Have a P10 budget but a hunger pang? Your P10 might go a long way if you go to Quiapo. You could even use it to purchase a delicious rice and noodle meal! But is a P10 meal enough to support a business? More details are provided below.
You are definitely missing out if you don’t know what pastil is. It is a delectable rice meal with shredded beef or chicken that is wrapped in banana leaves. A popular rice meal in Mindanao, particularly among Filipino Muslims, it is originally from Maguindanao. It is now available for everyone to enjoy on the streets of Quiapo, Manila.
And now, pastil is so well-liked in Quiapo that there is always a line of popular customers waiting to devour this delectable meal. Manuel Olazo, a food and travel vlogger, discovered the history of Quiapo’s prosperous pastil industry. He had the opportunity to speak with Kadafi, one of the Quiapo pastry shop owners.
When asked why he chose to open a pastil store in Quiapo, Kadafi shared that he took advantage of the place’s frequent crowds of shoppers looking for bargains. He clarified that those looking for a perfect meal will love the pastil.
“Are there many vendors here, Kasi? Ah, the things we have here are always murky. The owner of the pastil shop explained, “Sampung piso ang pastil, talagang pang-masa talaga.
“Akalain niyo pa palang dadatnan ang sampung piso sa dami ng taas ng mga bilihin ngayon,” the speaker said. Meron pa pala ang abutin noh yung sampung piso. At ‘yun dito. The food vlogger said, “Sampung piso, may kanin na at ulam pa.
The owner described the pastil’s recipe, saying it is similar to a spicy adobo without vinegar and has captured the taste buds of their many customers. It is made with shredded chicken and other seasonings, including soy sauce, garlic, and chilies. They wrap it in banana leaves and lay it on top of the hot rice. A straightforward dish with great flavor!
Kadafi claims that they have been selling pastil for more than two years. They have mastered the recipe, so it makes sense! Kadafi also mentioned that they didn’t raise their prices for nearly 30 years. He shared that before switching to selling pastil, they first opened a Halal restaurant.
“Yung pastil namin, sir, 20 years mahigit mag-thirty years at a time, sampung piso pa rin. Hindi nagbago,” bragged the owner.
The owner of the pastil shop claimed that the pastil’s popularity is largely due to its low price. He remarked, “Dito sa pastil, sampu o bente, busog na sila.”
The pastil shops in Quiapo serve as another example of how a company can continue to operate without raising prices. It might be difficult and require careful planning, but it is possible. A further ideal illustration is the well-known P2 lugaw of Mang Romy in Valenzuela.
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