One of the things that makes us feel the spirit of Christmas aside from attending Simbang Gabi is the presence of vendors selling bibingka and puto bumbong outside the church premises. Although they became a rare sight recently, especially that we just recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, bibingka and puto bumbong are just some of the local foods, a kakanin especially, that we usually associate with the Simbang Gabi. It is probably because these are only available the most during the Christmas season. 

Bibingka is a type of rice cake that is usually made of galapong/ rice dough, coconut milk, margarine, and sugar. Sometimes it has some cheese and salted egg too. It is traditionally cooked in a terracotta oven lined with banana leaves. Although, some do not use terracotta ovens these days and use modern ovens now. Binbingka has a soft spongy texture that is similar to a puto. It became a traditional Christmas food alongside Puto Pumbong.  

Puto Bumbong, on the other hand, is a purple rice cake that is traditionally steamed in bamboo tubes then served with margarine, grated coconut and plum sugar granules. Although, recently, it is now typically steamed in metal cylinders to form its shape. It has a sweet but slightly bland flavor which is why it is served best with margarine or butter with the grated coconut and muscovado sugar. Sometimes it is also served with leche flan, cheese or condensed milk to complement its slightly bland flavor. 

If you are searching for a bibingka and puto bumbong to eat after attending Simbang Gabi, there is this place at Mayon Avenue, in front of the Naga City Civic Center that sells them. The stall is named Xandric Bibingka and Puto Bumbong. They have been selling bibingka and puto bumbong for 20 years in Naga City. It is also a good dining experience in their little space because you can watch how the kakanin were made and cooked. They still cooked them traditionally. It will be prepared right in front you and served fresh, still piping hot from the bamboo tubes and pan.

Now that you know where you can find these tradition Christmas food, you can further enjoy them when you get to take home some of it for your family to enjoy to especially if you will #ComeHomeToUMA. Xandric Bibingka and Puto Bumbong are just a few drives away from UMA Hotel and Residences.