Dumpling on the run

When you are loaded on both arms with grocery bags and forgot to take your lunch until past four in the afternoon, these street stalls are the places to go!

I was on my way to the transport terminal when I passed by a line of food stalls along the road.

I have already tried the Waffle Time along this line so let's try something else. This view actually came to my senses first. I have been seeing Paotsin food stalls from time to time but I haven't really tried one from them so let's give it a try this time.

A woman was already in queue with her order when I approached so I waited for a while. When my turn came, I looked at the menu and ordered shark's fin dumpling.

The crew was smart and attentive.

"Steamed or fried, ma'am?"

"Steamed, please."

"With rice or just the dumpling?"

"Just the dumpling."

"Eat in or take out?"

Eat in? So they allow stand-up eating here. Some food stalls do not. Plus, they have full meal set! That is good. It is a small food store but still caters to people on the run.

"Takeout."

Aside from bottled beverages, the stall also offers buko pandan or youn coconut pandan juice drink. I did not order any drink though because I can no longer manage my stuff.

Overhead is also the menu. Aside from tge dumplings, they have chicken and pork that they pair with rice to complete meal sets.

While the crew was preparing my dumplings, I asked her what Paotsin is, if this specific stall is a franchise or not.

"No, ma'am. I think they own the stalls." She meant they as whoever the owners are.

"You mean this specifix stall?"

"No, ma'am. All stalls. I think they own all stall branches."

She handed me the paper bowl in a plastic bag then the soy sauce she poured in plastic bag too.

"Ah, so they are not open to franchising?"

"That's what I heard."

She gave me the change to my bill and I moved on.

I got myself seated in the van and used my bag as my table on my lap. I untangled the opening of the plastic bag where the soy sauce was. I guess I was too clumsy (or too hungry) that I spilled it on my shirt instead of into the paper bowl. The good thing was that I still have something left. It is hard to be eating on the go but it is harder to skip a meal. Thanks to these food stalls around. Sometimes it is them that saves the day.

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Restaurant Information

Paotsin

Theater Dr, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines

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Dumpling on the run
This post participated in the Tasteem contest Street Food

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