Latík refers to two different ingredients in Philippine cuisine. In the north it refers to solid coconut curds, the byproducts of coconut oil production, used as garnishing for a variety of desserts. In the Visayan region it refers to a thick syrupy caramelized coconut cream used as a dessert condiment.

Tagalog Latik

Latík in Luzon

Luzon

Luzon is the largest island in the Philippines. It is located in the northernmost region of the archipelago, and is also the name for one of the three primary island groups in the country centered on the Island of Luzon...

 is made from coconut milk

Coconut milk

Coconut milk is the water that comes from the grated meat of a coconut. The colour and rich taste of the milk can be attributed to the high oil content. In many parts of the world, the term coconut milk is also used to refer to coconut water, the naturally occurring liquid found inside the hollow...

 simmered in a saucepan until it reduces to coconut oil

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of matured coconuts harvested from the coconut palm . Throughout the tropical world, it has provided the primary source of fat in the diets of millions of people for generations. It has various applications in food, medicine, and industry...

 and solids begin to form at the top surface. These solids are left to fry in the coconut oil until golden brown.

Latík is commonly used as toppings for a variety of Philippine dishes including maja blanca

Maja blanca

Maja blanca is a Filipino dessert made primarily from coconut milk. Also known as coconut pudding, it is usually served during fiestas and during the holidays, especially Christmas.-Description:...

, sapin-sapin

Sapin-sapin

Sapin-sapin is a layered glutinous rice and coconut dessert in Philippine cuisine. It is made from rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, water, and coloring with coconut flakes sprinkled on top. Sapin-sapin means "layers" and the dessert is recognizable for its layers, each colored separately...

, and ube halaya.(mashed purple yam).

They are sometimes mistaken for fried caramelized coconut flesh (another type of garnishing/dessert known as bukayo

Bukayo

Bukayo is a very sweet Filipino dessert. It is made by simmering strips of young, gelatinous coconut in water and then mixing with white or brown sugar. It can also be used as garnishing for other desserts.-External links:*...

in Bisaya).

Visayan Latik

Latík in Bisaya literally means 'syrup

Syrup

In cooking, a syrup is a thick, viscous liquid consisting primarily of a solution of sugar in water, containing a large amount of dissolved sugars but showing little tendency to deposit crystals...

' (equivalent to the term arnibal in Hiligaynon

Hiligaynon language

Hiligaynon, often referred to as Ilonggo, is an Austronesian language spoken in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines.Hiligaynon is concentrated in the provinces of Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Capiz but is also spoken in the other provinces of the Panay Island group, including Antique,...

). It can refer to any type of thick sweetened liquids including jam

Fruit preserves

Fruit preserves are preparations of fruits and sugar, often canned or sealed for long-term storage. The preparation of fruit preserves today often involves adding commercial or natural pectin as a gelling agent, although sugar or honey may be used, as well. Prior to World War II, fruit preserve...

. In the most common usage, however, latik means a syrupy condiment

Condiment

A condiment is an edible substance, such as sauce or seasoning, added to food to impart a particular flavor, enhance its flavor, or in some cultures, to complement the dish. Many condiments are available packaged in single-serving sachets , like mustard or ketchup, particularly when supplied with...

 derived from reducing coconut milk and sugar.

It is used much in the same way as syrup, in dishes like kalamay

Kalamay

Kalamay, also spelled Calamay, is a sticky sweet delicacy that is popular in many regions of the Philippines. It is made of coconut milk, brown sugar, and ground glutinous rice. They can also be flavored with margarine, peanut butter, or vanilla. Kalamay can be eaten alone but is usually used as a...

and suman

Suman (food)

Suman is a rice cake originating from the Philippines. It is made from glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk, and often steamed in banana leaves. It is served wrapped in buli or buri palm leaves and usually eaten sprinkled with sugar...

.

See also

• List of Philippine dishes
• Philippine condiments
• Maglalatik
  Maglalatik
  The Maglalatik is an indigenous dance from the Philippines in which coconut shell halves that are secured onto the dancers' hands and on vests upon which are hung four or six more coconut shell halves...
  
  (literally "latik maker"), an indigenous Philippine dance