EAT IN ASIA / Destinations / Philippines
Tired with a Thai Mango Sticky Rice? Try this recipe for Budbud (AKA Biko AKA Suman)
If you are in the Philippines, that is probably not your first trip to southeast Asian countries. Usually, as one of the first choices comes Thailand. Friendly people, great food, a lot of good connections between main sightseeing spots, and of course, a lot of beautiful beaches. A lot of sun, palm trees, a lot of touristic attractions and diving centers. Finally, this aromatic and extremely tasty Thai cuisine! Pad Thai and mango sticky rice are only some of Thai food staples that everyone should try at least once. Believe me, there is plenty of great food that you should enjoy every single day. Fruits, seafood, desserts, rice and noodle dishes and of course soups.
And also, in Thai restaurants in other countries there are dishes that cannot be omitted. One of them is this mango sticky rice dessert. So, if you were at least once in Thailand or in any Thai eatery, you will definitively know what it is.
This dessert is such a delicious and such a popular Thai dish that there are multiple variations on it. Sweet sticky rice can be served with mango, durian, eggs, coconut, beans and many more other toppings. Some options are sweeter, and some are less. You might say, they are even slightly savory. Some desserts are served topped with a sweet, condensed milk and some are just plain. But, once you try it, I am pretty sure, you will love it!
So, if you are almost addicted to it and you are in the Philippines, you get there their own sticky rice variation too.
Sticky rice in the Philippines – Budbud
Budbud is prepared mainly with three simple ingredients - glutinous rice, sugar and coconut milk, this dish is one of the most popular dishes in the Philippines, especially in the Negros Island. It is mainly eaten during the breakfast time or as a snack.
As it is in Thailand, added toppings or stuffing ingredients may be different. The most popular topping list for the budbud in the Philippines includes shredded fresh coconut, mango and chocolate. On the other hand, bananas, ube and beans are mainly used as these for stuffing budbud sticky rice.
Apart from these variations, the way of preparing sticky rice in the Philippines might be different in many places. Some areas are famous for a delicious chocolate budbud that is usually sold in thin, cigar-shaped sticks that are separately wrapped in banana leaves. Then they are packed per two and sold as a set.
Other options include sticky rice pyramid-shaped packages with either a red or with a white rice. These sticky rice snacks that are almost purple are extremely popular in Negros - on the island that is very close to the Cebu Island in the Philippines.
However, sticky rice isnot only eaten as a sweet snack. It is served very often as a side dish to a regular meal. This plain rice is prepared with no additional sugar so it can be easily paired with any meat or fish dish too. One of the examples of such a composition is a small serving of plain sticky rice with fish or meat balls. Another very common street food snack is sticky rice with deep-fried chicken parts, with sausages or with some skewers. What is interessting is that the same way of serving it is also popular in the Thai cuisine.
Budbud AKA Biko AKA Suman
What is budbud?
So, what is exactly budbud and how is it prepared? Budbud is a small rice roll wrapped in a banana leaf. It is slightly sweet and has a glutinous texture. The whole snack is mainly eaten during the breakfast time or as a lunch. It is served with coffee that nicely balances the sweetness of budbud.
Budbud is prepared with just a couple of basic ingredients. It is relatively easy to be prepare at home. And you could do that even at yours when you come back.
The basic ingredients’ list consists of only five really very simple ones. The most important is of course, the glutinous rice. The second ingredient that cannot be missed is coconut milk. Finally, there is sugar and salt and the wrapping banana leaf. Yes, the last one is the most difficult to get in many western countries, but you can easily replace it with an aluminium foil or with parchment paper. At the end, you will need something for topping your budbud. Traditionally, budbud is served with hot chocolate.
What is the taste of budbud?
Budbud is a little bit chewy. It has a delicate, smooth texture with slightly distinguishable small rice grains. As it is prepared with coconut milk and sugar, it is sweet and has a slight coconut flavor. Finally, as it is usually served topped with hot chocolate, an extra bitter sweetness is added.
How do you make budbud?
Budbud ingredients:
- 2 cups Glutinous rice
- 2 cups Coconut milk or 3 shredded fresh coconuts
- 2 cups Optionally water if you are using fresh coconuts
- ¼ cup Sugar
- 1 tsp. Salt
- Banana leaves or an aluminium foil or parchment paper
If that are your first steps with this delight, I would recommend to you using coconut milk instead fresh coconuts and doing it on your own. Later, when you are much more experienced, go with a home-made coconut milk that is definitively healthier, fresher and without any additional preservatives.
Budbud recipe instructions:
- Wash glutinous rice
- Soak washed rice – let it stay in water for about one hour
- Drain soaked glutinous rice
- Combine salt with sugar and add it to the prepared coconut milk
- Dissolve it properly
- Add the mixture consisting of the coconut milk, salt and sugar to the drained rice
- Put the mixture into a pot and bring it to boil
- Diminish the fire
- Cook the mixture slowly for about twenty minutes at least – the rice should totally absorb the coconut milk mixture
- Assuming you are using a parchment paper or an aluminium foil, prepare proper sheets – I would recommend these of the size 20 centimeters x 25 centimeters more or less
- Put 2 table spoons of the prepared rice and milk mixture on each sheet and roll it properly
- Form spring-rolls shaped rolls
- Take an appropriate pot or a steamer and steam for about 40 minutes
- When ready, serve it with a topping of your choice
Budbud topping options:
Although chocolate is the most common topping in the Philippines, you can always use any sauce you like. Use for example a caramel, hazelnuts, pistachio or a coffee one. Another option is to top your budbud with a fruity one like an exotic or pineapple one. Finally, the best option for me would be to top it with fresh fruits. I would recommend fresh, ripe mangoes, passion fruit if you prefer a sourer taste or with a red or purple dragon fruit. I love this composition.
And enjoy your budbud with a cup of black coffee! It tastes the best when shared with your friends!
