Suman is a sweet rice cake from the Philippines. It is made with sticky rice and coconut milk. The rice is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
It has a soft, sweet, and creamy taste. This Filipino Suman Recipe is very simple to follow. You need only few ingredients and some banana leaves.
The smell of steaming suman is so nice and cozy. It is often eaten as snack or dessert. Let’s learn how to make Filipino Suman Recipe at home.
Why You’ll Love This Filipino Suman Recipe
Suman is sweet, soft, and very tasty. It is simple to make and not expensive. You can serve it with sugar or ripe mango. It also goes well with a hot cup of coffee. Suman is a perfect Filipino snack for any time.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Filipino Suman Recipe
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Serving Size: 10 pieces
- Course: Dessert, Snack

Equipment List
- Mixing bowl
- Pot for boiling
- Steamer or large pot with rack
- Banana leaves
- String or strips from banana leaves
Ingredients You Need for Filipino Suman Recipe
- Glutinous rice (sticky rice) – 2 cups
- Coconut milk – 2 cups
- Sugar – ½ cup
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Banana leaves – for wrapping
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Wash Rice
Rinse sticky rice in water until clear.
2. Cook Rice
In pot, mix rice, coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Cook until half-cooked and thick.
3. Prepare Leaves
Soften banana leaves by passing over flame or hot water. Cut into rectangles.
4. Wrap Suman
Place rice mix on leaf. Roll tight and fold ends. Tie with string.
5. Steam Suman
Arrange wrapped suman in steamer. Steam for 1 hour.
6. Serve
Let cool and enjoy with sugar or ripe mango.

Tips to Make the Best Filipino Suman Recipe
- Use fresh banana leaves for best flavor.
- Do not overfill leaves; rice expands.
- Tie wraps well so they don’t open.
- Add more sugar if you like sweeter taste.
Serving Suggestions
Eat suman with brown sugar on top. It tastes great with ripe mango slices. You can enjoy it with hot coffee. It also goes well with grated coconut. Try it with sweet chocolate sauce too.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Keep suman in fridge for 3 days.
- Wrap in foil or cling wrap before storing.
- Reheat by steaming or microwaving for few minutes.
Nutrition Information
Nutrient | Amount (per piece) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Carbs | 38 g |
Protein | 3 g |
Fat | 3 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sodium | 50 mg |
Health Benefits
Suman gives energy from rice and sugar. Coconut milk adds healthy fats. Banana leaves add nice aroma but no calories. It is filling and tasty, perfect for snacks.

Filipino Suman Recipe
Ingredients
- Glutinous rice sticky rice – 2 cups
- Coconut milk – 2 cups
- Sugar – ½ cup
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Banana leaves – for wrapping
Instructions
Wash Rice
- Rinse sticky rice in water until clear.
Cook Rice
- In pot, mix rice, coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Cook until half-cooked and thick.
Prepare Leaves
- Soften banana leaves by passing over flame or hot water. Cut into rectangles.
Wrap Suman
- Place rice mix on leaf. Roll tight and fold ends. Tie with string.
Steam Suman
- Arrange wrapped suman in steamer. Steam for 1 hour.
Serve
- Let cool and enjoy with sugar or ripe mango.
Notes
- Use fresh banana leaves for best flavor.
- Do not overfill leaves; rice expands.
- Tie wraps well so they don’t open.
- Add more sugar if you like sweeter taste.
FAQs about Filipino Suman Recipe
Q1: How to make Filipino Suman Recipe?
Cook rice with coconut milk until thick. Wrap in banana leaves and steam until done.
Q2: Can I use foil instead of leaves?
Yes, foil works if you don’t have banana leaves. But banana leaves give better taste and smell.
Q3: How long does suman last?
Suman stays fresh for 3 days in fridge. Always keep wrapped well to stay soft.
Q4: Can I freeze suman?
Yes, freeze suman for up to one month. Steam or microwave to reheat before eating.
Q5: What rice should I use?
Always use glutinous or sticky rice. Other rice will not give right texture.
Final Thoughts!
Filipino Suman Recipe is sweet, soft, and very simple to make. With just rice, coconut milk, and banana leaves, you can make a delicious snack. It is perfect with coffee or mango. Try this recipe today and enjoy a taste of the Philippines.

Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!
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