The Peking (But Original) Siopao

It’s the 289th day of quarantine period in our region and we’re on the next episode of discovering restaurants in Oriental Mindoro while on lockdown. 

I asked a few locals on which food house they think is best-known in Calapan and they’re giving me two answers – Mabuhay Panciteria and Peking Siopao and Panciteria. And I completely understand why. These two restaurants are here for decades already and are still standing strong despite of the modern restaurants popping up in the city. Up to now, people of different generations keep coming back to satisfy their siopao and pansit cravings.

What’s the secret? Authenticity and consistency! From what I’ve heard in an interview, Peking Siopao and Panciteria is established by a Chinese man, who lived in Peking, which is now Beijing. He went to Mindoro for good and brought the original taste of siopao to Calapan. Their family continued the business and added noodles and more into the menu.

Asado Siopao

Peking Siopao – the talk-of-the-town siopao in Calapan. I agree that it set the standard high for siopaos but I think, it is too pricy for 50 pesos. We also have this famous siopao made by a humble store called Gasmel in Pinamalayan and it exactly tastes like this for only 20 pesos. Regardless of the price, we are still frequent buyers of Peking Siopao whenever we go to Calapan. I like that the meat is ground well and the buns were soft. It comes with sweet sauce that is so distinct.

Mami

I heard that Mami was the second food they offered after Siopao and I only got to try it now. Since it is still the Covid season, the Mami is only available for take-out. I got the noodles and broth separated so I was able to see what’s in it clearly. I don’t think they’re generous enough for this noodle soup since we are literally getting three small cuts of meat along with the noodles. I even thought this is Pancit Miki at first. But despite this, the Mami is full of flavor.

Miki Bihon

This is the real Peking Siopao and Panciteria’s Miki Bihon – full of meat and vegetables. I’m sorry if I wasn’t able to capture it without the cover. It was a gift from my employees for my birthday. They’re the ones who introduced the restaurant to us and they know how badly we want their siopao. How sweet! Anyway, I like that the noodles is already delicious on its own. I also asked friends, who are real fans of pancit, and they said it’s luscious.

Siomai

Siomai is just like any other siomai. I thought there will be something special in it since they have distinct Siopao and I thought they’ll have a distinct Siomai, too. I hope that it will somehow resemble the Cantonese Shumai or any other Chinese dumplings. In fact, I still have concerns to raise. One, I hope they serve their Siomai hot and fresh from steamer. And two, I hope that they asked their customers first if they like chili or not before putting spices.

Macaroni Salad / Leche Flan

For dessert, we ordered Macarani Salad and Leche Flan. The Macaroni Salad was freshly taken out from the chiller so I received a compact salad. Nevertheless, it was yummy. It has the right blend of sweetness and tanginess. On the other hand, the Leche Flan is soft and sweet. I love that the taste isn’t too eggy. And what you’re seeing is right. It is filled with caramel sauce, which is really delectable.