Succeeding as a JSEC stall is no easy feat, especially in the presence of very strong competition. Still, Chopsticks pulls it off despite lacking a completely unique concept—and they do so by offering tasty and affordable Chinese fare for the Ateneo community.

Taste

Chopsticks boasts three classic dimsum offerings. The Pork Siomai proves itself a reliable contender, given its juicy texture and meaty taste. Similarly noteworthy is the Steamed Dumpling, thanks to its balance of savory pork and sweet mushrooms. Likewise, its fried counterpart’s crispy exterior serves as a great contrast to the juicy meat inside. Condiments are available upon request, but it must be said that this dimsum selection is flavorful enough to hold up on its own. 

Dimsum aside, the stall’s bestselling boneless Fried Chicken is the star of the show. Marinated in a secret mix of herbs and spices, the meat bears a strong yet complementary burst of flavors. This is made richer by the tangy garlic mayo provided on the side. The chicken’s spicy variant tastes faintly of buttermilk, with just enough heat to cut through the richness of the meat. 

All these viands are served with either fried rice or fried noodles—both of which are flavorful, but not to the point of overpowering the main dish. And to cap off the meal, the stall’s latest offering is the way to go: Soft and light mantou buns drizzled with condensed milk and topped with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream—sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Concept

There is a constant demand for both Chinese cuisine and fried chicken in the Ateneo community, and Chopsticks helps fill the gap by stressing its authenticity. This shows in their branding, for one, as it takes the name of one of the most important Chinese cultural symbols. In addition, its offerings—made with fresh and premium ingredients—are conceptualized from traditional Chinese family recipes.

Value for money

Chopsticks offers some of the best bargains found in JSEC—you would be hard-pressed to find meals with a more generous serving size at Php 100. They also have an all-in combo, with their three standouts—dumplings, chicken, and both noodles and fried rice—all together in one meal for only Php 130. The servings are hefty and sure to last you throughout an entire day. 

Final verdict

Chopsticks manages to share Chinese goodness at student-friendly prices, but with restaurant-size portions and satisfying flavors. This is a feat that can’t be achieved by just any stall, which makes dining here worth every bang for your buck.

Rating: 5/5

Editors’ Note: In the interest of fairness, Vantage writers only reviewed food that was offered by the stalls during their respective taste tests.

Photos by Alexis Wang