One of my all-time favorite foods is cooked banana, specifically saba bananas. Growing up, it was a staple in our home—sometimes enjoyed as a main meal, other times as a simple yet satisfying snack. No matter how it was prepared, it always brought me comfort and joy.
Saba bananas are incredibly versatile. They can be boiled, steamed, fried, or caramelized, each method bringing out a unique taste and texture. I remember how, as a child, I would eagerly wait for a steaming plate of boiled saba, its natural sweetness intensified after cooking. It was soft, warm, and filling—perfect on its own or dipped in sugar for an extra treat.
Another favorite was fried saba, which was crispy on the outside yet tender inside. Sometimes, it was transformed into banana cue, where the slices were coated in caramelized brown sugar and skewered onto sticks—pure bliss! And of course, there was minatamis na saging, where saba bananas were cooked in a sweet syrup of sugar and water, creating a deliciously rich dessert.
Every time we visit the Philippines, my trip wouldn’t be complete without having saba bananas. No matter how many new foods I try or how far I travel, the taste of saba brings me back home. It reminds me of childhood afternoons spent in the kitchen, of simple joys, and of the warmth of family meals.
There’s something special about food that carries memories with it. For me, saba bananas are not just food—they are a connection to my roots, a piece of home that I carry with me no matter where I go.
Do you have a favorite childhood food that always brings back memories?
