Nanay Tabing’s native delicacies: A taste of tradition, triumph
In the early 1960s, a small yet vibrant business captured the essence of Filipino culinary heritage in the scenic province of Surigao del Norte. This marked the beginning of a culinary tradition of Nanay Tabing’s Native Delicacies as the original maker of the famous ‘sayongsong’ and ‘espasol’ in Mainit town, Surigao del Norte.
The journey of Nanay Tabing’s Native Delicacies began with a simple goal of Claro S. Beltran and his family to share the traditional flavors of childhood delicacies that they learned from their late mother, Octaviana Sevandal Beltran, affectionately known as Nanay Tabing. Armed with age-old family recipes and a deep love for cooking, they started crafting native delicacies in their modest kitchen.
The news of Nanay Tabing’s delectable treats spread quickly to the community. Their commitment to quality and authenticity earned them a loyal following, and soon, their small kitchen could no longer meet the increasing demand. With the support of family and friends, they expanded their operations, setting up a small stall in a strategic area of the town.
“We carried forward recipes passed down to us by our foreparents that became the legendary specialties we know today such as espasol, sayongsong, biko, pichi-pichi, and kutsinta-each made with meticulous care and the finest local ingredients,” Beltran said.
“Among their creations, espasol and sayongsong stood out as crowd favorites, capturing the hearts of many,” he added, describing espasol as a cylindrical rice cake coated in toasted rice flour, became a signature dish. With its roots tracing back to the Spanish colonial era, espasol is a symbol of resilience and adaptation.
“What set Nanay Tabing’s espasol apart was the infusion of our family’s secret recipe, which made the delicacy softer and more flavorful than any other,” the proprietor shared.
Also, sayongsong is a cherished sticky rice cake wrapped in cone-shaped banana leaves and steamed to perfection, was another standout. This traditional treat, often enjoyed during festive occasions, became a hallmark of Nanay Tabing’s repertoire.
“Our version of sayongsong was renowned for its perfect balance of sweetness and texture, a testament to the meticulous preparation that went into each batch. As a result, it became immensely popular not only in Surigao del Norte but throughout the Caraga region and in Northeastern Mindanao,” Beltran said.
As the years passed, Nanay Tabing’s business flourished. However, with growth came challenges. In 2021, the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Odette left their facility partially damaged. Yet, with the assistance of the Department of Trade and Industry's Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program, they received crucial support in the form of supplies and raw materials, allowing them to rebuild and continue to thrive.
Embracing the future, Nanay Tabing’s also incorporated modern technology to expand their reach. Through the help of DTI, they embraced digital marketing, creating a brand that resonated with both the young and the old. Through their social media presence, they shared mouth-watering photos and the stories behind each delicacy, connecting with food lovers and potential business partners alike. This digital presence broadened their customer base, with orders flooding in from across the region.
Today, Nanay Tabing’s Native Delicacies is not just a business, it is also a living legacy. Their story is a testament to the power of tradition, passion, and perseverance. The Beltran family’s goal is to continue inspiring future generations, passing on the art of making espasol and sayongsong, and ensuring that these beloved delicacies will be tasted by furture generations. (DTI- SDN/PIA Surigao del Norte)
