Local Yummies: Masareal

CEBU, Philippines - "Masareal" is another popular delicacy of Mandaue City. This local delight is most loved for its sweet, nutty flavor. It is made from finely pounded peanuts, sugar syrup, and supposedly secret ingredients mixed together thoroughly to create smooth and even peanut dough.

Different "masareal" makers have their own so-called secret ingredients, which make their own recipes distinct, and knowledge of these secret ingredients is passed on from generation to generation. Overall, however, all masareals have a similar sweet milky taste, from the basic mix of peanut and sugar.

"Masareal" has a milky white color. It comes wrapped in white paper containing several rectangular bars. According to locals, the name "masareal" is a combination of Spanish words "masa," meaning  "dough" and "real," meaning "fine" or "royal." One of the oldest and famous masareal brands in Mandaue is "Didang's Masareal," which was founded by Juliana "Didang" Suico back in 1914.

The sweet delicacy is sold at roadside stalls and at markets in Mandaue City. It is also available at "pasalubong" centers, specialty shops and shopping malls in Cebu City.

(References: www.choosephilippines.com, www.cebu-food.com)