Wrapped like a frog, tastes like a dream. Binaki is Bukidnon’s comfort cake in a husk.
Binaki is a staple food found in the Northern region of Mindanao, specifically in the provinces of Bukidnon and Cagayan De Oro. It is a steamed corn cake known for its soft, moist texture and naturally sweet flavor. The snack is a popular comfort food that is often enjoyed as a midday treat or dessert. It is typically wrapped in a corn husk, similar to a tamale, and steamed to perfection, as this food offers a unique taste in Mindanao cuisine.
Folded Beginnings
The name of this dish originated from the local term “baki,” meaning frog. This corn cake earned its name from the playful resemblance of its corn husk wrapper to a folded frog’s leg when prepared. Crafted initially as portable sustenance for farmers, the distinctive folded packaging served a practical purpose, keeping the cakes intact during transport, while also adding a touch of nature-inspired artistry to daily meals. Over time, the recipe evolved, incorporating influences from Spanish and American colonial baking techniques, which introduced ingredients like sugar and milk. Today, binaki is a celebrated regional specialty, often sold in local markets, bus stops, and roadside stalls across Northern Mindanao.
Cornbo Combo: Binaki Ingredients
- Fresh or canned corn kernels
- ground into a paste
- Cornmeal or rice flour
- for texture
- Sugar
- Traditionally, muscovado, for a caramel-like sweetness
- Coconut milk or evaporated milk
- for richness
- Butter or margarine
- for added moisture
- Eggs
- to bind the mixture
- Baking powder
- for a light, fluffy texture
- Corn husks
- used as natural wrappers for steaming
Pasalove-ung
The staple food, Binaki, is more than just a snack as it also represents the abundance of agriculture and the tradition of Mindanao. Its preparation preserves indigenous cooking methods, such as steaming in corn husks, which enhances its aroma and flavor. As a popular pasalubong (souvenir gift), binaki also supports local livelihoods, with many small-scale vendors relying on its production for income.
Whether you eat it while it’s fresh from the steamer or packed for your road trip and journey, Binaki remains a cherished dish in Mindanao and an integral part of its identity. Its sweet and comforting taste continues to win over both locals and visitors, ensuring that this corn cake remains a symbol of delicious delicacies found in Mindanao. Have you tried the soft, great mouthful taste of Binaki before?
