Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, offers a vibrant street food scene that’s both flavorful and diverse. Here are 10 street foods you must try when exploring Manila.
10 Street Foods to Eat in Manila
1. Balut
A fertilized duck embryo boiled and eaten from the shell. It’s a unique delicacy in the Philippines and is often enjoyed with salt and vinegar.
2. Isaw
Grilled chicken or pork intestines skewered on sticks, then brushed with a tangy marinade and grilled over charcoal. It’s a popular and flavorful street snack.
3. Adidas
Not the sports brand, but chicken feet! Marinated, grilled, and served with a spicy vinegar dip, Adidas is a savory and crunchy treat loved by many Filipinos.
4. Banana Cue
Ripe saba bananas coated in caramelized brown sugar, skewered on bamboo sticks and deep-fried until golden and caramelized. It’s a sweet and satisfying snack.
5. Taho
A traditional Filipino snack made from fresh silken tofu, sweet syrup (arnibal), and sago pearls (tapioca pearls). It’s often served warm in the morning by street vendors.
6. Fish Balls
Small balls made from ground fish meat, flour, and seasonings, deep-fried and served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. They’re inexpensive and enjoyed by people of all ages.
7. Kwek-kwek
Hard-boiled quail eggs coated in orange-colored batter, deep-fried until crispy, and served with a spicy vinegar dip. It’s a popular street food that’s both crunchy and flavorful.
8. Sisig
Originally from Pampanga but widely available in Manila, sisig is a sizzling dish made from chopped pig’s face and ears, seasoned with calamansi, onions, and chili peppers. It’s often served on a hot plate.
9. Halo-Halo
While not exactly a street food, halo-halo is a must-try Filipino dessert available in many eateries and stalls across Manila. It’s a colorful mix of shaved ice, sweet beans, fruits, jellies, leche flan, and topped with evaporated milk and ice cream.
10. Dirty Ice Cream
Not really dirty, but that’s what locals call it! It’s homemade ice cream usually sold from colorful carts roaming the streets. Flavors range from classic ube (purple yam) to mango, cheese, and avocado.
These street foods offer a glimpse into the rich and flavorful culinary culture of the Philippines and are a must-try for anyone visiting Manila. Enjoy exploring the streets and flavors of this dynamic city!
Read also – 10 Best Street Foods to Eat in Lima
