Binagol: A Sweet Treat in a Coconut Shell

Binagol of Eastern Visayas

Care for some binagol?

Welcome to the second part of EV Learners’ 8 Native Foods of Eastern Visayas.

In this article, we will discover the native delicacy binagol. This is one of the Visayan snacks suitable for anyone, from locals to tourists. Let’s find more about the legendary food!

Origin

Binagol is an Eastern Visayan sweet food from the corms of pure talyan, coconut milk, and malagkit (rice). It is also extended with nuts, chocolate, margarine, vanilla, cheese and eggs. Its distinct layers makes it very unique to anyone. The bottom layer, which is placed first inside, consists of the caramelized filling. The top one consists of the main taro mixture.

It is packed in a coconut shell or bagol (a Waray term for the shell itself) and covered on top with dried banana leaves to prevent it from spilling. The product is then wrapped up with straw strips or any strings for additional protection and to enhance the aroma. After packaging, it is heated for about 8 hours in a large cauldron until it is ready to eat. Tada! Binagol is ready to munch on!

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Did you know? Talyan, also known as giant swamp taro, is a root crop abundant in Leyte and Samar islands. Their abundance makes the binagol available to produce. Their size vary differently unlike their taro cousins. It can have a length of up to 2 feet and weigh up to 1 kilogram. The plant itself can grow much taller than a human being!

Places To Buy

The Samar town of Calbiga and the Leyte town of Dagami are primary makers of binagol in the region. However, you can buy these in business areas like Tacloban City or Catbalogan City for a decent price. The common selling areas are in public markets, terminals, and pasalubong centers. It is generally bought individually as one serving is good enough. But it can also be in bundles for souvenir and merienda purposes.

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Hey, are you a Bisaya or a Filipino? Are you proud of our native delicacy? Share this article to your peers and friends from other provinces, even around the world. Let them have a taste of the binagol of Region 8.

Watch out for our next taste tour article!

Meanwhile, check out the other native foods articles like Moron, Humba and Sagmani

 

Photo Credits:

https://8magazine.ph/

https://gerryruiz.wordpress.com/

https://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/

https://www.flickr.com/

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