Saan aabot ang 10 pesos mo?

Saan aabot ang 10 pesos mo? Lika na at tikman ang Pastil na bubusog sayo

Written by Avril Tolentino

────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────

Story Time!

After the mass in Quiapo Church, my family and I decided that we would eat at a nearby restaurant. After ordering we were informed that the food will be ready in an hour. That time I was very hungry and I couldn't wait for an hour so I told my mom that I’ll just visit the street foods in Quiapo. While I was roaming around the area there were various foods that I saw like fish balls, siomai, kwek-kwek, isaw, and other street foods. These are the common Filipino street foods so it doesn’t get my attention at all. After a few minutes I noticed a long line of people. I was curious what they were lining up for so I went to check it out. At the start of the line there is a lovely couple selling a food called “Pastil”. They don’t have any stall or table, they just have a huge Styrofoam container. Out of curiosity I bought the food they called pastil. I discovered that it is cooked rice topped with shredded chicken and wrapped in banana leaves. I was shocked to find out that it only cost me 10 pesos. After tasting pastil I was curious why it is very cheap and where it comes from.

History of Pastil

I’ve searched the internet for the food’s history and found out that Pastil originates from the Maguindanao people in Mindanao, the southern part of the Philippines. It is a popular and affordable meal, especially among Muslim Filipinos. The dish consists of steamed rice topped with shredded meat (usually chicken, beef, or fish) that has been sautéed with spices, all wrapped in a banana leaf.

The preparation of pastil follows halal standards, which are Islamic dietary laws that dictate what is permissible to eat and how it should be prepared. This makes pastil a significant dish in the Moro culture, reflecting their customs, values, and beliefs.

Pastil is known for its portability and convenience, making it a popular choice for travelers and students. It is often sold by street vendors and small eateries in Muslim communities throughout Mindanao and even in some areas of Metro Manila.

The dish has evolved over time and has become a favorite among both Muslims and non-Muslims in the Philippines. However, there have been controversies regarding cultural appropriation when non-traditional ingredients, such as pork, are used in pastil, which goes against the halal customs of Islam.

Recommendations 

Even though I'm not a Muslim nor a person born in Mindanao, I appreciate Pastil. It is a food that is both affordable and delicious. Pastil is not just a simple food for me, it is like a book that tells me stories and traditions from different parts of the Philippines. It is worth 10 pesos that I spend in my life. I would recommend that you try this amazing dish.

Photo grabbed from Chicken Pastil Recipe – The Skinny Pot