Famous Delicacies in Laguna Province

1. Espasol

Espasol is a Filipino rice cake shaped like a cylinder originating in the Laguna province and traditionally sold during the Christmas season. It consists of rice flour, which is cooked in coconut milk and coconut stripes and is poured into toasting rice meal.

The towns of Los Baños, Liliw, Nagcarlan, Alaminos, and Pagsanjan are the best places to buy Espasol. Espasol prices vary from city to city in Laguna. They sell this for three packages in Liliw at P100, while you can only buy it in Los Baños Laguna at P25 per package, which is cheaper than in Liliw but of the same quality. In Pagsanjan, where you can buy the best Espanol, they didn't use any toasted rice flour to dust the product. Their Espasol is much more compact and does not taste too dry, which makes it so delicious. But it is possible to buy around Laguna, especially in transport terminals.

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2. Buko Pie

Buko Pie is a traditional Filipino coconut custard cake, often referred to as a coconut pie. It is recognized in the town of Los Baños in the province of Laguna. It is similar to a cream pie that is very popular in Filipinos, and the only difference is Buko pie is made with young coconut, no creams, and custard fillings. Buko Pie uses lighter and denser sweetened milk, and it's filling is made up of coconut meat. Buko Pie also uses slightly different ingredients, including macapuno tarts, a thick and sticky special type of coconut.

It is believed that the concept of the buko pie originated from the province of Laguna. The makers of this delicacy were the Pahud sisters from Los Baños, Laguna. Originally, buko pie was a delicacy only available in the Philippines, but the blast-freezing technology gave buko pie-makers the ability to export. Because it is easier to transport and more accessible worldwide, after visiting the Philippines, people can buy it as a pasalubong or a home gift. Buko pie before was plain, but today it uses flavors like pandan, cinnamon, or even with the presence of almonds.

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3. Kesong Puti

Kesong puti is a Philippine cheese made of soft and non-aged carabao milk and salt curdled with vinegar, citrus, or rennet juices. It is also possible to use goat or cow's milk to make Kesong Puti. Kesong puti was originated in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

To promote this popular product of the Laguna, the Government of Sta Cruz, Laguna has arranged this festival. And it also helps to promote the products of cheesemakers and the different small businesses. It also taught people who want to venture into the industry and people who want other income means with such a business to make this particular white cheese.

Depending on your choices, you can eat Kesong puti with different loaves of bread. In Laguna, hot pandesal is usually served with Kesong Puti. The flavor is salty, and its smoothness and shape will remind you of tofu.

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4. Uraro

Uraró is a Philippine cookie that is also known as an araró or arrowroot cookie. The texture is dry and powdery and is usually in a floral-shape. They come from South Luzon, especially in Laguna, Quezon, and Marinduque provinces.

The traditional processing of uraró is labor-intensive. The whole thing takes a full day, beginning with arrowroots harvesting. In a process called pag-ilod, the roots are caught and then crushed with a stone on a wood plate. The liquids that are extracted from this process are collected and then pinapatining, a second process in which the water can be stored until the starch is removed. The water is poured, and the starchy layer kneaded so that more water is removed. Starch has finally been dried and tamed with katsa to make the delicacy.

Nevertheless, modern uraró usually comes from flour, sugar, milk, margarine (or butter) and eggs. In some situations, a tapioca meal or rice meal is even supplemented by arrowroot flour, leading to inferior cookies. Certain ingredients such as cocoa cream or maple syrup may also be used to change uraró. The quality of traditional uraró made with pure arrowroot flour and lard normally lacks in the mouth of both versions.

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5. Bibingka

Bibingka is a kind of Philippine rice cake. It is typically made from galapong, cocoa butter, margarine, and sugar. Every Christmas, side street vendors offer this tasty rice cake along with "Puto bumbong" to the local tourist and even foreign tourists.

When you visit Laguna, Bibingka is a must-try delicacy, and the best Bibingka will be found at the municipality of Pagsanjan. This delicacy can be bought near the town plaza in Pagsanjan.

Bibingka varies from your standard recipe. It's quick and tasty. No toppings, just a simple dish. They use a clay pot and banana leaves in cooking Bibingka instead of using stoves. Underneath the fire, there were hot coals, this traditional way of cooking Bibingka make it more delicious.

Photo Credits: https://panlasangpinoy.com/

6. Monay

In different provinces, you can find various Monay. However, in Bay, Laguna, you can find their unique and different Monay. The shell is crooked, but the inside is smooth. The taste can be enhanced by adding cheese or butter.

Photo Credits: https://www.lutongbahayrecipe.com/

Hot spring resorts, grand festivals, tourist destinations, and cultural heritages are the famous attractions in Laguna. Laguna’s delicacies and food appetizers are also popular. Laguna has its own unique, special and distinctly tasteful products that every tourist should not miss to taste it before they go to their respective places.