When people think of the Philippines, they usually think of turo turos or Filipino food. However, it is impossible to have a discussion about Filipino cuisine without mentioning street food! Street foods are an integral part of Philippine culture. They are often sold by vendors on their carts and can be found in many different parts of Manila. Here are 13 unique street foods you should try when visiting Manila.
Taho
Taho is a traditional Filipino snack that is often sold by street vendors. It is made out of soft tofu, arnibal (sticky brown sugar syrup), and sago pearls. Taho can be enjoyed hot or cold depending on your preference.
Banana Cue
Banana Cue is a popular street food in the Philippines. It consists of banana coated with caramelized brown sugar, skewered on a bamboo stick, and then grilled over charcoal until cooked through. This sweet treat is often enjoyed as a dessert or an afternoon snack.
Inihaw
Inihaw na liempo is grilled pork belly meat marinated in soy sauce, calamansi (a type of Filipino lime), garlic, and pepper. It can be enjoyed with rice or wrapped up in a piece of lechon (roasted pig) skin.
Lumpia
Lumpia is a Filipino style eggroll that can be found for sale on the streets of Manila. Lumpia usually consists of pork, carrots, and onions wrapped in thin rice paper with some lettuce leaves or cooked cabbage to add crunchiness.
Lumpia is served with vinegar sauce made from soy sauce, calamansi juice, and chili peppers.
Binatog
Binatog is a popular street food in the Philippines. It consists of boiled white corn mixed with cooked rice and coconut milk, then topped with grated coconut, sugar, and butter.
Siopao
Siopao is a traditional Filipino dish that consists of steamed buns filled with meat (pork or chicken). Siopao has become extremely popular in the Philippines and can be found for sale almost anywhere.
Tokneneng
Tokneneng is a popular street food in the Philippines. It consists of hard-boiled quail eggs coated with orange batter and deep-fried until crispy on the outside but soft inside.
Kikiam
These are deep-fried ground pork, veggies, and spices wrapped in bean curd skin. They can be found at street side carts or restaurants for around the city! Kikiam is one of the must-try Filipino food that you need to add into your list while touring Manila. It’s a complete meal because it has vegetables and meat all inside one crispy and delicious roll.
Isaw
Isaw is a popular street food in the Philippines that is loved by many. It consists of grilled chicken intestines on a stick and dipped into vinegar with spices to give it flavor (Miranda).
Isaw can be found easily around Manila, but most people like to eat them at night when they are out for drinks or hanging out with friends.
Sotanghon
Sotanghon is a noodle soup made out of cellophane noodles, chicken or pork slices, and vegetables cooked in chicken broth. Sotanghon has become very popular because it’s so delicious and it’s extremely affordable.
Palabok
Palabok is a noodle dish with many toppings such as green peas, crunchy fried chicharon, boiled egg slices, and shrimp. It also has an orange sauce which consists of dried fish flakes called daon and sauteed onions. The ingredients are mixed together to create this delicious meal that anyone can enjoy!
Dried Squid
Dried squid is a popular snack in the Philippines. It’s made by marinating small pieces of squid with soy sauce, vinegar, and spices to give it flavor.
The dried squid can be eaten as it is or deep-fried for extra crunchiness. This crunchy treat definitely needs to go on your list when you are trying out unique street foods in Manila.
Balut
Balut is a fertilized duck egg that contains half-developed embryo. Balut contain an entire baby chick or just the yolk and can be eaten with salt, vinegar, chili peppers, garlic powder, and lime juice.
It’s definitely something you need to try when in Manila because it’s a popular Filipino street food that has been eaten for centuries.
Final Words
These unique street foods in Manila are a must-try for anyone who visits the city. From sweet treats like binatog to savory snacks such as kikiam and isaw, these dishes have been enjoyed by Filipinos for centuries because of their delicious flavor and affordability. Which one of these Filipino dishes would you most likely try? We’d love your thoughts in the comment section below!
