Clothed Meatballs

July 26, 2008

by: Monica Palad

Did you know that in China, Siomai or dumpling has different kinds?

In China, Siomai is served with the Chinese set of dimsums usually with a tea, but in the Philippines, Siomai takes a solo distinction with its typical sauce:  Chili flakes, soy sauce and juice of calamansi.

Fried, steamed, and served with rice are some of the ways to serve a Siomai in the Philippines. It is quite familiar in the Philippines that it became a part of the Pinoy street foods. One can order Siomai in different stuffing but the traditional base is always pork. Chicken, shrimp, and beef are introduced in the Philippines as one of the alternatives for the Siomai stuffing.

Cooked in aluminum or bamboo steamer, Siomai is popular among students and people on-the-go because it is easy to be consumed.

BrainYou looked for the most popular siomai stalls surrounding Manila’s largest university, the University of Santo Tomas.

Lopez Siomai

P.Noval street 

As prepared in the Lopez Cuisine, its standard filling is only seasoned ground pork wrapped in a thin yellow sheet of Dimsum wrapper. Displayed in a metal steamer, this siomai has a taste similar to traditional chinese dimsums. It is very meaty and juicy in taste, your money is worth the price.

Price: P30.00 for 6 pieces

 

Chambayan Siomai

P. Noval and Dapitan Street

The Siomai that tastes like a hotdog. Its standard filling is a mixture of ingredients, consisting primarily of seasoned finely grinded pork and small bits of carrots. Chambayan mixes vegetable meat and lard to the siomai mixture as to achieve the “hotdog” taste. The siomai wrapper comes in the traditional dimsum wrapper but also has a taste similar to pork skin when eaten alone. It is larger in size than the other siomai stalls around the university. It’s quick claim to fame? Chambayan has 12 siomai stalls positioned in the most populous areas around the university belt.

Price: P20.00 for 5 pieces

 

Gie’s Siomai

Antonio/Dapitan Street.

For health buffs, Gie’s siomai is the place to be. Made with vegetable meat or tofu, Gie’s siomai is filled only with seasoned ground pork and a dripping of sugar to taste. The sweet taste blended in the base of Gie’s pork siomai compliments with its specially-made chili sauce. 

Price: P22.00 for 6 pieces

 

Rap-rap’s Siomai

Antonio Street

The Siomai that has the “corned-beef-in-a-can” taste, Rap-rap’s siomai is prepared with carrots and ground pork. Minus points because it was served cold. The taste is literally similar to that of a corned beef.

Price: P20.00 for 6 pieces

 

Tiger’s Lane Siomai

P. Noval Street

The secret of Tiger’s Lane siomai lies in its sauce. Served with overflowing garlic flakes, calamansi juice, and soy sauce, it’s filling is a ground pork, bits of carrots, and blended with water chestnut (singkamas) as an extender. It’s size is quite small compared to the other siomai stalls around UST.

Price: P20.00 for 5 pieces