How Maja Came To Be

The Origin of Maja 

By: Mira Luna Aldiano

If you grew up in the Philippines, you would know what Maja is. But for the sake of others, let’s trace down the origin of this famous Filipino Dessert and let’s find out how Maja Blanca emerged in the Philippine Culture.

What Is Maja?

Maja Blanca is a Filipino dessert comprised mainly of Coconut Milk and Corn Starch. Some people coin this dessert as Coconut Pudding, which I think made more sense. When you go to town Fiestas, Holidays, and other festive occasions in a Filipino home, you would most likely find this dessert being served.

Maja Originated from Spain and is adapted from the traditional Spanish Dessert, “Manyar Blanco”, which is a Spanish word for “White Delicacy”.

There are different kinds of Maja. The more common ones are: Maja de Ube, Maja con Maiz, Squash Maja. The most delicious and vitamin-enriched kind of Maja is the Squash Maja. It’s famous for being affordable. Squash, the main ingredient of Squash Maja is a great source of Vitamin A, or Beta Carotene which is very important for good eye sight and great skin.