Siquijor, a small island province located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, is known for its pristine beaches, mystical traditions, and delectable delicacies. In this article, we will explore five of the most popular Siquijor delicacies that you should definitely try when you visit this enchanting island.
- Torta
Torta is a type of flatbread that is commonly eaten for breakfast or as a snack in Siquijor. Made from flour, eggs, sugar, and lard, torta has a soft and chewy texture that is similar to a pancake. Some versions of torta also include grated coconut or mashed bananas, which add a sweet and fragrant flavor to the bread.
Torta is best enjoyed warm and freshly cooked, with a dollop of butter or jam on top. It is also often paired with hot chocolate or coffee, making it a perfect breakfast treat.
- Pan Bisaya
Pan Bisaya, also known as Suman Bisaya or Budbud Bisaya, is a type of rice cake that is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until tender. It is a popular snack or dessert in Siquijor, and is often sold by street vendors or in local markets.
Pan Bisaya is made from glutinous rice that is soaked in water and mixed with coconut milk and sugar. The mixture is then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until the rice is cooked through. The resulting rice cake has a slightly sweet and creamy flavor, and is often eaten with a sprinkle of sugar or grated coconut.
- Peanut Balls
Peanut Balls, also known as Peanut Kisses, are small round sweets made from roasted peanuts and sugar. They are a popular snack in Siquijor, and are often given as gifts or souvenirs to visitors.
To make Peanut Balls, peanuts are first roasted until they turn golden brown. The peanuts are then ground into a fine powder, and mixed with sugar and egg whites until a sticky dough is formed. The dough is then rolled into small balls and baked until they are firm and crispy.
- Peanut Brittle
Another popular peanut-based snack in Siquijor is Peanut Brittle. Similar to Peanut Balls, Peanut Brittle is made from roasted peanuts and sugar, but is cooked until it becomes hard and brittle.
To make Peanut Brittle, peanuts are first roasted until they turn golden brown. The peanuts are then mixed with sugar and water, and cooked over high heat until the sugar caramelizes and hardens. The resulting candy is then broken into bite-sized pieces and enjoyed as a crunchy and sweet snack.
- Sutukil
Sutukil is not a specific food, but rather a dining experience that is unique to Siquijor. The name Sutukil is a combination of three words: Sugba (grilled), Tula (stewed), and Kilaw (raw), which are three different cooking methods used in preparing seafood.
At a Sutukil restaurant, customers can choose from a variety of fresh seafood, such as fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs, which are then cooked using their preferred method. The seafood can be grilled, stewed in a sour broth, or served raw in a vinegar-based marinade.
Sutukil is a popular dining experience in Siquijor, as it allows visitors to sample the island’s fresh and delicious seafood in a unique and interactive way.
In conclusion, Siquijor is not only known for its enchanting beauty and mystical traditions, but also for its delectable delicacies. From the soft and chewy Torta to the crunchy Peanut Brittle, and the unique Sutukil dining experience, Siquijor offers a variety