Did bibingka originate in the Philippines? Kuya Kim answers

Bibingka is among the food items loved and served in the Philippines, especially during the holiday season.

But, Kuya Kim was asked, "Does this mean bibingka originated in the Philippines?"

According to Kuya Kim’s report on “24 Oras,” Thursday, cooking and eating bibingka are already attached to the culture and taste of Filipinos.

But according to culinary heritage advocate Chef Christopher Carangian, there is not yet direct proof of where the dish came from.

“Wala tayong direct na document stating na ‘yung bibingka is galing sa atin pero may mga katulad tayo na lutuin katulad ng bibingka. Tapos makikita natin sa ibang bansa meron din,” he said.

Because of their similarity in name, many people thought that the Filipinos’ bibingka was the same as the bebinca in Goa, India.

There are also others who believe that bibingka is an influence on Filipinos by the Chinese.

Bibingka is said to be derived from the Hokkien word "bi," which means uncooked grain or butil.

But one thing is for sure, bibingka is among the things that complete Christmas celebration in the country.

“‘Yung manner ng pagluluto, simple lang din. Kailangan lang ng vessel then sa ibabaw nun, metal sheet na merong uling. Nakapag-create na tayo ng portable na oven doon sa gilid ng simbahan for us na mga kumakain. Bagay na bagay yun sa malamig na umaga,” Chef Christopher said.

In San Fernando, Cebu, a vlogger attempted to make the biggest bibingka in the world but eventually failed to do so.

“‘Yung vessel, hindi siya appropriate sa pagluluto ng bibingka. Mali din ‘yung manner ng pagluluto top, down dapat merong init. Yung sa kanila, nasa ilalim lang,” Chef Christopher said. — Carby Basina/BAP, GMA Integrated News