Argao is one of the oldest municipalities in the whole archipelago. The town has a rich cultural history and is home to numerous landmarks significant to the history of the country. It also plays host to some awe-inspiring natural and man-made wonders. Aside from these cultural and natural attractions, Argao visitors can look forward to trying out the different delicacies the town is known for. One of these delicacies is a product of the premium quality cacao seeds the town is known to produce, the Sikwate or the tsokolate.
Sikwate – image source: mycebu.ph
The sikwate is the essentially the Cebuano version of the popular hot chocolate. It is made from dried, roasted and milled cacao beans, which are formed into tablets called tableya. The tableya is boiled in hot water using a special type of jug and frothed using a wooden stick called a batirol. Once froth is produced, milk and sugar are added to create a much-loved chocolate drink that gives people a nostalgic feeling.
Making Tableya – image source: primer.com.ph
The cacao beans of Argao are sourced mainly from Barangay Canbanua. The cacao beans produced in Argao are known to be of premium quality. The popularity of the cacao beans of Argao is highlighted by the Legend of Maria Cacao, who supposedly had a vast plantation of cacao somewhere in the mountains of Argao. After she and her partner, Mangaw, harvest the beans, they travel along the river on a golden boat to deliver them.
Cacao Beans – image source: pixabay.com
The sikwate is a perfect breakfast drink and can be paired with another famous delicacy from Argao, the Torta. While the tableya from Argao is already available in a number of groceries and supermarkets in the Queen City of the South, taking a trip down south to buy it from the source can be quite an enjoyable experience for anyone who wants to learn about how it is made. The sikwate from Argao is also offered in a number of restaurants and coffee shops in the city.
Tableya – image source: Argao Guilang's Tableya Facebook Page
The sikwate from Argao is indeed one of the delicacies the town is known for. Aside from the nostalgic feeling you can get from savoring a cup of piping hot sikwate, it is also a perfect drink on cold rainy mornings in the Queen City of the South. When was the last time you relished the sweet aroma of a cup of sikwate from Argao? Tell us about it on the comments section below.
Tsokolate – image source: coffeedreamco.wordpress.com
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