Most sought-after Maranao delicacy in Lanao del Sur
ENJOYABLE DODOL. It’s now the time of Holy Ramadan for our Muslim brothers and sisters. During ‘Iftar’ (the meal eaten by Muslims after sunset during Ramadan), one of the most popular foods served on the table is the “dodol”.
Considered as the most sought-after Maranao delicacy in Lanao del Sur in Mindanao, the “dodol” is a sweet snack made from sticky rice, coconut milk, and sugar. It goes with different flavors of which Durian is the favorite.
Aside from Ramadan, dodol is also served during celebrations and special occasions like weddings, thanksgiving, and the enthronement of Sultan and Bai-a-Labi.
As a finished product, Maranaos serve “Dodol” wrapped corn husks or dry leaves of banana or abaca and even colorful cellophane and plastic tubs. If you happen to travel/pass by the national and provincial roads in the province, it would be hard to miss the hanging colorful packages of “dodol” in the roadside stores.
Dodol is not only famous in Mindanao, but it is also popular in Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and India (Goa).
The Maranaos conscientiously keep the knowledge of “dodol-preparation” and successfully handed it down to generations in a traditional way. It is definitely one of the rice-based delicacies that take time in processing as you need to consistently stir it to get stickier. As the locals say, the stickier it gets, the tastier it becomes.
Indeed, good food and good life both need consistent effort and should be enjoyed no matter what.
So, have you been to Lanao? Mind sharing your dodol experience?
You may want to read: