‘Painitan’ relatively means light meal or merienda however, in Dumaguete , it’s mostly used as to describe a place where you can warm yourself in with hot chocolate or ‘sikwate’ and native delicacies.
Situated within the city’s public market , the Painitan in Dumaguete is just a tricycle ride from wherever you are staying in the city. Early morning would be a good time to visit for an authentic negrense breakfast.
There is actually a dedicated ‘Pinainitan’ section in the market and it’s distinguishing mark is the line up of stores with stacks of Budbud Kabog displayed in front like so …
Locals and tourists alike flock this section to eat this local breakfast fare. The star of the show is none other than Budbud Kabog which actually comes from the neighboring city of Tanjay 79kms from Dumaguete.
It looks very similar to a suman from the outside but what makes it different is the ingredient used. A mixture of millet seed + coconut milk + brown sugar is wrapped in banana leaves and then steamed to make this delicious native delicacy. Sometimes makers would even throw in chocolate syrup for a twist! Now that’s what you call special.
A complete order would consist of ‘sikwate’ (hot chocolate) , Budbud and ‘puto maya’. We were told that the purplish mound of sticky rice is called puto maya a term so familiar from my childhood street game.
The puto maya has no flavor and tastes quite bland and so must be dunked or slathered with the sikwate. It resembles a ‘biko’ (sticky rice) and quite heavy on the stomach. I’d rather have it with ripe mango for merienda (afternoon snack).
After that heavy breakfast walk around the market a bit to aid digestion and also look for some more things to eat ! Mostly native rice cakes and things that are made from root crops. Great for pasalubong for folks back home or just to munch on when you sightsee around Negros’ famous beaches and islands.
For trips in and around Negros Oriental you may contact us for recommendations.
Happy tripping !!! ☺
My Wanderful Life 