There’s a familiar warmth in every bite of a traditional Cebu rice cake. In Talisay, Estrellita Villaver perfects that taste, cooking and selling bingka pinalutaw for 35 years.
I grew up with this delicacy. We used to wait for the ambulant vendor who passed by our house every afternoon, carrying trays of steaming bingka. Every All Souls’ Day, along the narrow road to the Talisay cemetery, several stalls sell this soft, chewy treat. It’s one of those comforting foods that remind me of home, family, and tradition.
This is so common and a hot, steaming bingka is one of the must eat traditional Cebuano delicacies you should try when you are here.
Traditional Cebu rice cake = bingka
Let’s clear something up. In Cebuano, bingka refers to rice cake, known as bibingka in Tagalog. It’s made from a mix of rice flour (sometimes glutinous), sugar, and coconut milk. Traditionally, it’s cooked in a clay pot with fire above and below, giving it that rustic flavor and slightly toasted crust.
In Cebu, there are two common kinds of bingka: the traditional one found along highways going north, and the bingka pinalutaw that Talisay is famous for. The latter is actually steamed, similar to puto, but locals still call it bingka.
Cebuano food expert Louella Alix once clarified this in a comment to one of my Facebook posts, confirming that bingka pinalutaw is indeed a steamed type of puto. Still, in Talisay, it holds its identity as part of our traditional Cebu rice cake heritage.
You’ll also find a similar version in Punta Princesa, Labangon, at Putuhan sa Punta — and yes, that name tells you exactly what they specialize in.
Where, when and how to order bingka in Talisay
If you want to try Estrellita’s famous bingka pinalutaw, head to the Tabunok Public Market. Go to the section near the tricycle terminal — just a few meters away from the stalls selling fried bananas and peanuts.
You’ll also find roadside vendors selling it outside the market. Another great stop is Amor Bingkahan, located at the intersection of Bacaltos Street and Cebu South Road in Lawaan.
But the heart of it all is in Poblacion, near the old Catholic church. There, Estrellita cooks and sells her steaming hot bingka from Friday to Monday mornings. If you’re doing a Sunday food trip in Talisay, this is the perfect spot to experience the taste of a traditional Cebu rice cake made the old-fashioned way.
You can find her here:
Estrellita Villaver
General Luna & Burgos Streets, Poblacion, Talisay City, Cebu
09165289248
Q&A: Traditional Cebu Rice Cake in Talisay
Q: What makes the traditional Cebu rice cake in Talisay special?
A: Talisay’s version, called bingka pinalutaw, is steamed and has a soft, chewy texture. It’s freshly cooked and best eaten warm.
Q: Where can I buy traditional Cebu rice cake in Talisay?
A: You can find it at Tabunok Public Market, Amor Bingkahan in Lawaan, and Estrellita Villaver’s stall near the Poblacion church.
Q: When is the best time to buy bingka pinalutaw?
A: Estrellita sells her bingka from Friday to Monday mornings. It’s best to come early for a hot, freshly cooked batch.
Q: What’s the difference between bingka and bingka pinalutaw?
A: Traditional bingka is baked with fire above and below, while bingka pinalutaw is steamed, giving it a softer texture.
@anglangyaw One of the best snacks in Cebu! Bingka pinalutaw! And here in Talisay, Nang Estrellita has been selling this delicious #ricecake for the past 35 years! Have it plain, ube or a combination of both at just 15 pesos per piece. Very affordable! She cooks these bingka Saturdays and Sundays and located a short walk from the old church. Just ask around for directions. #cebufoodie #pinoysnacks #bibingka #cebudesserts #localsnacks #talisaycebu #tiktokfoodie ? Criminal (Instrumental) – The Young Ebenezers
Comments are closed.