In Filipino, “kabayan” means someone from the same city or country as you. You will hear this word when Filipinos call out a fellow Filipino in another country. It’s a nice, friendly word, providing comfort as well, that you are not totally alone wherever you are in the world.
I am not sure why this bread is called “kabayan”, but its distinct shape resembles the traditional Filipino hat called “salakot”. “Kabayan bread is basically a simple muffin, and it’s sold in most local bakeries in the Philippines.
I have fond memories of eating “kabayan” bread when I was younger. With my Php5, I could buy three of them for Php2, and then the rest is for soda in a plastic bag with straw. It was the perfect afternoon snack. Of course, these days, I much prefer having this with coffee or tea.
The perfect “kabayan” bread is slightly brown and crispy on the edges, soft and fluffy in the middle. It is easy enough to make, the ingredients are pretty basic.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup softened butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
Method:
- Preheat oven to 170C.
- Whisk sugar and butter.
- Add eggs.
- Stir in milk slowly.
- Add flour, baking powder, salt and vanilla. Mix well.
- Scoop mixture into greased muffin pan.
- Put in oven, and bake for about 15-20 mins or until a toothpick run through the muffin comes out clear.
*Tip: To make the signature triangle shape on top, I usually open the oven door about midway through baking for about 3-5 minutes until it rises. Then I close the door to finish baking.
This recipe makes about 14 mid sized muffins, or a dozen if you’d like the muffins a bit larger.
I’ve used this recipe several times, even letting Patty help me out in baking them. It’s pretty simple to make and a nice way to get your kids involved in the kitchen.
I hope you try this “Kabayan” bread recipe. They’re perfect for morning or afternoon tea, or any time of the day.
