PASTIL is one of the most common go-to dish of Dabawenyos. Not only is it known to be affordable but very convenient as well. Pastil is a Muslim dish that was said to have originated in Maguindanao and has spread throughout the other parts of Mindanao. A normal pastil is made up of compacted and shredded chicken, beef, or fish wrapped in banana leaf. The most common pastil, though use chicken meat. A single serving costs around P10 to P20.
In Davao City, this meal is popular for students, young professionals, people in a budget, and Dabawenyos and tourists alike who decide to at Roxas Night Market where there are a number of stalls selling pastil.
However, the night market is not the only place in the entire city popular to have pastil. We posted a poll on Facebook to ask Dabawenyos what they think is the best pastil in the city. And out of the three most mentioned, judges were invited to select the best of the best. Judges picked were Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2018 Nes-Ann Naraga, Barato Blog Kyle Millan and Amblin Mendola, and SunStar Davao Editor-in-Chief RJ Lumawag. Aside from their feedback, we also asked random people on the streets of Davao City to have a taste of the three pastil samples and tell us what they think.
After thorough tasting and comparing of the three pastil, only one was hailed the best of the best - Pastil Queen! The judges especially loved that their chicken meat has a distinct flavor that would make you want to eat and eat.
Pastil Queen does not have a physical store yet but they already accept orders either through their Facebook page or throught their contact number 0942-808-3790. They are also frequently in food fairs and exhibits. Aside from selling leaf-wrapped spicy and classic pastil, they also sell Spicy and Classic Pastil Kagitkit in small jar for only P180.