Bibingka has once again been named as one of the 50 best cakes in the world, based on a list released by Taste Atlas, an online food guide.
After landing on the 13th spot last year, the quintessential rice cake moves down three spots to no. 16. Bibingka has once again outranked other world-famous desserts, including Spain’s Basque Cheesecake (17th), Argentina’s Tres Leches (25th), and France’s Dacquoise (27).
In first place this year was Russia’s Medovik, an eight-layer honey cake that uses honey and smetana or sour cream. This is followed by Poland’s Sernik, or Polish cheesecake at second place, and Brazil’s Pavê in third place.
For those who haven’t had the pleasure of eating a fluffy bibingka yourself, it’s a breakfast or afternoon snack staple in the Philippines most popularly consumed during the Christmas season and often paired with coffee or ginger tea. It is made with glutinous rice and coconut milk and baked in a terracotta oven while lined with banana leaves. Salted egg and cheese are added on top of the batter just before it finishes baking, and it is served with grated coconut and some butter or margarine.
The Taste Atlas ranking was based on average audience scores.
Taste Atlas describes itself as a world atlas of traditional dishes, local ingredients, and authentic restaurants, reportedly containing over 10,000 dishes, drinks, and ingredients, and 9,000 restaurants around the world.
In case you’re wondering where you can try this fluffy rice cake, here’s a list of places you can check out, along with what to order:
Via Mare
Via Mare is beloved for its classic bibingka, a signature recipe that has been around for decades.
Lisa’s Bibingka and Puto Bumbong
Lisa’s Bibingka and Puto Bumbong specializes in this staple, which is popularly consumed during Christmas. But you can get their treats all year round, including a twist on bibingka with pork floss topped on it.
Bibingkinitan
You won’t run out of places to find Bibingkinitan, with its ubiquitous stalls set up in the most popular shopping malls. They serve tiny bibingka in boxes, which makes them handy to eat.
Ferino’s Bibingka
When an establishment has the word Bibingka in its name, and it’s been operating for over 80 years, it’s likely the real deal. Ferino’s has been in operation since 1938, and they’ve catered to generations throughout the years with fresh and fluffy rice cake treats.
Astoria Plaza
Astoria Plaza has been lauded for its desserts, and its traditional bibingka merits special mention for being so soft, buttery, and flavorful.
Provenciano
Known for its heirloom dishes with an international flair, it’s no surprise that Provenciano offers some of the best bibingka in the city. The fluffy rice cake alone has earned its own following.
Adie’s Delight
Can’t get enough of those adorable and tiny bibingka cakes? Aldie’s serves these cute cakes so you can eat them with your hand.
The Real Happy Cow
A vegan bibingka? The Real Happy Cow proves that their plant-based version is not half bad, with its own butter, cheese, and salted egg substitutes. Just look at that picture!
Bibingka Manila
Bibingka Manila lets you enjoy bite-sized pieces of these yummy morsels in different flavors.
HeiRice PH
HeiRice serves an interesting take on this classic treat by using black rice flour.
FelyMar Special Bibingka
FelyMar Special Bibingka is one of the most popular bibingka places around, known for its fluffy interiors. They also add an egg in between, which adds another layer of flavor and richness.
