One Valenzuela has been into a
lot of office work lately. During her free time, she tries to prepare for Little
One Valenzuela’s birthday due next month. Like any nanay who would like to make the most out of her budget, she also went
to Divisoria to buy some cute toys at Bodega Sale and get a few artsy decors
along Tabora Street.
Come lunch time and she was hungry
as a bear. One Valenzuela took the cue from Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS)
and looked for Aling Simang’s. The segment of KMJS as well as some netizens
have been raving about Aling Simang’s round quekiam. Why not give it a try?
After buying some glittery cloth
along Ylaya Street, she asked a vendor for instructions. “Punta ka sa kabilang side ng kalye. Sa Ylaya-Tondo.” he said. Ehhh!?! He
explained that One Valenzuela is at Ylaya Street but nearer Binondo. When you
walk along Ylaya going to Padre Rada Street, that is what they call
“Ylaya-Tondo”. Ahhh.
After passing by rows and rows of
rubber slippers, she finally saw Aling Simang’s at her left. She did not see any signage that says it is the "Aling Simang's" that she was looking for. She only remembered that blinking signage from the KMJS show.
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| Aling Simang's: Food Haus Special Mami and Kikiam See that green toy frog at the entrance? It will greet you! ^_^ |
She quickly
ordered combo meal #1 which includes a serving of quekiam, kiampong, side dish
of sliced papaya, and a small bowl of hot soup. This meal costs Php69.00 as of
this writing.
 |
| Clockwise: (1) Combo treats menu on the wall. (2) Photos of the owner together with some prominent individuals. (3) Dining area. |
Aling Simang’s also has lumpia, siomai, siopao, noodles, fried meatballs, daing na bangus, and fried chicken.
Their combo meals range from Php52.00 to Php75.00.
“Ganun pala ang epekto ng
ipalabas sa Jessica Soho.” (Translation: Guess that’s the effect of being
shown in Jessica Soho) an old lady, presumably a loyal customer, exclaimed
while eating at the table next to One Valenzuela. She eventually said that more
people are dining here now after it was featured in KMJS.
One Valenzuela have to say that
the quekiam was really good. If you like your quekiam sweet and savory, Aling
Simang’s is a haven. Forget the ambiance, it’s the food!
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| Combo Treat No. 1: best enjoyed with an ice cold softdrink. |
Every time she goes to Divisoria,
One Valenzuela would usually end up in Chowking and other fast food establishments to eat. Guess she has another option
now.
How to reach Aling Simang’s from Valenzuela City:
From Malinta, ride a jeepney
going to Divisoria (Php20.00). When in Divisoria, walk straight ahead, passing
by Tutuban Center. When you reach Ylaya Commercial Shopping Center, turn right. You
will see a lot of slippers and sandals being sold along the street. Your
landmark is Philtrust Bank Padre Rada Branch. Aling Simang’s is just across the
said establishment. The service personnel of the eatery said that they are open
from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.
 |
| Did this buwis mobile phone shot for you, dear Valenzuelanos! Just walk along this street and you will eventually see Aling Simang's at your left. |
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Yummy noms are everywhere! Just got to look for it.
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Nakakain ka na ba rito?
Do you know of a hole in the wall eatery somewhere in Valenzuela? Places nearby?
Share it here! Would love to hear from you.
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Nakakain ka na ba rito?
Do you know of a hole in the wall eatery somewhere in Valenzuela? Places nearby?
Share it here! Would love to hear from you.
Hi! Chanced upon your blog while I was looking for links to "Aling Simang". I wonder if she is still around. I used to dine there decades ago when the lady used to personally mind the store.. a small corner inside Ylaya Shopping center. It was a "no frills" set-up. My mother used to tell she's been around even during the 50s! I doubt she still exist tto this day. Their Kikiam w/ pickled papaya is simply the best.. no comparison ever! I'll go and visit the place one of these days as I plan to roam around tthe city for old time's sake. Thanks for posting this.. you've brought back fond memories of old Divisoria. Greg
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome. I was not able to ask the smiling old lady of Aling Simang's more about the store during my visit due to the bulk of people ordering. Better find the segment of Kapuso mo, Jessica Soho from gma7, it will give you more information. Might find it on youtube too. Thanks for dropping by!
Deletethis is might not be true or convincing but aling simangs is my greatgranmother, i think some of the interviews on TV are baseless and my relatives are thinking of putting back the integrity of the food , our family's legacy which use by others for there own profit
DeleteYour great grandmother's quekiam is epic. I am hoping that your plans push through since Aling Simang has been a part of many Pinoy's personal histories as you can see in the comment above. Hope to hear about it soon.
DeleteFor you Ms. Lilia we're really thankful for your intention to still Aling Simangs legacy to lives on...
DeleteBut unfortunately you just stole our recipe from our two idiot employee namely Joel and Beth...
We were forced to close down 2009 due to some reason... But on that part of our struggle you even conive with our two idiot and crazy employee named Joeland Beth...
You do stole not only our recipee but also our valued customers by using Beth and Joel...
So, I think.its not proper for you to claim yourself as Aling Simang or a relative of my Grandmother , you've even got an interview by Jessica Soho... claiming that u are Aling Simang or relative? Omg its really bad doing those kind of thing Lilia...
No worries just wait for the comeback of the true owner of The Legend Aling Simang special Halo Quekiam... God Bless always
I am hoping things go well with you and the family. If it is indeed the case po, I'd be happy to try out and buy quekiam po from your shop in the future. I sent an FB message to KMJS already about your concern. Apologies po for any ill feelings that this post has caused, if any, where I am narrating po my experience.
DeleteI live in Chicago now but my mom used to go to Divisoria just to buy that kikiam with papaya salad. I was wondering if it is still around. I have not been back home for almost 25 years. So glad to hear that it is still around. How I wish I could have that now.
ReplyDeleteSome food really bring back good old memories, right po?I guess it is high time to go visit home po again. Thanks po for dropping by on this blog.
DeleteOMG!!! this is soooo helpful!!! thanky sooo mucchhhh!!!
ReplyDelete