Kalamay Hati, Antique version

 Kalamay Hati: Sticky goodness of Antique

"Food is pamana. It is our rich cultural heritage.  Food sustains us, identifies us, and connects us as a nation.  Everytime I miss Antique, only a bite of bukayo and butung-butung and I am transported back to the province and connected to the generations of Antiqueños who have created recipes, cooked native ingredients, and shared meals in their homes, in banquets and fiestas.
-Loren Legarda, 2024 (during the opening ceremony of Hapag ng Pamana in Antique)

Antique is a province in Western Visayas that is a birthplace to the native Iraynun-Bukidnon, speakers of vernacular Kinaray-a language, the tribe whom also known who crafted the only rice terraces in the Visayas region which played a big part in the culinary heritage of this place. That's why throughout history, food and culture are inseparable that have been influencing our homes, our communities and our nation. Among the many culinary treasure of Antique, one stands out for its sweet, sticky goodness: Kalamay Hati.

Kalamay Hati, a traditional Filipino delicacy, is a sticky rice cake made with brown sugar, coconut milk, and often flavored with ube (purple yam) or langka (jackfruit).

The creation of this delicacy involves two steps. First, pilit (glutinous rice) is added to coconut milk, and the mixture is ground until it becomes a smooth paste. Second, brown sugar is added to a second batch of coconut milk, which is then boiled to make a thick, sweet syrup called latik. The latik is then poured into the pilit-coconut milk mixture. The mixture is then stirred for several hours. The concoction has to be stirred non-stop to avoid burning the calamay and to retain its viscous consistency. But as the calamay is cooked, it becomes extremely thick, which makes stirring the paste increasingly difficult.

Traditionally, bagols, or coconut shells, are used to package the finished calamay. The calamay is then air cooled before the containers are sealed, and the products are delivered to the stores and market.

Kalamay Hati in Antique is more than just a delicious treat; it's a symbol of the community's culinary heritage. It's a dish that brings families and friends together, shared during celebrations and special occasions. The process of making kalamay hati is often a shared experience, with generations passing down the traditional techniques and recipes.

The kalamay hati of Antique is a testament to the ingenuity and passion of its people. It's a dish that captures the essence of the region's agricultural bounty, culinary traditions, and community spirit. Whether enjoyed as a sweet snack or a cherished part of a special meal, kalamay hati is a culinary treasure that continues to delight generations.

If you find yourself in Antique, be sure to savor the sweet symphony of flavors that is kalamay hati. It's a taste of tradition, a celebration of heritage, and a reminder of the enduring love for food that defines the heart of Antique.

https://adrenalineromance.com/2017/05/18/calamay-kalami-the-sweet-heart-of-jagna-bohol/

https://lorenlegarda.com.ph/opening-ceremony-of-hapag-ng-pamana-in-antique/

https://mujeegonzales.wordpress.com/2019/06/28/antique-travel-guide/