Palitaw
This Palitaw recipe is takes less that 30 minutes to make with only a few ingredients! A classic dessert in the Philippines of flat rice cake coated in grated coconut, toasted sesame and sugar.

Among the many delightful dishes that grace the Filipino table, Palitaw stands out as a simple yet incredibly satisfying treat. These chewy, sweet rice cakes are a beloved Filipino delicacy, often enjoyed as snacks or desserts.
Whether you’re new to Filipino food or a seasoned enthusiast, this Palitaw recipe will take your taste buds on a journey to the heart of the Philippines. If you enjoyed making these sweet treat, be sure to explore more Filipino dishes like kutsinta, pichi-pichi and sapin-sapin.

What is Palitaw?
Before we dive into the kitchen to whip up a batch of Palitaw, let’s take a moment to appreciate the cultural roots of this delightful dish. Palitaw, derived from the Filipino word “litaw,” which means “to float” or “to surface,” is aptly named. It’s called so because these rice cakes float to the surface when they’re done cooking. The dish has also evolved over time, with regional variations adding their own unique twists to the basic recipe.
Cultural Significance
The dessert is also called as dila-dila in other provinces. Traditionally served during special occasions, such as birthdays, fiestas, and family gatherings, Palitaw brings people together in celebration. Its soft, chewy texture and sweet-nutty toppings make it a crowd-pleaser that appeals to people of all ages.

Ingredients for Palitaw
Cooking Tips
How to Serve and Enjoy Palitaw
You can serve them as a delightful snack or dessert, perfect for pairing with a cup of Filipino-style coffee or hot chocolate. The combination of the chewy rice cakes, sweet coconut, and nutty sesame seeds is simply irresistible.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a taste of Filipino kakanin, Palitaw is a treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Palitaw
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups glutinous rice flour
- 2/3 cups water (add more if needed)
- 3 tbsp sesame seed (toasted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut (add 3 – 4 tbsp. water to hydrate)
Instructions
- Toast sesame seeds in a pan for 2 minutes while stirring every 30 seconds to avoid burning.3 tbsp sesame seed
- In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, and water. Knead the mixture until you achieve a pliable, smooth dough. If you want to add some color to your Palitaw, this is the time to incorporate a few drops of food coloring into the dough.1 1/2 cups glutinous rice flour, 2/3 cups water
- Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into flat, oval discs using the palm of your hands. Repeat process with the rest of the dough.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully drop the flattened dough patties into the water. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the surface of the water. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the Palitaw from the boiling water and drain excess liquid and let them cool on a plate.
- Once the Palitaw discs have cooled, coat them with grated coconut and sprinkle with granulated sugar and toasted sesame seeds.1/2 cup desiccated coconut, 1/4 cup granulated sugar