placán

Placán is a term that can refer to several different things, most commonly a type of dish or food preparation. In Filipino cuisine, a placán is a dessert made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sugar. It is often flavored with pandan leaves and can be served steamed or fried. The texture is typically sticky and chewy, with a sweet, creamy flavor. Variations exist across different regions of the Philippines, with some incorporating ingredients like jackfruit or sweet potato.

Beyond the culinary context, "placán" can also be used as a surname in some Spanish-speaking countries. The origin of this surname is likely toponymic, referring to a place of origin. As with many surnames, its historical usage and geographical distribution can offer insights into family migrations and settlement patterns.

In some informal contexts, "placán" might also be used colloquially to describe something that is flat or spread out, though this usage is less common and more regional. This application likely derives from the physical shape of something that has been flattened. Therefore, the meaning of "placán" is context-dependent, with the most prevalent understanding relating to a Filipino dessert.