Turon (Banana Lumpia) With Caramel

If you love sweet, crispy snacks that remind you of home-cooked warmth, you need to try Turon. Known as Banana Lumpia in many Filipino households, this golden treat is a simple yet satisfying dessert or merienda that blends sweet plantains, brown sugar, and crispy lumpia wrappers. Some cooks take it further with a sticky caramel sauce drizzled on top, adding that extra layer of sweetness Filipinos can’t resist. Whether you grew up eating Turon from your lola’s kitchen or you’re curious about new desserts, this classic will make you crave more after the first bite.

What Is Turon?

Turon is a famous Filipino snack made with sliced ripe saba bananas (a sweet cooking banana common in the Philippines) wrapped in lumpia wrappers and fried until golden brown. Many versions also add strips of jackfruit, giving the snack a fragrant twist that pairs perfectly with the caramel-like flavor of cooked banana and sugar.

It’s crunchy, sweet, and usually sold as street food by vendors shouting “Turon! Turon!” on busy afternoons. What makes Turon stand out is its simple ingredients and addictive crunch. The extra caramel drizzle is not traditional everywhere but has become popular among younger foodies who love turning classics into something extra special.

The Story Behind Turon

Turon’s roots go back to the Spanish colonial influence in the Philippines when lumpia (spring rolls) became part of local cooking. Filipinos love to adapt recipes, so sweet versions like Turon were born. It started as a way to use leftover bananas and lumpia wrappers. Over time, it turned into one of the country’s most beloved snacks.

Today, you’ll find Turon at roadside stalls, in school canteens, or at family gatherings where a fresh plate is always gone in minutes.

What Makes A Good Turon?

A great Turon is all about balance. The saba banana must be just ripe—sweet but firm enough to hold its shape during frying. The lumpia wrapper needs to be thin yet sturdy so it turns golden and crisp without breaking apart. The sprinkle of brown sugar inside helps create a sweet glaze as it cooks, giving each bite that signature crunch.

When topped with warm caramel sauce, Turon reaches the next level. The caramel seeps into the crispy shell, making every bite sticky, sweet, and so satisfying.

How To Make Turon At Home

Anyone can make Turon in their kitchen with a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ripe saba bananas (or plantains if you can’t find saba)
Lumpia wrappers (spring roll wrappers work too)
Brown sugar
Ripe jackfruit (optional but delicious)
Oil for frying
Sugar and water for caramel sauce

Steps:

Peel and slice the bananas lengthwise. If using jackfruit, slice into strips.
Lay a lumpia wrapper flat, place a banana slice and jackfruit in the center, sprinkle with brown sugar.
Roll tightly like a spring roll, sealing the edge with a dab of water.
Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the wrapped bananas until golden brown, turning to cook all sides.
To make caramel sauce, melt sugar in a pan over medium heat until amber. Slowly add a splash of water and stir until smooth.
Drizzle warm caramel over hot Turon and serve immediately.

Tips For Perfect Turon

Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry a few at a time for even crisping.
Use medium-high heat. Too hot, and the wrapper burns before the sugar melts inside.
If you love extra crunch, sprinkle sugar on the wrapper’s outside too.
Eat Turon fresh—once cold, it loses its crispy bite.

Why Turon Is A Filipino Favorite

Turon is more than just a snack. It’s a memory of afternoon merienda breaks, childhood errands to the sari-sari store, or quick bites during long jeepney rides. It’s comfort food that brings family and friends together, whether you’re passing plates during a fiesta or just craving something sweet after work.

Adding caramel takes it to another level that modern Filipino food stalls love to offer. Some cafes now serve Turon with ice cream, turning a simple street snack into a plated dessert worth sharing on social media.

Where To Find The Best Turon Today

If you’re in the Philippines, the best Turon often comes from local street vendors. In bigger cities like Manila or Cebu, you’ll find new takes—Turon stuffed with cheese, chocolate, or even ube.

In other countries, Filipino restaurants and pop-up markets sell Turon as part of their merienda menu. It’s a great way to share a taste of Pinoy culture with friends who’ve never had it.

Final Thoughts

Turon (Banana Lumpia) with caramel is proof that the best desserts don’t need fancy ingredients. All it takes is a banana, a wrapper, sugar, and a hot pan. Add a drizzle of caramel, and you’ve got a snack that makes you pause and savor every crispy, sticky bite.

If you’ve never made Turon at home, grab some ripe bananas and get rolling. Share it with family or enjoy it alone with coffee on a rainy afternoon. However you serve it, this sweet classic is Filipino comfort food at its best—and that first crunchy bite never disappoints.