Piaya — A Sweet Negrense Delicacy

A sweet Negrense treat from the “Sugar Capital of the Philippines”

Piaya — flat unleavened bread filled with muscovado sugar. It is a famous delicacy in the “sugar capital” of the country, Negros Occidental. Aside from the plain traditional taste, flavored piayas such as ube (purple yam), mango, rum and more are also now available. These are sold in pasalubong centers all over the province.

Try making your own piaya at home.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup muscovado sugar
  • 4 tbps water
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 7 tbsps water
  • 1/2 cup sesame seeds
  • oil
Directions
  1. In a bowl, combine half of the flour and half of the oil; mix well.
  2. Divide into 20 portions shape in balls. Set aside.
  3. Add some water to the muscovado sugar to make it moist. Divide into 20 portions. Set aside.
  4. Mix the remaining flour, oil and some water. Knead to a cylinder and divide into 20 portions.
  5. Flatten each portion and top with the flour and oil mixture. Roll out and stuff with muscovado filling. Close the edges.
  6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  7. Bake in a preheated oven in medium heat or grill until brown on the outside.

Did you know that muscovado sugar has 11 calories per 4 grams (approximately one teaspoon)? When produced under regulated conditions, it is nutritionally richer than other brown sugars or refined sugar, and retains most of the natural minerals inherent in sugarcane juice. (source: en.wikipedia.org)

Mineral content of Muscovado Sugar (per 100g):
  • Total mineral salts 740 mg max.
  • Phosphorus (P) 3.9 mg max.
  • Calcium (Ca) 85 mg max.
  • Magnesium (Mg) 23 mg max.
  • Potassium (K) 100 mg max.
  • Iron (Fe) 1.3 mg max
How to Get There

From Manila, you can fly to Bacolod (Php2500++, round trip, 45 minutes). From Bacolod-Silay Airport, you can take a shuttle (Php75-100 per head), or a cab (minimum of Php400) to take you to the City proper and ask to be dropped off at your destination.

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