The bingka dawa is a delicacy from the northern town of Asturias. While it is not easy to find this local treat, it is one of the things balikbayans look for whenever they return to Cebu. It is essentially a rice cake, bingka or bibingka with a twist. While many of these rice cakes use pilit or glutinous rice or even cassava as their main ingredient, the version of Asturias makes use of dawa or millet.
The dawa is actually used as bird food. But, in the town of Asturias, it is used as an ingredient in making a delicacy. The bingka dawa has a smoother and softer texture and is fluffier compared to other versions of the treat. There may also be some variations to the treat depending on the other ingredients used.
Have you tasted the bingka dawa of Asturias already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.