PORK SIOPAO
HISTORY
Siopao was introduced to the Philippines by Chinese immigrants and has since become a staple food in Filipino cuisine; the most common types of meat fillings are pork and chicken, and other varieties include beef, shrimp, and even vegetarian options.
Siopao is often sold as a snack or a meal in food stalls, convenience stores, and restaurants across the Philippines. Siopao has become a beloved and iconic food in the Philippines and is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
VIRAL TRENDS
Siopao has been the subject of various viral trends in the Philippines and also in America. Here are some examples:
The Jumbo Siopao Challenge involves individuals attempting to eat an extra-large siopao in a certain amount of time. There have been videos of people taking on the challenge and going viral on social media platforms like TikTok and Youtube.
Many have tried Colored Siopao, and some food establishments have started offering Siopao in different colors, such as blue, pink, and green. These colorful siopaos are often made using natural food coloring.
Lastly, there is Siopao Art. Some talented food artists have created impressive designs on siopao using food coloring and other ingredients. These siopao artworks often feature cartoon characters or other popular images.
VARIATIONS
Many different variations of siopao have been created for many years. This versatile food item can be made with various fillings and flavors. Here are some of the popular siopao variations in the Philippines.
Asado Siopao is the most common type of siopao and is filled with a savory mixture of diced pork, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings. The asado siopao filling is made of braised and stewed pork shoulder. The filling of asado siopao may have had Spanish influence due to its similar name to Mexican carne asada, but there are no other similarities. The name asado comes from the Spanish word that means “grilled,” and Philippine asado evolved from grilled to braised and stewed meat.
Ube Siopao is a sweet variation that is filled with a purple yam paste and is a popular snack and/or dessert in the Philippines, and here at Kalye, we make our own special Ube Pao too! Buko Pandan Siopao is filled with a mixture of young coconut and pandan-flavored cream, creating a refreshing and creamy flavor.
Adobo Siopao is a variation that features a filling made with shredded pork or chicken adobo, along with garlic, soy sauce, and other seasonings.
Don't miss out on this great staple item at Kalye! Your tastebuds will thank you!