Balisongsong (a Bicolano delicacy)

One type of food that I loved to eat since I was a kid was suman (cooked glutinous rice). My Dad's aunt used to live with us when I was a child and she used to cook different kinds of suman. Some of those she loved to prepare are the nilatikan (sugar-coated) and the plain suman which are wrapped in banana leaves and had to be dipped in a sweet syrup when eaten (photos below).

One delicacy which me and my kids' loved during our stay in Bicol is Balisongsong (photo below). On first glance it looks like ordinary suman (cooked glutinous rice). But actually it is made out of ground rice with added sugar and bits of coconut meat. A cup of the mixture is then wrapped individually in banana leaves. Once everything has been wrapped they are then cooked in a casserole with water for about 20 to 30 minutes and that's it. Just remove the banana leaves and they are ready to eat. No need for dipping sauce. I guarantee they taste great.