Bukayo is a popular delicacy in the province of Leyte. It is a sweet and sticky treat enjoyed by Leyteños. Bukayo is made-up of simmering strips of young, gelatinous coconut mixed with white or brown sugar resulting into a sweet and tasty delight.

This sweet treat can be found in small stalls around the downtown area of Tacloban City, Leyte and its neighboring municipality.

The name “Bukayo” comes from the Filipino expression “na-buking,” or “buking” which means “caught, discovered,” or anyone whose bad deeds are brought to light and justly exposed.   

Also, Bukayo is a great “pasalubong” (present) for your families and friends, especially for the kids.  

To make your very own Bukayo just follow the recipe below:

Ingredients

2 pcs. Coconuts, meat grated
pandan leaves
1 kg. Brown sugar
2 tbsps. Vanilla extracts
buko (young coconut) juice
all-purpose flour or cornstarch

Directions

1. Boil together buko (young coconut) juice, Sugar and pandan leaves until Sugar dissolves completely and mixture thickens.

2. Add vanilla extract. Remove pandan leaves.

3. Cook grated coconut in a pan with a little oil until it turns slightly brown.

4. Add syrup and thicken with a little flour or cornstarch diluted in water.

5. Keep stirring so that syrup coats the grated coconut completely, mixture thickens and bukayo gets cooked completely.

6. When cooked, transfer bukayo to a bowl. Form into small balls while hot. Use plastic wrap or wax paper to cushion your hands from the hot mixture.

Enjoy your very own home-made Bukayo, I’m sure your taste buds would jump for joy with this yummy treat!

Profile of the Author:

Roxanne Natalie G. Perez
LNU-ABCom Intern

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Photos/source/reference: 365greatpinoystuff.wordpress.com; pinoybisnes.com