the canDIshhh tales

It's been a long long while since I have been in a mall.  Traffic has to be one of the reasons of us staying home and it's really more comfy at home.  But for special occasions, well - I'd like it to be more special - thus, the decision to eat out.   Thinking of where to eat is actually a task for me because I'm a creature of habit.  I like to eat at restaurants where I am sure that the food quality and service is good.  I finally decided to go to Ayala Vertis North since it's a nearby mall and we've never been there yet.  The mall is fairly new and still has a lot of empty spaces, but it does have a good number of restaurants - some I am familiar with and some are new.   Cocina Peruvia caught our attention as it was new to us.  We've honestly never heard of it before, but you know what - take the plunge!  The menu looked interesting anyways.  Our server was very helpful, patient and gracious - he helped us decide what to get....

Jian Baos. Honestly, I didn't know what they were.  It was only when I googled it, did I realize that locally, it's called Fried Siopao.  Jian baos are cousins of the more known XLB (Xiao Long Baos), the difference is that jian baos are *breadier*, well that's according to www.seriouseats.com Now that I have an idea on what it is, I have some sort of expectation on it. Well, for most baos - I have these standards that need to be met.  I like them aromatic.  I like the ratio of the filling and bao bun to be just right.  I like the bao bun to be tasty, and quite a few more. Ang arte ko, diba?  But seriously - I have a lot of things to consider when it comes to baos 包 s. You will say, *ang daming arte naman ni Didi*!  Well, true - because I've come across so many baos, that most of the time they are just pretending to be baos.  Hahaha!!  If you know what I mean.  Like for example, the toasted siopao - I have NEVER come across one ...