The Taste of History by Senyor Juan Suman Latik

I grew up in Nueva Ecija, the Rice Granary of the Philippines, where rice cakes of all sorts were part of my daily living. They were being sold on wet markets or peddled on streets. They were considered common that when I started living here in the Metro, even though I could buy from reputable bakeshops and some supermarkets to satisfy my craving, I still couldn't taste their authenticity. 

Above all the rice cakes that I love, Suman sa Lihiya is my number one favorite. It's soaked glutinous rice treated with lye and mixed with coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves which is boiled for at least two hours. It's served with Latik, a sweet sauce with a mixture of coconut milk and Muscovado Sugar, and topped with Budbod (dried coconut pulp). It's not easy to find it here and I have no time making it due to my very hectic schedule.. I only have a chance to taste it when friends give it as pasalubong and it happens rarely. I miss eating it always. 

Not until I discovered the branch of Senyor Juan Suman Latik near our home.

Working late and now craving for @senyorjuan.ph #sumanlatik or #sumansalihiya... . Have you tried #senyorjuansumanlatik? It brings back my childhood memories eating my most favorite rice cake! Yummy! . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmfavorites #certifiedsuki #filipinofoodmovement #pinoyfood #ricecakeph #foodie #foodporn #foodgasm #instafood #foodblogger #momblogger #mommybloggersphilippines #tastethehistory

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on May 20, 2017 at 12:28pm PDT

It was love at first bite when I tasted its one piece Original Suman Latik a.k.a. Senyorito (Php35.00). It's closest to the flavor of my favorite Suman sa Lihiya  and  on that moment, I knew that Mom and Paps would love it too so I bought a box of three pieces, Senyorita (Php95.00), as pasalubong. I was right, They liked it so much. From then on, whenever there are special occasions like reunions or small gatherings, Mom always brings Senyor (Box of 12- Php375.00) or Senyora (Box of 6- Php188.00) as her pot lock contribution. Senyor Juan never fails to delight anybody's appetite, the old or the young ones alike. It has the taste of history that can be passed on through generations.

Just recently, I had a chance to taste not just my favorite Original Suman Latik but also five Senyor Juan's Espesyal and Fried Suman Latik Flavors. 

Brace yourself because the photos that I am going to show you are drooling! Believe me, they all taste so good! Here they are:

Espesyal Ube Macapuno Suman Latik

(Php69.00)

One piece Suman topped with Latik, Ube, and Macapuno

Espesyal Leche Flan Suman Latik

(Php69.00)

One piece Suman topped with Latik, Leche Flan, and roasted peanuts

Espesyal Mangga Suman Latik

(Php69.00)

One piece Suman topped with Latik, ripe mangoes, and roasted peanuts

Fried Suman Latik Cheese

(Php75.00)

One piece fried Suman topped with Latik and grated cheddar cheese

Fried Suman Latik Chocolate

(Php75.00)

One piece fried Suman topped with Latik, chocolate bars and sprinkles

Among the flavors that I tasted, my favorites were Espesyal Ube Macapuno Suman Latik and Fried Suman Latik Cheese. I shared them with my family and they were all amazed with the explosion of flavors inside their mouths, truly a one of a kind tasting experience. Paps loved Espesyal Mangga Suman Latik while Mom liked Espesyal Ube Macapuno Suman Latik but she told me that she liked the Original Suman Latik more. Kuya said that Fried Suman Latik Chocolate was his first choice that obviously, I thought that he would like. 

These Suman Latik were best paired with Gourmet Hot (Php35.00), Cold Barako Coffee (Php45.00),  or Choco Tablea (Php99.00). 

Although there were Mangosteen-Dalandan (Php45.00) or the award-winning Dalandan Honey Juice (Php35.00) available, I preferred drinking them as is while chilled! They were definitely great natural thirst quenchers. 

Apart from serving great-tasting Suman Latik variants and natural drinks, I can attest that Senyor Juan Suman Latik follows a strict food handling protocols and good customer relations which I have observed on my visit in its SM Mall of Asia Branch.



Miss Katrina, the staff who was in charge knew how to keep her stall clean and she prepared my food properly. She was great in suggestive selling and client relations. No customer left without ordering or dining in.


Senyor Juan's tagline impresses me, "This business is owned by God, managed by Senyor Juan." Senyor Juan Suman Latik walks its talk. I, as a loyal customer for months, feel happy and satisfied whenever I purchase or dine in.

I highly recommend Senyor Juan Suman Latik . We can have #TheTasteOfHistory without breaking our pockets. You may visit any of its branch near you.

You may find Senyor Juan Suman Latik  on Facebook, Google+, and Instagram. You may also visit www.senyorjuan.ph for more details.