Regina Troy Barrios

Article (news)

Chowking Fried Siopao

Sometimes the best gourmet moment comes over the counter—at a fast food joint, no less. As a food editor, a professional eater and drinker, I’ve had my fair share of degustation menus, fine dining experiences, the whole nine yards. But there’s a special kind of joy in discovering something so simple, so affordable, so everyday—and finding that it’s unexpectedly, undeniably good. That’s exactly what happened with Chowking’s new Fried Siopao, crisp-edged, warm, and far better than I expected.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17511981090036.jpg" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Fast food this good? Feels like striking gold | Photo: Chowking</div>Siopao is nothing new, and Chowking’s classic steamed version is practically an institution. It’s the most familiar comfort food, wrapped in paper, nestled in takeout boxes, shared in cars and office pantries for as long as I can remember. It’s part of our food vocabulary—so familiar, it’s easy to overlook.So when the brand, known for its Chinese-style rice meals and halo-halo, sent over a few boxes of their new Fried Siopao to the office, I wasn’t expecting to be impressed. Then I reached over and took a bite.It was suprisingly good. Really good! <div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17511982308905.jpg" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>A classic, always in takeout boxes, ready to take everywhere and share with everyone | Photo: Chowking</div>It has a delicate balance you don’t expect from fast food. The bun has a whisper of crispness—not tough, just lightly toasted to give it a resilience that yields to soft, fluffy bread underneath. The bread is always the secret to good siopao, and this one absolutely delivers. Bite in, and you get a punch of savory meat filling.Keep in mind that this is fast food, so there are no fancy ingredients, just familiar flavors done right. A crisp bun, rich filling, and a balance that surprises.The asado version leans sweet-salty, with that signature soy-rich sauce clinging to tender chunks of roasted pork. The bola-bola is rich and rounded, with a mix of real meat. The umami hits differently with the toasted bun.Best of all, it’s remarkably clean-tasting. No weird aftertastes, no over-oiled fingers. Just balance. Texture. And a flavor payoff that’s deeply comforting—familiar, but elevated. Like an old friend who learned how to dress better.And here’s the kicker: it’s under ₱100<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17511983690317.jpg" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Asado or bola-bola—both packed with savory, meaty comfort | Photo: Chowking</div>As a food editor, my job is to bring you the most delicious eats in town—whether it’s a refined dish at a chef’s table or a fast food surprise that punches above its weight. Good taste has never been about price, and Chowking’s new Fried Siopao proves it: no frills, no reservations, just a really good bite you can afford any day of the week. In a food scene obsessed with spectacle, this humble snack is a reminder of what really matters—it tastes good.<div>Chowking Fried Siopao is available at all Chowking branches nationwide. Follow them on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chowkingph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@chowkingph</a></div>

A humble fast food snack with no gourmet claims, this fried siopao surprises with its crisp texture, savory filling, and flavor that far exceeds its price tag.

A humble fast food snack with no gourmet claims, this fried siopao surprises with its crisp texture, savory filling, and flavor that far exceeds its price tag.

This Fried Siopao Is Shockingly Delicious—And Under ₱100

People

Fashion

Beauty

Wellness

Travel

Culture

Living

Food

Weddings

Food

This Fried Siopao Is Shockingly Delicious—And Under ₱100

Troy Barrios

Published Jun 29, 2025 08:38 PM PHT

|

Updated Jun 29, 2025 08:54 PM PHT

Read More:

chowking

fried siopao

fastfood

merienda

foodbymetro

Metro.Style is your go-to destination for all things chic and stylish—featuring the latest in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, celebrity news, and inspiring stories. It's your curated guide to living your best life.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.