Recipe Index

Sikwate, or Chocolate de Batirol, is a Filipino hot chocolate made from cacao (cocoa). In some parts of Mindanao and Visayas, like Cebu, we called it sikwa'te ("sik-wah-teh"). This is also known as tsokolate de batirol since a special tool called a batirol, a wooden instrument, is used to refine the texture of the tsokolate.
The main ingredient in it is tableya. To make it, it's a must to use a Filipino tablea, a pure cacao disc of raw chocolate. Tablea, or tableya, is made from cocoa beans, also known as cacao. The cocoa beans are dried, roasted, and milled, then traditionally hand-formed into small balls and flattened to form tablets. In the modern era, molders are used to make a uniform shape of tableya. Nowadays, pure tablya is semi-hard to find. Some commercial tableya we bought from the store is mixed in with some ingredients, like sugar and milk, resulting in a smooth, delicious cup of hot chocolate. But the taste is slightly different from the pure one.
For me, I prefer to use pure tablea in making hot chocolate so that I can control the sweetness of the drinks. Making hot chocolate is very easy. Just boil the tableya disc, stirring occasionally, until it completely dissolves (a batirol, if available, is better). Adding sugar and milk will result in a sweet, smooth hot chocolate drink, just adjust the desired sweetness. It is best paired with pandesal or any bread of your choice and rice puto (called "puto sikwa'te" in some parts of Leyte).

Binangkal is a delicious Filipino sesame bread ball. Its origins are in the Visayas and Mindanao regions of the Philippines. The binangkal is made from dough, formed into small balls, coated with sesame seeds, and deep fried until crisp and golden. Traditionally, it is often eaten with a cup of hot coffee or even a cup of sikwate (Filipino hot chocolate). It is also best for an afternoon treat. Share and enjoy!

A Taste of Tradition:

This humble snack reflects Filipino ingenuity affordable, easy to make, and deeply comforting. Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood meriendas or discovering it for the first time, Binangkal is a must-try filipino recipe.

This Filipino classic ensaymada recipe is so yummy and a very popular sweet pastry among Filipinos. This bread gained more popularity for a reason: this sweet pastry can be purchased at any local bakery and the well-known chain bakeries, along with other famous breads like pandesal. This Filipino bread is best served with a cup of hot coffee or even a cup of sikwate (Filipino hot chocolate). Try our classic ensaymada recipe. Please take note that this recipe requires skills to perfect the result. The size of the oven also matters for the entire baking period.

How to make ube halaya? This ube halaya recipe, an all-time Filipino favorite, is so easy to prepare at home. Mixing is the primary method for this recipe to have a beautiful ube halaya dessert. By preparing this recipe, let’s start with boiling the purple yum (ube), then grating and mixing it into the sweetening ingredient. Ube halaya is a Filipino's all-time favorite for a great reason. It’s simple and delicious; it can be used as a filling or ingredient for halo-halo, ube turon, or even an ice candy and many more. A must-try Filipino recipe.

Pandesal or “salt bread” is a Filipino bread rolls that is commonly consumed for breakfast, served with a hot cup of coffee. This bread is the most popular in the Philippines. The price is affordable. It's a classic bread with a golden, crumb-coated exterior and a delicious taste. It is perfect to serve for breakfast or as a snack with a filling of your choice. It is also best to serve with a cup of sikwate (Filipino hot chocolate).

Pork with tausi, also known as pork tausi or pork with salted black beans, is a simple yet incredibly flavorful Filipino dish that’s perfect for everyday meals. While it may not be fancy, its savory, umami-rich taste—thanks to the fermented black beans (tausi)—makes it a standout. The pork is stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and a savory-sweet sauce, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Best served with steamed rice, it’s a quick and delicious option for lunch or dinner. Try this easy recipe for a taste of home-cooked Filipino comfort!

Crispy Pork Belly Recipe - Air Fryer. This is one of the best pork belly recipes I’ve made. The prep work is super easy; just make tiny holes in the skin and score the meat. And add the seasoning mixture to taste. The dish is cooked in an air fryer, the result is perfectly golden and incredibly crispy. It looks so appealing and inviting that everyone can’t resist. This is a must-try recipe at home.

Putong bigas or putong puti recipe. This is a classic puto recipe prepared with regular white rice instead of rice flour. The rice is simply soaked and ground with the help of an ordinary blender to get a rice batter. This Filipino steamed rice cake is a delicious and hearty snack or breakfast with a hot cup of coffee or sikwate (Filipino hot chocolate). Recipe Difficulty: Advance; it required skills to perfect the recipe.

A chicken empanada is a type of pastry packed with flavorful filling. This Filipino-style empanada is prepared with chicken and some vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and green peas, along with raisins. This is ideal for snacks, light meals, or even breakfast! It’s delicious and nutritious.