'Tikoy sa kawayan' in Nagcarlan, Laguna gives twist to Chinese New Year staple
It's the eve of Chinese New Year!
One of the most popular delicacies during the Chinese New Year is tikoy, a sweet sticky rice cake often given as gifts to loved ones.
In some places in Nagcarlan, Laguna, the beloved treat is given a unique twist by being cooked in bamboo.
In Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras" Tuesday, businesswoman Elvie Formaleza shared that "tikoy sa kawayan" is a traditional rice cake in Nagcarlan.
"Ito po'y nagsimula pa, ninuno, in-adapt ko lang. Thirty years na, umiikot na 'yung negosyo," she said.
Tikoy sa kawayan takes 10 hours to make, and is described as sweeter than the usual tikoy.
"'Yung pagluluto niya sa kawayan, doon po nakukuha 'yung linamnam. Lulutang 'yung crema niya, 'yung sarap," said Elvie.
According to Kuya Kim, "tikoy" is a Filipinized term for "ti-ke," which means sweet pastry in Hokkien. In Mandarin, tikoy is called "nian gao" or year cake.
He explained that even before the Spaniards arrived in the country in 1521, our ancestors have cultivated a deep connection with traders from the provinces of Southern China like Fujian and Guangdong.
Kuya Kim added that some of these traders eventually settled in the country, bringing their own cultural practices and cuisine, including tikoy.
This Chinese New Year, why not visit these five gems in Binondo, the world's oldest Chinatown?
These restaurants in Metro Manila are also offering promos and set menus so you can usher in the Year of the Wooden Snake in sumptuous fashion.
— CDC, GMA Integrated News