pusero

Pusero is a term used in parts of the Philippines to refer to a person who makes or sells puso, the traditional rice wrapped in coconut leaves. The word combines puso, meaning the rice wrapped in leaves, with the agentive suffix -ero, yielding pusero for a person associated with puso. The usage is regional and not widely documented in formal dictionaries.

In street markets and during local festivals, puseros operate stalls or mobile carts selling puso by piece or bundle, often alongside grilled items such as barbecue or fish. The rice is steamed inside the leaf wrapper, which is fashioned into a small pouch and tied with string. Puso can vary in size, and puseros may offer different quantities to accommodate individuals, families, or larger gatherings.

Cultural context and economic role: Puso is a recognizable element of Visayan and broader Philippine street food culture. Puseros contribute to the local economy by providing a portable, ready-to-eat staple that complements other street foods. While the term pusero is understood in certain regions, it remains relatively obscure outside its traditional markets and dialect communities.

See also: Puso, Street food in the Philippines, Filipino culinary terms.