Local Yummies: Torta sa Argao

CEBU, Philippines – Argao is a heritage town in the southern part of Cebu. It charms visitors and travelers not only with its rich history and culture but also with its tourist spots. Apart from its illustrious past, the town also boasts its traditional recipe of a home-baked cake, locally known as “torta.”

Torta sa Argao is a sweet and tangy pastry that is usually larger than an individual-sized cupcake. Perfect for snack time, torta attest to the southern love for delicious sweets as it is topped with sugar bits, and swirls of grated cheese or raisins.

In the past, this delicacy is said to be just served and cooked during special occasions. Over time, torta-making has become an indigenous industry that has provided ample trade for local entrepreneurs. While each family in town has its own version of the torta recipe, most shares the same traditional ingredients such as pork lard, egg yolk, salt, sugar and fresh tuba or fermented coconut wine which is used in lieu of the regular baking yeast.

What makes Torta sa Argao noticeably a class of its own is the traditional cooking in a hot clay furnace or “hudnohan,” a native oven. Such food culture consequently invites a naturally flavorful taste well-loved by locals and visitors alike.

For those who are craving for a bite of Torta de Argao but are locked up in the city, the delicacy is now available at the malls, supermarkets and pasalubong centers. The cheapest Argao-made torta is sold at P15 to P20 each, while the large ones are at P35 each or 3 for P100.