Dumpling Dreams: A Fond Memories with My Family, Enjoying "Siomai" and "Siopao" as Snacks 

It was during college days, whenever I have to travel to Calapan with the oldies every start of semester to get cash benefits from "that" certain company. We will travel together, but not only that for a sole purpose because it's a long trip, so we have to make the most of it. We will go to Robinson Mall, then we'll stroll around, eat out, and enjoy the rest of the day.

Once we withdraw the money through the ATM machine, we will immediately go to Robinson to chill. It's cold inside the mall, so we always wanted to reach the place that instant. Then Mommy D will go to the Lotto outlet to try her luck. While Me and Mommy F will go to the Siomai stall, beside the stairs. We will sit in there while we are eating and while also waiting for Mommy D.

I can never forget this moment because I really like the siomai we had back then. It's called Master Siomai, and seriously, that brand is really the best. Before, their siomai is like 25 PHP is the lowest, while I think 40 PHP is the most expensive one. It comes in different flavors, but we always choose Japanese Siomai, just like in this photo. But on our last visit I couldn't eat that because I prefer ice cream then (≧▽≦).

And their price is so much higher now than back then. But of course, that's understandable. Everything's really expensive now. But well, maybe on our next visit, I'll buy it again. I really missed their siomai now, especially its meaty flavor. It is always the best to eat with their sweet soy sauce, together with fried garlic and chili oil. Ahhh, let's not forget the calamansi ಥ‿ಥ. You can eat this alone or buy rice somewhere and eat this with it. It's the best combo!

And after eating siomai, we'll just rest for a few minutes, then proceed on shopping. We have that one favorite brand of Siopao that we really like. I just forgot its name. It's been a long time since we last had it. That siopao is bigger, and there's a lot of it in one pack. You know siopao is really good as a snack. It comes with different flavors too, just like Siopao Asado and Siopao Bola Bola. Both are good, but nothing beats the classic one.

Here's a photo of Siomai and Siopao. I'm steaming them both after getting them in the fridge. This is seriously a perfect snack with the family. Pair it with juice, coffee, or milk, whatever you prefer, I think they will taste good with anything.

And this is what's inside of siopao, seasoned pork cooked to perfection. This comes with a sweet sauce too. There are siopao out there that doesn't need a sauce anymore, it tastes good even without a sauce. But of course, it tastes even better with it. Seeing these photos, I suddenly crave them. Huhu. These siomai and siopao are actually from my college friends. She's selling one particular brand of these dumplings, and I ordered it before my nasal polyp surgery. Maybe it's about time to order them again, ehe.

Have you tried siopao and siomai before?

Lead Image Edited in Canva.