Lye water, also known as "lihiya" in Tagalog, is a food enhancer concentrate made from an alkaline strong liquid or a potassium carbonate solution. It is commonly used in Filipino cuisine to make kakanin, a type of rice cake, and other dishes. Lye water can also neutralize acid content in food and give a bit of an alkaline flavor to the dish. It is also essential in curing food like pretzels, bagels, and olives, and in giving pretzels a nice and brown surface by treating its exterior, making it crunchier. Bottled lye water can be bought in grocery stores or in the palengke or wet market in the Philippines. If you live outside the country, you might be able to find it in local Asian markets or stores. If you cant find it, you can make your own lye water at home using potassium carbonate and water.