Tupig (Grilled Filipino Coconut Rice Cakes)

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Candy confections Medium

Tupig (Grilled Filipino Coconut Rice Cakes)

Chewy sticky-rice cakes sweetened with brown sugar and grated coconut, wrapped in banana leaf and grilled until smoky and spotted. They are best warm and eaten the same day. Makes 12 tupig in about 50 minutes.

Prep 30 min

Cook 20 min

Total 50 min

Yield 12 tupig

Diet Dairy free, Vegan

Ingredients

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tupig

2 ¼ cups (260 g)glutinous rice flour
1 cup (250 ml)coconut milk, plus up to 80 ml more if needed
¾ cup (100 g)grated coconut, fresh or thawed frozen
½ cup (100 g)muscovado or dark brown sugar
1 pinchfine salt
5 ½ oz (150 g)banana leaves, cut into 4 x 8 inch (10 x 20 cm) rectangles

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Instructions

Mix the glutinous rice flour, sugar and salt in a bowl. Stir in the coconut milk and grated coconut to form a thick but scoopable batter, adding a splash more coconut milk if it is stiff.
Pass each banana leaf piece briefly over a gas flame or hot pan until soft and shiny so it will fold without cracking.
Place about 2 tablespoons of batter in the lower center of a leaf and shape it into a short, thin log, leaving space at each side.
Fold the leaf over the batter and tuck the ends under. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Heat a grill or dry heavy skillet to medium. Place the packets seam-side down and cook 6 to 8 minutes per side, until the leaf is toasted and the cake feels firm.
Alternatively bake at 375 F (190 C) for about 20 minutes on a sheet pan.
Let rest 5 minutes, then unwrap and eat warm.

Tips

Use glutinous (sweet) rice flour; regular rice flour will not give the chew.
Foil can stand in for banana leaf, but the leaf gives the fragrance.
Keep the log thin so it cooks through.
Good with hot coffee or tea.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make tupig (grilled filipino coconut rice cakes)?

Plan on 30 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking. The recipe makes 12 tupig.

How should I store tupig (grilled filipino coconut rice cakes)?

Best the same day. Refrigerate in the leaves up to 2 days and rewarm on a dry skillet.

Can I make tupig (grilled filipino coconut rice cakes) ahead?

It is at its best the day it is made; prepare it a few hours before serving.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, as written. Check that packaged ingredients such as chocolate, sprinkles and plant butter are labeled vegan.

Tupig is a glutinous rice cake from northern Luzon, in the Ilocos and Pangasinan regions, wrapped in banana leaf and grilled until lightly charred. Serve it with hot coffee or tea.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 12 servings this recipe makes.

191 Calories / serving

7.5g Fat

30.4g Carbs

2.0g Protein

11.8g Sugar

Whole recipe (12 servings): ~2292 cal · 90g fat · 365g carbs · 24g protein · 142g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.