By using our website, you agree to the use of our cookies.

Food & Drink

Indulge in These 10 Unforgettable Street Foods in Manila Right Now!

Indulge in These 10 Unforgettable Street Foods in Manila Right Now!

Introduction

Mabuhay, mga kaibigan! Craving for a culinary adventure with street foods in Manila as colorful as the jeepneys? Then magkita-kita tayo sa kalsada (let’s meet on the streets)! Manila, the heart of the Philippines, is not just about the beaches and the karaoke; it’s a bustling hub for street foods that will make your taste buds sing louder than your Tita’s rendition of “My Way”. So, loosen your belt a notch and let’s dive into the vibrant world of street foods in Manila!

Balut in Manila: The Fear Factor Delight

Street Foods in Manila - Balut
Street Foods in Manila – Balut

Price: PHP 15-25 per piece

Hold on to your hats, folks! First up is the notorious Balut. It’s a fertilized duck egg, and yes, there’s a tiny duck in there. But don’t chicken out! This little guy is packed with flavors that will quack you up. It’s best enjoyed under the moonlight, with a sprinkle of salt and a dash of vinegar. The locals swear by its aphrodisiac properties, so who knows, you might just find love in the Philippines!

Isaw: The Intestine Skewer Extravaganza

Street Foods in Manila - isaw
Street Foods in Manila – Isaw

Price: PHP 5-15 per stick

Next stop, Isaw! These are grilled pork or chicken intestines. Now, don’t give me that look. These babies are cleaned thoroughly and marinated to perfection. They’re smoky, chewy, and oh-so-satisfying. Isaw is best enjoyed with a cold beer in hand. Tara, tagay! (Come on, cheers!)

Read next: The Ultimate Guide to the 5 Best Halo Halo in Metro Manila

Kwek Kwek / Tokneneng: The Golden Nuggets of Joy

Street Foods in Manila - kwek kwek
Street Foods in Manila – Kwek Kwek

Price: PHP 5-10 per piece

Ay, ang sarap! (Oh, how delicious!) Kwek Kwek and Tokneneng are the golden nuggets of the street. These deep-fried quail or chicken eggs are coated in an orange batter that’s as vibrant as the Manila sunset. Dip them in vinegar with onions and chili, and you’ve got yourself a party in your mouth!

Fish Balls / Chicken Balls: The Street-side Poppable Delights

Street Foods in Manila - fish balls
Street Foods in Manila – Fish Balls

Price: PHP 0.50 for fishball, PHP 2-3 for squidball and chicken ball

Hoy, bola ka ba? (Hey, are you a ball?) Because you’ll definitely roll over for these Fish Balls and Chicken Balls! They’re deep-fried, skewered, and dipped in an array of sauces. The best part? The street-side theatrics of the vendors as they toss and catch the balls with their long forks. It’s like dinner and a show!

Filipino Barbecue: The Sweet and Savory Love Affair

Street Foods in Manila - filipino barbeque
Street Foods in Manila – Filipino BBQ

Price: PHP 10-30 per stick

Hoy, gutom ka na ba? (Hey, are you hungry yet?) Because it’s time for Filipino Barbecue! This isn’t your ordinary barbecue, kaibigan (friend). It’s a love affair between sweet and savory, with a hint of smokiness that will make you swoon. The skewered pork is marinated in a secret sauce that’s been passed down for generations. It’s like eating history on a stick!

Taho: The Sweet Morning Hug

Street Foods in Manila - taho
Street Foods in Manila – Taho

Price: PHP 10-20 per cup

Wake up and smell the Taho! This sweet snack made from soft tofu, syrup, and tapioca pearls is like a warm hug

in the morning. When you hear the vendor shouting “Tahoooo”, you better run out with your cup. It’s a breakfast of champions, and it’s also the unofficial alarm clock of the Philippines.

Read next: Best Authentic Filipino Food in Manila: A Culinary Journey Through the City

Sorbetes: The Dirty Ice Cream That’s Clean on Flavor

Street Foods in Manila - sobetes
Street Foods in Manila – Sorbetes

Price: PHP 10-20 per scoop

Mainit ba? (Is it hot?) Cool down with Sorbetes, the Filipino “dirty ice cream”. But don’t worry, there’s nothing dirty about it. It’s homemade ice cream sold in colorful carts, with flavors like ube, cheese, and mango. It’s creamy, sweet, and the perfect treat for the tropical heat.

Banana Q / Kamote Q: The Caramelized Street Sweets

Street Foods in Manila - banana q
Street Foods in Manila – Banana Q

Price: PHP 10-20 per stick

Sweet tooth mo ba ay nagwawala? (Is your sweet tooth going crazy?) Then you need some Banana Q and Kamote Q in your life. These are deep-fried bananas and sweet potatoes coated in caramelized brown sugar. They’re sticky, sweet, and the perfect merienda (snack) to keep you going.

Lumpiang Shanghai: The Crispy Roll of Happiness

Street Foods in Manila - shanghai lumpia
Street Foods in Manila – Lumpia

Price: PHP 5-10 per piece

Roll into flavor town with Lumpiang Shanghai! These Filipino spring rolls are packed with ground pork, vegetables, and spices. They’re deep-fried to crispy perfection and served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. It’s like a little piece of happiness with every bite.

Read next: Beat the Heat: Top 7 Filipino Desserts to Enjoy This Summer

Maruya: The Crunchy Banana Bliss

Street Foods in Manila - maruya
Street Foods in Manila – Maruya

Price: PHP 10-20 per piece

Last but not least, Maruya! These deep-fried banana fritters are the crunchy cousins of Banana Q. They’re sweet, crunchy, and the perfect ending to this street food adventure.

The Streets Are Calling!

Now that you’re armed with this treasure map of flavors, it’s time to hit the streets! Don’t forget to visit Quiapo Market, Mercato Centrale, and Mang Larry’s Isawan for the ultimate street food experience. And remember, the best way to explore Filipino culture is through your stomach. Kain na, kaibigan! (Let’s eat, friend!)

Ingat ka! (Take care!)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city in the Philippines has the best street food?
Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is widely regarded as having the best street food due to its diverse and rich culinary heritage. However, other cities like Cebu and Davao also offer a fantastic array of street foods.

What is the most adventurous street foods in Manila for first-time visitors?
Balut, a fertilized duck egg, is considered one of the most adventurous street foods to try in the Philippines. It’s a must-try for those looking to challenge their taste buds.

What is the most delicious street food in the Philippines?
It’s hard to pick just one as tastes vary, but Filipino Barbecue and Isaw (grilled pork or chicken intestines) are often cited as some of the most delicious street foods in the Philippines.

What is the average price of street food in Manila?
The average price of street food in Manila ranges from PHP 5 to PHP 30 per piece or stick. This makes street food an affordable and popular option for both locals and tourists.

Where can I find the best street food in Manila?
Some of the best street food in Manila can be found at Quiapo Market, Mercato Centrale, and Mang Larry’s Isawan. These places offer a diverse range of street foods that are beloved by locals.

Related posts