This is a "PATER". a cup of steamed rice stuffed with chicken or beef meat. It is a famed food serve in almost every canteen and eatery in Marawi City where I was born and grew up. I honestly don't know the origin of the word itself but that's what it called. I remember when it was introduced way back in the late 90's from a certain canteen, it was a blockbuster. A word of mouth spread like a wild fire inside MSU campus, and the rest is history. It has become a comfort food for every folks of different walks of life in Marawi. You can eat it with your bare clean hands (kinamot/kinamay style). No spoon and no plate needed. You'll just throw leaves afterwards. No hassle to wash. (except your hands, of course). Actually, it varies on different flavors and style on how to prepare and how to cook it. Somewhere in Maguindanao, they call it Pastil. But it turned out to be one in the same: packed on a banana leaf to add some extra distinct flavor and aroma. Generally, it's a Filipino traditional way of preparing food (baon) to bring along with in travel way back in provincial life. But Meranao's took it seriously on preparing it.
I came up with my own version. As my family's home cook, through the years I took the opportunity to prepare it with many trials and errors. I want to make it more different in taste yet the touch of a Meranao accent flavors remained. Rice with turmeric powder added with some spices, so it will turn yellow. Top filled with chicken strips saute'd on with different spices. What's unique about this dish is filled with spices that are abundant in the province of Lanao del Sur like the herb of what they called 'sakurab', somewhat akin to scallion. But with my own way, I added some other variants to make it more fun, more distinct, more striking in flavor on the taste buds. For now, this is the best Pater I can prepare. I am planning to market it here in my place. Pater is slowly and gradually becoming known to students and folks where I currently live. There's a place offering this kind of dish. I bought one and tried it. It actually taste good. It brings me back home to the place where I came from. I really this food. Kind'a instant. Simply done, simply prepared.
