Food

Salvaro Coconuts are widely cultivated in Samar Province.  From the tree comes this coconut-dusted wafer: thin, light, crisp, and sweet. Call it vegan, a healthy nibble any time of the day. It is also a perfect accompaniment to a warm cup of coffee!  Indulge in this crispy-licious goodness in Samar! How to make Salvaro (Kabkab) … Read more

Queseo Did you know that you can make cheese out of three ingredients? Meet queseo, a native cheese made from pure carabao’s milk. The procedure starts by boiling the unskimmed milk. Once it cools down, scoop and place it in a bowl with a small amount of coconut vinegar. Swiftly gather the mixture at the … Read more

Tamalos This culinary jewel of Catbalogan, Samar, is a luxurious version of typical tamales. A Mexican-inspired dish that landed on Philippine shores during the Manila-Acapulco Trade (1565-1815). Chunks of vinegar-pork belly (simmered with vinegar and spices) and “Pipi-an” (sweet and spicy peanut sauce) rest in layers of lumpia wrapper – on a bed of larded … Read more

Suman Latik Samar The latik in Samar Province is a steamed rice cake made of glutinous grains, lihiya, and rock salt. The mixture is wrapped in hagikhik leaves that render a yellow-greenish tinge and enticing aroma. The hati is thickened by a generous amount of coconut cream, sweetened by kalamay and brown sugar, and scented … Read more

Puto Itum Did you know that Samar cultivates black glutinous rice? Dark grains are soaked in water, followed by grinding. The rice paste is mixed with a generous amount of freshly squeezed coconut cream and sugar, and placed in a mold for steaming. The result is a glistening shade of gray with speckles of dark … Read more