Biko

Biko can refer to more than one topic, most commonly a Filipino dessert and a South African surname.

Biko (Filipino dessert) is a type of sticky rice cake made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar. The mixture is typically cooked until the rice is tender and the sugars meld into a cohesive pudding, then cooled and sliced for serving. It is a traditional treat in the Philippines and is often found at celebrations, street stalls, and family gatherings. Variations may include toppings such as latik (toasted coconut milk curds), shredded coconut, or sesame seeds, and the dish can be prepared in different regional styles.

Biko also exists as a surname, most notably associated with Steve Biko (1946–1977), a South African anti-apartheid activist and a leading figure of the Black Consciousness Movement. A medical doctor by training, Biko advocated for black empowerment and mass organization. He was detained and died in police custody in 1977, an event that drew international attention to the abuses of the apartheid regime and helped galvanize opposition to it.

In addition to these uses, Biko may appear as a family name for other individuals and in various cultural references. The term’s significance varies by context, ranging from culinary to historical and personal naming.