When it comes to Filipino delicacies, kakanin holds a cherished place in our hearts and on our tables. Sticky, sweet, colorful, and rich in cultural meaning, these native rice-based treats are more than just snacks; they express our history and hospitality.
“Kakanin” is a Filipino term derived from “kanin” (cooked rice). These sticky rice delicacies date back to pre-colonial times when rice served not only as a staple food but also as a symbol of prosperity, unity, and love. Early Filipinos used kakanin in offerings to anitos (spirits) during harvests, weddings, and other significant rituals.
Kakanin has always played a central role in Filipino celebrations. People serve it as staples during Christmas, such as bibingka and puto bumbong during Simbang Gabi, on New Year’s Eve as symbols of sticking together for good fortune, and at fiestas, birthdays, and weddings.
In the heart of Cainta, Rizal, one of the names stands out when it comes to kakanin excellence: Lourdes Special Bibingka
The History of Lourdes Special Bibingka
Photo from Lourdes Special Bibingka Facebook Page
Aling Lourdes is the woman behind the bibingka who brought it to the next level. She founded the business in 1990 by improving her mother’s bibingka recipes. Her son, Christopher Laxamana, now runs the business alongside his father and wife.
Often referred to as “Aling Lourdes,” the original matriarch is credited with creating their soft, chewy bibingka that became famous. They typically sell around 400 boxes a day, underscoring their immense popularity.
Lourdes Special Bibingka operates as a long-standing local business in Cainta known for its wide array of handcrafted kakanin—from classic sapin-sapin and kutsinta to mouthwatering bibingka, biko, and pichi-pichi. Every piece results from traditional recipes, fresh ingredients, and the kind of care you’d expect from a kitchen rooted in Filipino family values.
Why You Should Try Lourdes Special Bibingka
Photo from Lourdes Special Bibingka Facebook Page
Lourdes Special Bibingka doesn’t cut corners. Each delicacy uses locally sourced glutinous rice, coconut milk, and natural sweeteners, staying true to the flavors and textures we grew up with. Their products remain free from artificial preservatives, giving each bite that “fresh-from-the-bahay” feel.
Lourdes Special Bibingka serves not just as a store; it stands as a community landmark. Locals rely on it for birthday celebrations, town fiestas, and holiday gatherings. Many families consider it a tradition to bring home boxes of kakanin as pasalubong or to share during special occasions.
Despite their high-quality products, they maintain affordable prices, making it easy for both locals and visitors to enjoy traditional delicacies.
They offer a wide selection of fresh and handcrafted native delicacies such as bibingka, bibingka galapong, bibingka pinipig, biko, cassava, kutsinta, black kutsinta, leche flan, maja, pitchi-pitchi, puto cheese, putong pulo, sapin-sapin, and suman pinipig. Their prices range from P80 to P550, varying based on sizes and variants.
Their main branch operates in Brgy. Sto. Domingo, Cainta, Rizal, and they have flagship stores in Oliveros St., Antipolo City, and Ortigas Ave. Ext., Pasig City.