Do you still have second thoughts every time you eat siopao?
Editor's Note: Urban legends are tall tales that emerged from stories shared in small circles that eventually grow to a point where they gain a life of their own. With little or no supporting evidence, these stories are somewhat based on real events but often intertwined with outright lies and half-truths. Usually, these are passed down to the next generation and they evolved to describe some aspects of horror, humor, and even morality.
In the bustling streets of Cebu, a peculiar urban legend has thrived for generations, one that revolves around the beloved Filipino snack known as siopao. The rumor suggests that siopao, those fluffy steamed buns filled with various savory fillings, may contain an unexpected and unsettling ingredient - cat meat.
This shocking notion has been a subject of curiosity, intrigue, and even fear, and it continues to capture the imagination of those who hear it. But where did this urban legend originate, and is there any truth to it? We will delve deep into the enigmatic world of cat meat siopao and explore its fascinating history and the myths surrounding it.
The Origin Story
To understand the myth of cat meat siopao, we must first journey back in time to the heart of Cebu, a place rich in culture and culinary traditions. Siopao, a staple of Filipino street food, was introduced to the Philippines by Chinese immigrants who settled in the vibrant city. Among these immigrants, some established themselves at the Parian, an area specially reserved for the Chinese.
As is often the case with urban legends, the tale of cat meat siopao seems to have emerged from a unique blend of factors. The streets were not immune to the presence of stray cats, a common sight in urban environments. As siopao gained popularity as a street snack, suspicions began to arise, and the rumor took root. However, we also can't deny that there is a certain racial side to this urban legend.
The Myth and Legend
One theory behind the emergence of the cat meat siopao legend is rooted in discrimination against the Chinese immigrants who brought siopao to the Philippines in the first place. Early Chinese settlers have faced challenges and stereotypes, and some locals may have perpetuated the rumor as a way to undermine the success of Chinese-owned eateries. The idea that Chinese immigrants were willing to use cat meat in their food may have played into pre-existing biases.
Another aspect of the myth's origin could be attributed to linguistic nuances and misunderstandings. The wordplay between "siopao" and "siomeow" or "ngyaopao" may have contributed to the rumor. In the Philippines, wordplay is common, and it's possible that the similarity in pronunciation between "siopao" and "siomeow" gave rise to the myth, especially among those with a more mischievous sense of humor.
As with many urban legends, the myth of cat meat siopao likely thrived due to a combination of half-truths and outright lies. Some individuals claimed to have read reports in local newspapers about specific restaurants using cat meat in their siopao. Names like Kowloon House and Ma Mon Luk were associated with this rumor, further fueling its spread. However, as we'll soon discover, these allegations were debunked.
Finding the Truth
Now that we've explored the origins and elements that contributed to the myth, let's uncover the truth behind cat meat siopao. To address the cat meat siopao legend, our journey takes us to the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a regulatory agency within the Department of Health. While the FDA primarily focuses on the regulation of drugs and packaged foods, it also oversees certain aspects of food safety.
According to Andrew de los Reyes, a veteran of the FDA's food division, he conducted inspections and addressed complaints related to food safety, including siopao. He confirms that there were indeed reports of suspected cat meat in pre-packaged siopao. However, upon thorough inspection, no evidence of cat meat was ever found. Furthermore, he stated that there was no practice of slaughtering cats for use in siopao.
In essence, cat meat siopao is nothing more than a myth—a tale concocted from biases, misunderstandings, and perhaps a touch of mischief. It's a legend that may have challenged local Chinese restaurants to prove the quality of their food, but it ultimately failed in discrediting these establishments. Interestingly, the cat meat siopao "variant" did not took root in other neighboring countries where Chinese influence on the cuisine persists - Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. It is worth noting that there is indeed a black market for cat meat in China, Vietnam, and even in South Korea as these "little tigers" are known for healing benefits. Nevertheless, eating of cats in the Philippines is a taboo.
Today, siopao remains a beloved Filipino snack, available in numerous variations beyond asado and bola-bola. Iconic restaurants have continued to serve their signature siopao dishes, undeterred by the enduring myth.
In the end, the allure of the cat meat siopao legend lies in its ability to weave together a common living creature with the universal joy of eating while maintaining an air of disbelief. It's a story that refuses to die, not because it's true, but because it's unbelievably captivating—a testament to the enduring power of urban legends.
The Legend Lives On
The myth of cat meat siopao has captured the imagination of generations. It emerged from a blend of factors, including discrimination, linguistic wordplay, and a mix of half-truths and lies. Cat meat siopao is simply a legend—an urban tale that persists in challenging local Chinese restaurants to prove the quality of their food.
This urban legend is part of our folklore, representing the collective consciousness of a society. They help us understand the nature of people, their customs, and their daily lives. In this particular case, it showcases the enduring power of storytelling and the unique way in which folklore weaves itself into the fabric of culture.
As we continue to unravel the mysteries behind urban legends, we gain insights not only into the tales themselves but also into the societies that create and perpetuate them. The legend of cat meat siopao may be bizarre, but it serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of human storytelling and the enduring fascination with the unknown.
Resources:
"The Myth of Cats in Siopao: How did it start?" by Natalya Patolot.
"Siopao and Power: The Place of Pork Buns in Manila's Chinese History," by Adrian de Leon.
"Where does an urban legend come from?" by Fiel Estrella.
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