The Filipino word for “candy” is kendi, from the English, but this usually refers to Western-style hard, semi-hard, and soft candies.
Branded candies that can be considered vintage or classic Filipino: Bobot Candy-Coated Peanuts, Candyman Kendimint, Jack n Jill X.O. Coffee Candies, Viva Caramel, Nuts Caramel, Lipps Strawberry, Starr Eucalyptus Menthol (the candy formerly known as Storck), Orange Swits, Peter’s Butter Ball, Mikmik, King’s Chocnut, Hany, Ricoa’s Curly Tops, Ricoa’s Flat Tops, Stay Fresh, Maxx Honey-mansi Menthol Candy, Potchi Strawberry Cream Gummies, Nips Candy-Coated Chocolate
Tropical or Southeast Asian flavors used for Filipino candy: ube (purple yam), langka (jackfruit), mangga (mango), kundol (wintermelon)
Aside from sugar-glazed pili nuts, here are examples of local Philippine sweets and their notable ingredients in parentheses: Yema (egg yolks), Bukayo (coconut), Pakumbo (coconut), Sampalok (tamarind)
The native Tagalog word minatamis refers to “sweetened” fruits, such as bananas or jackfruit stewed in sugar syrup.
A few regions of the country are known for their particular confectioneries. Foremost among these is Bohol province. As soon as you mention Bohol to a Filipino, the first thing that pops to mind are the Chocolate Hills geographical formation, and not far behind are Peanut Kisses and perhaps their slightly lesser cousins, the Peanut Fingers.
The great Davao area on the large island of Mindanao in southern Philippines is famous for the wide variety of fruits that are mostly found only there. Among these fruits is the odoriferous durian.
Lola Abon’s is a brand that has national recognition. Her family and company have been making durian candies since the year 1950.
Sweet food items that can sort of be considered Filipino candy: Pinasugbo (brown candied bananas with sesame seeds), Frozen Ice Candy, Buko Ice Drop, Dried Green Mango, Orange Mango Balls
New brand of chocolate sweets: Adonis Strawberry Chocolate 24 pieces
Where to buy Filipino candy online?
You may be surprised to know that AMAZON frequently carries the favorite candies of the Philippines like Maxx, White Rabbit, Flat Tops, Curly Tops, Salted Tamarind (sampalok) and even ChocNut. These are sold mostly by third-party vendors in Amazon’s marketplace so the marked up prices can be overwhelmingly high.
Another place to look is eBay. Yes, we are affiliates of both. 🙂
Please do indulge in sweets responsibly!
