24/04/2026
โI use asin tibuok, a traditional Filipino sea salt, as one of the ingredients in my iced caramel sea salt foam.โโค๏ธ
In Bohol, flavor is never just about tasteโit is about memory, materials, and place.
This chilled salted caramel chocolate drink uses locally made ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐, long valued in Filipino kitchens for its rich and bold character. Here, it is prepared in a new wayโserved cold and balanced, familiar yet a little more refined.
What makes it special is the use of ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐, a rare heritage salt shaped by generations of coastal knowledge. It is used either crushed into fine pieces or lightly gratedโto bring out the natural flavor of the cacao, not overpower it.
Salt and chocolate may seem like an unusual pair. But for chefs and food makers, this is not just about trying something new. It is about understanding how flavors work together. Even a small amount of salt can change how we taste somethingโmaking it deeper, rounder, and more complete.
There was a time when fewer people were producing asin tibuok, putting the tradition at risk. Its process is long and difficult, and fewer people were interested in continuing the practice. Modern changes and regulations also made it harder to produce.
Today, things are changing. Through the support of the Endangered Material Knowledge Programme (EMKP) of the British Museum, together with local partners and researchers, this tradition has been documented and supported. It has also been recognized with a Geographical Indication (GI) in the Philippines, and listed under UNESCOโs Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) for urgent safeguardingโshowing both its importance and the need to protect it.
From being nearly forgotten, asin tibuok is now gaining attention againโfrom scientists, heritage workers, and chefs. It is slowly finding its way back into both home kitchens and modern culinary spaces.
The result is a drink that unfolds gentlyโthe deep taste of cacao, the warmth of caramel, and the light touch of salt working together.
More than a drink, it reflects Boholโs way of lifeโwhere land, sea, and tradition come together in one cup.
๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ก๐จ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐๐ ๐ by The Chocolate Chamber
Photo by Mcaine Carlos for Vogue Philippines
๐ธ |