Course 2
The open-air turo-turo (cafeteria) comes alive at night in the city of Iligan, tricycles roaring in with driver and patron both stopping in for a quick break before continuing their journeys across town. The scene is set to indulge in Pastil, a taste of the liminal.
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Also called pater, pastil is a traditional Tausug dish from Maguindanao. Banana leaves impart an earthy aroma to the steamed rice and shredded meat treasures within. In this version, Chef Cat uses soy-glazed young jackfruit in place of meat.
Inevitably, comparisons to the Mexican-Pampangan bobotu might be made, or to the ubiquitous suman of Philippine fame. Rice packaged into banana leaf and steamed alongside a viand or other flavor agent— this is the food that travels, nourishes, feeds the fields and fuels the revolution. As Ige Ramos proposes in Lasa ng Republika: Dila at Bandila (2022), suman may well be the best candidate for a Philippine national food if there were such a thing.
