Filipino Street Food: Popular Dishes to Try

Craving an authentic culinary adventure? Dive into the vibrant world of Filipino street food! From the adventurous isaw (grilled intestines) and balut (fertilized duck egg) to the beloved fish balls and kwek-kwek, every bite tells a story. Satisfy your sweet tooth with taho (silken tofu dessert) or halo-halo (shaved ice delight). Explore iconic markets like Quiapo and Divisoria. Discover the unique flavors of the Philippines. Read on to start your delicious journey!

Important information

• Adventurous eaters can try isaw (grilled intestines) or balut (fertilized duck egg).
• Classic snacks include fish balls, kwek-kwek (fried quail eggs), and pork barbecue.
• Sweet treats like taho (silken tofu dessert) and halo-halo (shaved ice dessert) are popular.
• Street markets such as Quiapo and Divisoria offer diverse Filipino street food experiences.
• Sorbetes, or “dirty ice cream,” is a popular coconut milk-based ice cream sold from colorful carts.

Popular Filipino Street Foods to Try

Embark on a culinary adventure through the vibrant streets of the Philippines, where delicious and affordable food awaits. For the adventurous, try isaw (grilled chicken or pork intestines), or the truly unique balut (a fertilized duck egg). If you prefer something more familiar, savor fish balls (deep-fried fish paste drizzled with flavorful sauces), or kwek-kwek (hard-boiled quail eggs coated in a crispy orange batter). For a sweet treat, try taho, a silken tofu dessert with syrup and sago pearls. And of course, don’t miss the classic pork barbecue skewers, a true Filipino street food staple. Every bite is a taste of local culture.

Fish Balls and Squid Balls: Savory Snacks

Fish balls and squid balls are a beloved Filipino street food. Deep-fried to a golden crisp, these savory snacks offer a delightful crunch. Fish balls, crafted from fish paste, are typically served skewered and paired with vibrant dipping sauces like sweet and sour or spicy vinegar. Squid balls provide a similar experience with a distinct seafood twist. Found at street vendor carts throughout the Philippines, these affordable treats offer a delicious glimpse into Filipino culinary culture.

Isaw: Grilled Intestines Delight

Isaw, a popular Filipino street food, features grilled chicken intestines. Cleaned and skewered, the intestines are grilled to a crispy finish, often imparting a smoky flavor. Dipping sauces, such as vinegar or sweet soy sauce, complement the unique, adventurous experience.

Pork Barbecue: A Classic Favorite

Filipino pork barbecue, a beloved street food, features pork marinated in a flavorful mixture then grilled to perfection. It’s often served with rice and a tangy dipping sauce. Its smoky sweetness offers a true taste of the Philippines.

Kwek-Kwek: Deep-Fried Quail Eggs

Kwek-kwek is a popular Filipino street food made of hard-boiled quail eggs. These eggs are coated in a vibrant orange batter and deep-fried until crispy. The resulting crunch is often paired with a sweet and spicy vinegar-based dipping sauce, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Balut: The King of Street Foods

Balut, a fertilized duck egg boiled and eaten in the shell, is a popular Filipino street food. Often seasoned with salt, vinegar, or chili, its unique flavor and texture make it a truly one-of-a-kind culinary adventure. This distinctive dish has earned its title as the king of Filipino street food.

Savory Snacks and Fritters

Filipino street food is a delicious adventure for your taste buds, offering a medley of savory snacks and crispy fritters. Imagine biting into a crunchy lumpia, a Filipino spring roll bursting with flavorful fillings. Or perhaps you’d prefer ukoy, a crispy shrimp fritter studded with fresh vegetables. For a unique crunch, try chicharon bulaklak, made from pork mesentery. And don’t forget the empanadas, portable savory pastries packed with meat, vegetables, or cheese. With such diverse offerings, Filipino street food satisfies every craving.

Lumpia and Lumpiang Shanghai: Crispy Spring Rolls

Lumpia and Lumpiang Shanghai are flavorful Filipino snacks, essentially crispy spring rolls packed with savory fillings. Lumpia often includes a mix of vegetables and sometimes ground meat. The smaller, thinner Lumpiang Shanghai typically features a pork filling. Both are deep-fried to a satisfying golden crispness and served with a tangy sweet and sour dipping sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Empanada: Flavorful Pastry Snack

Empanadas are savory turnovers filled with delicious ingredients, such as ground meat, potatoes, or vegetables. Popular in the Philippines, these pastries are a common street food and offer a quick, tasty snack.

Ukoy: Deep-Fried Shrimp Fritters

Ukoy, a popular Filipino street food, is a crispy, deep-fried fritter. This savory snack features a glutinous rice flour batter studded with tiny shrimp. It often includes vegetables like carrots, bean sprouts, and sweet potatoes. Ukoy is typically served with a spicy vinegar-based dipping sauce for an added kick.

Chicharon Bulaklak: Pork Mesentery Snack

Chicharon bulaklak is a crispy, deep-fried pork mesentery snack. Its ruffled edges resemble a flower, hence the name “bulaklak,” which translates to “flower”. This popular Filipino treat pairs perfectly with an ice-cold beer.

Sweet Filipino Street Treats

Filipino desserts offer a delightful array of flavors and textures.

Finally, no exploration of Filipino desserts is complete without sorbetes, the local ice cream often called “dirty ice cream,” typically made with coconut milk and sold from vibrant, colorful carts.

Taho: Sweet Silken Tofu

Taho is a beloved Filipino snack made with silken tofu, arnibal (a sweet syrup), and sago pearls. This comforting treat combines the creamy texture of tofu with the sweetness of syrup and the satisfying chewiness of sago. Often sold warm by street vendors, especially in the mornings, taho is a popular breakfast or on-the-go snack, offering a delightful and fulfilling start to the day.

Halo-Halo: Shaved Ice Dessert

Halo-halo is a popular Filipino dessert. It offers a refreshing mix of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and various sweet toppings. Common additions include sweetened beans, assorted fruits, and colorful jellies. The name, halo-halo, translates to “mix-mix” in Tagalog. It describes the act of stirring the ingredients together before enjoying this cool treat.

Turon and Banana Q: Caramelized Banana Snacks

Turon and Banana Q offer distinct yet delightful Filipino snack experiences. Turon features sliced banana and jackfruit nestled in a crispy, deep-fried lumpia wrapper. Banana Q presents a caramelized banana coated in brown sugar, creating a sweet and smoky flavor.

Kutsinta and Maja Blanca: Delicious Rice Cakes

Kutsinta is a steamed rice cake with a chewy, jelly-like texture. This unique consistency comes from a blend of rice flour, lye water, and brown sugar. It is often served with grated coconut and a drizzle of muscovado sugar. Maja blanca is a coconut milk-based dessert. It is thickened with cornstarch or rice flour. Toppings typically include toasted coconut flakes and corn kernels. Other garnishes can also enhance its flavor.

Iskrambol: Icy Tropical Flavors

Iskrambol, a Filipino shaved ice dessert, offers a refreshing blend of milk and banana extract. This simple yet flavorful base is elevated by a variety of toppings: vibrant sprinkles add color, rich chocolate syrup provides sweetness, and crispy rice contributes a satisfying crunch. This popular treat is a delightful Filipino favorite.

Sorbetes: The Dirty Ice Cream

Sorbetes, a beloved Filipino ice cream, boasts a rich, distinctive flavor thanks to its coconut milk (or sometimes carabao milk) base. Street vendors peddle this frozen treat from vibrant carts, ingeniously insulated with dry ice and salt to keep the sorbetes perfectly chilled.

Exploring Filipino Street Markets

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Filipino street markets. Quiapo Market is famous for its authentic street food, offering a diverse culinary experience. Another must-visit is Divisoria Market, brimming with unique flavors and exciting culinary finds. At both markets, you can indulge in a variety of Filipino street food and discover unforgettable local delicacies.

Quiapo Market: A Hub for Authentic Street Food

Quiapo Market, a bustling hub, draws locals and tourists alike with its authentic Filipino street food. From savory to sweet, this market offers a wide variety of delicious treats, making it a true foodie adventure.

Divisoria Market: Discovering Diverse Flavors

Manila’s Divisoria Market is a vibrant, bustling marketplace famous for its Filipino street food and incredibly diverse goods. From textiles to souvenirs, bargain hunters and food enthusiasts alike will find something to love at affordable prices. For a true taste of Manila, it’s a must-visit destination.