Ginanggang: Filipino-style Grilled Bananas

Ginanggang Grilled Cardaba Bananas with Coke Light!

If you ever get to visit the southern region, the islands of Mindanao, of the Republic of the Philippines, look for this unique and delectable street food called Ginanggang.  It's semi-ripe Cardaba Bananas skewered and grilled in charcoal then brushed with Margarine and then rolled in sugar.  Grilling gives the Bananas a smokey flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the fruit.  While adding Margarine and Sugar rounds off the taste in the end with a little creaminess adding moisture to the somewhat dry texture of the semi-ripe Cardaba Bananas.  Locally, these Bananas are called "Saba."  It is used in a variety of banana snacks like Maruya, Toron, Nilagang Saba, and BananaQue / BananaCue.  It is also mixed in different Filipino soups and stews.

Cardaba "Saba" Bananas - short and stout

The best Margarine to use in making this banana snack is still Star Margarine.  You can probably use Plantains to make these but the taste would probably be a little different.  Go to the Philippines to taste the original!

Cardaba Banana Tree

Grilled Banana coated with Margarine and Sugar!

A dollar (US dollar: ~44 pesos) is enough to buy two sticks of Ginanggang (5 pesos each)and a can of Coke Light (21 pesos).  A healthy snack that's filling but light on the pocket.  I'll be sure to try one every time I'm in Davao City.