Popular Filipino iced tea and dumplings
CLEO'S Filipino's Sweets and Delicacies has been a hotspot attracting customers that pass through MHCC in Suva. Rosemary Bugayong is a familiar face at the kiosk and serves customers coming to buy a wide range of their snacks.
Hailing from the Philippines, Rosemary first moved to Fiji more than 30 years ago and has made Fiji her home.
She has been an important part of the food booth since it first opened four years ago.
It belongs to Cleo Pastorpide, a friend she came to know through the Filipino community here.
They met up during organised sports meetings that allows the Filipino community to meet and mingle here.
Rosemary is in charge of managing the kiosk and loves her job serving customers.
She said lunch time was peak hour for them as many flocked to MHCC for their soothing cool drink or a quick bite.
They also feature at the Roc Market on the third Sunday of every month in Suva and their popularity has continued to grow.
"Most of our customers are those from business houses said Rosemary.
"We make sausage rolls, chicken corn dog and our most popular products are dumplings and lemon iced tea."
This is a traditional iced tea from the Philippines, said Rosemary.
She says the iced tea is unique because it’s cooked which also contributes to its freshness and healthiness.
The goodies sold at the booth are affordable and at a convenient spot.
"These all range from three to seven dollars, said Rosemary.
The dumplings are five dollars for seven pieces, which are either steamed or fried. The corn dogs cost two dollars. Rosemary says the benefits of the food and drinks sold at the booth is that it’s all good for the health.
Rosemary urges locals to venture into small businesses if they could to make money.
She said selling products that was popular among people could create a source of income.
According to Indian Curry House.com, there are many benefits of drinking lemon iced tea.
It has all the antioxidant benefits of tea with the added zing of lemon.
You will also be captivated by it's aromatic fragrance and great taste. It also · Detoxifies the body;
· Boosts digestive functions;
· Combats infectious ailments;
· Enhances skin wellness;
· Promotes heart health;
· Treats post-operative edemas (those receiving breast cancer treatment and plastic surgery) and
· Remedies inflamed gums.
Lemon tea contains only a small portion of carbohydrates present in the form of simple sugars and dietary fibres.
These fibres function to slow down the processing of simple sugars.
This enhances gut health and regulates metabolism. Sipping on a cup of iced lemon tea after a heavy meal significantly improves digestion. Try one today and see the difference!