Go Back
Steamed Filipino suman wrapped in banana leaves and tied with leaf strips, arranged in a stainless-steel steamer basket during cooking.

Puto Mayang Suman-Banana wrapped sticky rice

Suman is a traditional Filipino rice cake made from glutinous rice wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until tender. This simple recipe uses a few wholesome ingredients to create a lightly sweet, fragrant snack that has been enjoyed for generations. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat, suman can be served on its own or paired with sugar, coconut jam (latik), or fresh mango for an authentic Filipino experience.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 24
Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: filipino, Pinoy
Calories: 100
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

4 cups glutinous rice (sweet rice)
2 cups coconut milk, one 15 oz can
1.5" Ginger peeled and crushed (optional, adjust to taste)
1/4 cup sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt
Banana leaves, softened over heat
Banana leaf strips or kitchen twine for tying

Equipment

  • Steamer

Method
 

  1. 1. Prepare the Rice

    Wash the glutinous rice 2–3 times until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well.

  2. 2. Cook the Rice

    In a large pot, combine:
    Rice
    Coconut milk
    Sugar
    Salt
    Bring to a gentle simmer.
    Stir frequently over medium-low heat until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice becomes thick and sticky, about 15–20 minutes.
    Do not fully cook the rice. It will finish cooking during steaming.
    Partially cooked glutinous rice simmering with fresh ginger slices in a cooking pot before being wrapped in banana leaves for traditional Filipino suman.

  3. 3. Prepare the Banana Leaves

    Pass banana leaves briefly over a flame or dip them in hot water to soften, frozen leaves usually come already come prepped.
    Cut into rectangles approximately 8 x 10 inches.

  4. 4. Wrap the Suman

    Place about ⅓ cup of rice in the center of each banana leaf.
    Fold the sides over the rice, then fold the ends inward to create a tight packet.
    Secure with strips of banana leaf or kitchen twine.

  5. 5. Steam

    Arrange the wrapped suman in a steamer basket.
    Steam over medium heat for 45–60 minutes until fully cooked and firm.

  6. 6. Cool and Serve

    Allow to cool slightly before serving.
    7. Enjoy plain or with:
    Brown sugar, Coconut jam (latik), Fresh mango, Honey, or Coffee.
    For a less sweet, more traditional version, reduce or omit the sugar. Banana leaves add aroma and help keep the rice moist. Suman keeps well in the refrigerator for several days and can be reheated by steaming or microwave for 20-30 seconds

Notes

Notes

  • Banana leaves matter. Fresh banana leaves provide the best aroma and help keep the rice moist during steaming. Frozen banana leaves work well too and are easier to find in Asian grocery stores.
  • Don't overcook the rice before wrapping. The rice should only be partially cooked when the liquid is absorbed. It finishes cooking in the steamer.
  • Wrap tightly. A firm wrap helps the suman keep its shape and cook evenly.
  • Traditional variations. Some regions add coconut cream, ginger, peanuts, or even a strip of ripe banana inside the packet.
  • No banana leaves? Parchment paper can be used in a pinch, but the flavor and aroma won't be the same.
  • Serving suggestions. Suman is commonly served with fresh mango, brown sugar, latik (coconut caramel), honey, or hot coffee.
  • Storage. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days. Reheat by steaming for 10–15 minutes or microwaving with a damp paper towel.
  • Freezing. Wrapped suman freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat by steaming.
  • Budget-friendly food. Suman is a great example of traditional Filipino cooking—simple ingredients transformed into a filling and satisfying treat. Rice, coconut milk, and banana leaves can feed a crowd for very little cost.