Bibingka

September 20th, 2005

While we did a drivetest along the SLEX last week, we were fortunate to pass by the Southwoods Exit and lo, stands of bibingka (rice cake) stalls lined one portion of the street going to San Pedro, Laguna. Piqued with curiosity, I bought one, hot, and fresh from the charcoal stove.

“Nels” bibingka, is delicious, hot, fresh and the saltiness of salted duck’s eggs slices (itlog maalat - literrally, salted egg) jived well with the semisweetness of coconut slices and shavings. At just P30 a piece, it is really cheap and comparable to that of Cafe Via Mare!

The vendor and her stall. Note the charcoal fired clay stoves. Cooked bibingka is placed inside the ice box layered with cloth to maintain its heat (yea, an ice box)

She also sells puto bumbong, a native delicacy that is popular during the misa de gallo in December. It is made of sticky rice, colored, smothered with margarine and finally topped with grated coconut and sugar with toasted sesame seeds. Another delicious treat at only P15.