Pastil facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Pastil

Alternative names	pastel, patil, patel, patir, pater, paster
Course	Main dish
Place of origin	Philippines
Region or state	Maguindanao
Main ingredients	white rice, glutinous rice, shredded beef/chicken/fish
Similar dishes	binalot, piyoso & nasi dagang

Pastil (also called pastel) is a popular Filipino dish. It's a tasty rice meal wrapped in banana leaves. Inside, you'll find shredded dry beef, chicken, or fish.

This dish comes from the Maguindanao people in the Mindanao region of the Philippines. It's a common and affordable breakfast for many Muslim Filipinos. You might also hear it called patil, patel, patir, or pater by the Maranao people. The Iranun people call it paster.

It's important not to confuse this Pastil with another dish. The Tausūg also have a food called Pastil. Their version is a type of empanada, which is a pastry. It's filled with beansprouts and glass noodles. This pastry is mostly popular in Zamboanga City and is not related to the rice dish.

What is Pastil?

Pastil is a simple but delicious meal. It's made from steamed rice and a special filling. The filling is called kagikit.

The Kagikit Filling

The kagikit is the main part of the Pastil. It's usually made from shredded beef or chicken.

• First, the meat is boiled until it's very soft.
• Then, it's cooled down and pulled apart into small strips.
• Next, Garlic and onions are cooked in a pan with a little oil.
• Once the onions are clear, the shredded meat is added.
• Soy sauce (or oyster sauce), black pepper, chili peppers, and salt are mixed in.
• The mixture simmers until all the liquid is gone.
• Sometimes, grilled fish is used instead of meat. Common fish choices are katipa (walking catfish) or dalag (common snakehead).

Preparing the Rice and Wrapping

The rice used for Pastil is special.

• White rice is mixed with a small amount of glutinous rice. This helps the rice stick together and keep its shape.
• The rice mixture is then steamed as usual.
• Before wrapping, banana leaves are gently heated over a flame. This makes them soft and easy to fold.
• A little oil is spread on the inside of the leaves.
• The rice is shaped into a thick cylinder.
• A strip of the kagikit filling is placed along the rice, or it covers one side.
• Finally, the banana leaf is wrapped tightly around the rice and filling. The ends are tucked in to seal it.

How Pastil is Served

Pastil is often served with side dishes.

• Vegetables soaked in vinegar are common. These include cucumber or togue (mung bean sprouts). The vinegar helps balance the salty taste of the kagikit.
• A hard-boiled egg might also be added to the meal.
• People usually eat Pastil for breakfast or as a snack called merienda.
• It's often enjoyed with coffee or sikulate (hot chocolate).
• You can find Pastil sold by restaurants and street vendors. It's popular in Muslim communities across Mindanao. For example, General Santos has many places serving it. In Taguig, it's sold as a cheap snack.

Similar Dishes

Pastil is similar to some other Filipino dishes.

• It's a bit like the northern Filipino binalot dishes.
• However, binalot usually uses regular meat dishes as a filling.
• Pastil is different because it always uses shredded meat or fish fillings.