty anymore- try eating what Marikina has to offer. Let’s see, then.
Anyway, let us have a glimpse on the basics, what is puto, again?
Puto is a type of kakanin which could be simply described as a steamed combination of ground rice flour generally mixed with coconut milk or sugar- but just as how ‘normal’ a puto sounds, let us not be fooled for the tens of variations that are actually already existent when it comes to the creative preparation of this one!
Puto in Luzon is believed to be best consumed with its ever complementing pair- dinuguan.
Royal Bibingka
You’ve heard and all what Bibingka is, but how about Royal Bibingka of the ever-classic Vigan City and Baguio?
This variety of bibingka is made up of the basic glutinous rice flour, coconut and evaporated milk, together with eggs and of course, sugar!
Sweet and creamy with just the right texture to accompany you wherever you go! Just be sure you have an extra piece with you so you can have something to share with others because definitely, everyone else would be asking for a bite!
Pichi-pichi
From street to the canteens of either elementary or even high school- you can surely find this weak-yellow colored kakanin topped with shredded coconut! Pichi-pichi is made up of combining together mashed cassava and sugar!
In addition to that, pichi-pichi, either rounded or squared in a slice are very affordable!
Sapin-Sapin
Are you into multi-layered kind of food and consuming treats on different flavors but all in one bite is your thing? Sapin-Sapin of Luzon has your back then! This kakanin is made up of the usual glutinous rice mixed with milk from coconut.
Anyway, just a random trivia for you- do you know the most loved part of sapin-sapin, especially by its lovers? The perfect combination of ube, plain, and jackfruit layers altogether! In fact, these layers do not just blend well, rather, they put more emphasis on the strengths of the taste of each other!
Maja Blanca
Maja Blanca I suppose is the one that’s most favored by the kids- topped with either grated cheese or latik, little kids will surely be lining up to have this one on the side of their plates!
This treat is made up of corn starch, sweet corn kernels, sugar, together with coconut milk. Some Maja Blanca’s specialized version is so sweet and creamy that’ll make those even not with sweet tooth suddenly a lover of sugary foods!
Herein listed below are other kakanin that you’ll surely love along the way just as much as how locals of Luzon has loved them very much!
Espasol – that dessert folded inside papers? Yes, that’s the ‘espasol’ I am pertaining to.
Ube Halaya – Kakanin made up of mashed purple dessert combined with the sweet rich thickness of condensed milk.
Pineapple Cassava Bibingka – Kakanin lover but is also a fruit-enthusiast? Try out pineapple cassava bibingka, then!
Tibok-Tibok– Fed up with the artificial milk and just wanted to have a gulp as gifted by nature? Tibok-Tibok using carabao milk is the best for you!
Sinabalo– Suman but in a highly modified version from the locals of Cagayan!
References:
SPOT.PH. (2019). Sweet and Sticky Pinoy Treats: Our Top 10 Kakanin. [online] Available at: https://www.spot.ph/eatdrink/45938/sweet-and-sticky-pinoy-treats-our-top-10-kakanin [Accessed 10 Feb. 2019].
Top On My List. (2019). TOP ON MY LIST: 20 NATIVE DELICACIES BY QUAN. [online] Available at: http://www.toponmylist.com/top-on-my-list-20-native-delicacies-by-quan/ [Accessed 10 Feb. 2019].
Out of Town Blog. (2019). Philippines Most Loved Native Delicacies: Top 10 Kakanin in the Philippines – Out of Town Blog. [online] Available at: https://outoftownblog.com/philippines-most-loved-native-delicacies-top-10-kakanin-in-the-ph/ [Accessed 10 Feb. 2019].
