Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, is a paradise for food lovers, especially those who enjoy street food. From savory snacks to sweet treats, the streets of Manila offer a delicious adventure for your taste buds. This guide will walk you through some of the most popular and tasty street food you can find in Manila, helping you discover the best local eats.
Isaw: The Grilled Intestine Delight
One of the most iconic street foods in Manila is isaw. This popular snack is made from grilled pig or chicken intestines. The intestines are cleaned thoroughly, skewered, and then grilled over hot coals. The grilling process gives isaw a smoky and slightly crispy texture. It’s usually dipped in vinegar with onions and chili for an extra kick. You can find isaw vendors almost everywhere, especially in the evenings, near schools, and in public markets. It’s an inexpensive and satisfying snack that many Filipinos love.
Kikiam: A Deep-Fried Mystery
Kikiam is another popular street food in Manila, although its ingredients can be a bit of a mystery. It’s typically made from ground pork, mixed with flour, and sometimes other extenders. The mixture is formed into a sausage shape, deep-fried until golden brown, and then sliced into bite-sized pieces. Kikiam is often served with a sweet and spicy brown sauce. You’ll find it sold alongside fish balls and other deep-fried snacks. While the exact ingredients might vary from vendor to vendor, the taste is generally similar, and it’s a favorite among those looking for a quick and affordable bite.
Fish Balls and Squid Balls: The Classic Duo
No street food tour of Manila is complete without trying fish balls and squid balls. These are small, round balls made from fish or squid paste, deep-fried until cooked through. Fish balls are usually a bit softer and milder in flavor, while squid balls have a slightly chewier texture and a more distinct seafood taste. They are served on skewers and dipped in a variety of sauces, including sweet, sour, and spicy options. Fish ball carts are ubiquitous in Manila, and they are a staple snack for students and workers alike. According to a study about Philippine food consumption patterns by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, street food like fish balls contributes significantly to the daily diet of many Filipinos.
Kwek Kwek and Tokneneng: Orange Eggs!
If you see orange-colored eggs on the street, you’ve likely encountered kwek kwek or tokneneng. Kwek kwek are quail eggs that are dipped in an orange batter and deep-fried. Tokneneng, on the other hand, are chicken eggs prepared in the same way. The orange color comes from the food coloring added to the batter. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Like fish balls, they are served with vinegar, onions, and chili, or with a sweet brown gravy. Kwek kwek and tokneneng are a fun and tasty snack that’s popular with both kids and adults.
Banana Cue and Turon: Sweet Treats on a Stick
For those with a sweet tooth, banana cue and turon are must-try street foods. Banana cue is made from saba bananas (a type of cooking banana) coated in caramelized brown sugar and deep-fried. They are served on bamboo skewers and are a simple yet satisfying treat. Turon, on the other hand, consists of sliced saba bananas and jackfruit, wrapped in a spring roll wrapper, and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Both banana cue and turon are sweet, sticky, and delicious, making them perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert.
Kamote Cue: Sweet Potato Delight
Similar to banana cue, kamote cue uses sweet potato (kamote) instead of bananas. The sweet potato is coated in caramelized brown sugar and deep-fried until tender. Kamote cue is a healthier alternative to banana cue, as sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and fiber. It’s a simple and delicious snack that provides a good source of energy.
Taho: Warm and Silky Soybean Curd
Taho is a popular breakfast and snack food made from soft tofu, small tapioca pearls (sago), and arnibal (brown sugar syrup). It’s often sold by vendors who carry two large aluminum buckets hanging from a wooden pole. The vendor scoops the tofu into a cup, adds sago and arnibal, and serves it warm. Taho is a sweet, creamy, and comforting treat that’s especially popular in the mornings. It’s also a good source of protein.
Halo-Halo: The Ultimate Filipino Dessert
Although sometimes found in restaurants, a good halo-halo can also be found from street vendors, especially during the hot summer months. Halo-halo means “mix-mix” in Tagalog, and that’s exactly what it is: a mixture of various ingredients, including shaved ice, sweet beans, fruit preserves, jellies, leche flan, and topped with ice cream or ube (purple yam). It’s a refreshing and colorful dessert that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day. Every vendor has their own unique version of halo-halo, so be sure to try a few different ones to find your favorite.
Siomai: Steamed Dumplings on the Go
Siomai, a type of steamed dumpling, is another popular street food option in Manila. While variations of siomai can be found in Chinese cuisine, the Filipino version often has a unique blend of pork, shrimp, and vegetables. It’s usually served with soy sauce, calamansi (Philippine lime), and chili garlic oil. Siomai vendors often set up small steaming stations on the sidewalk, making it easy to grab a quick and satisfying snack.
Barbecue: Grilled Meats on Sticks
Filipino barbecue is a must-try for any meat lover. The meat, usually pork or chicken, is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, skewered, and then grilled over charcoal. The marinade typically includes soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and other spices. Filipino barbecue is known for its sweet and smoky flavor. You’ll find barbecue vendors selling their grilled creations in the evenings, especially near residential areas and public parks. It’s often eaten with rice or as a standalone snack.
Pancit: Noodles for Every Occasion
While pancit is often served at parties and special occasions, you can also find it being sold as street food in Manila. Pancit refers to various types of noodle dishes, such as pancit bihon (thin rice noodles), pancit canton (thick egg noodles), and pancit palabok (noodles with shrimp sauce). Street food versions are usually served in styrofoam containers and are a filling and affordable meal option.
Balut: The Adventurous Eater’s Challenge
For the more adventurous foodies, balut is a unique and challenging street food. Balut is a developing duck embryo that is boiled and eaten in the shell. It’s a popular snack in the Philippines and is believed to be an aphrodisiac. Balut is usually eaten with salt or vinegar. It has a rich and savory flavor, and the texture can be a bit unusual. It’s definitely not for everyone, but it’s a cultural experience that’s worth trying if you’re feeling brave.
Iskrambol: A Sweet Frozen Treat
Iskrambol (sometimes spelled “scramble”) is a popular Filipino street food dessert, especially among children. It’s made with shaved ice, milk powder, chocolate syrup, and topped with marshmallows and other sweet treats. The ingredients are mixed together (“scrambled”) until it forms a slushy consistency. Iskrambol is a sweet, cold, and refreshing treat that’s perfect for a hot day.
Quekiam / Ngohiong: Cebu’s Contribution
While better known as a Cebuano street food, Ngohiong is also found in some areas of Manila. This deep-fried snack consists of ground pork and vegetables wrapped in a spring roll wrapper and seasoned with five-spice powder. It’s usually served with a sweet and spicy sauce and is a flavorful and satisfying snack.
Street Food Safety Tips
While street food is a delicious and affordable way to experience Manila’s culinary scene, it’s important to be mindful of food safety. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Choose vendors with clean-looking stalls: Look for vendors who keep their cooking area clean and organized.
Observe how the food is handled: Make sure the vendor uses clean utensils and avoids touching the food with their bare hands.
Eat food that is freshly cooked: Avoid food that has been sitting out for a long time.
Drink bottled water: Avoid drinking tap water or ice made from tap water.
Trust your gut: If something doesn’t seem right, don’t eat it.
By following these tips, you can enjoy Manila’s street food scene safely and confidently.
Best Places to Find Street Food in Manila
Manila is full of street food vendors, but some areas are particularly known for their delicious offerings. Here are a few of the best places to find street food in Manila:
Binondo Chinatown: The world’s oldest Chinatown is a treasure trove of delicious food, including street food like dumplings, noodles, and dim sum.
Quiapo Market: This bustling market is a great place to find a wide variety of street food, from isaw to fish balls to kwek kwek.
Roxas Boulevard: In the evenings, Roxas Boulevard comes alive with street food vendors selling everything from barbecue to seafood.
University Belt: The area around Manila’s universities is packed with affordable and delicious street food options, catering to students.
Public Markets: Almost every barangay (neighborhood) has a public market, and these markets are always a great place to find local street food.
FAQ Section
What is the best way to find street food in Manila?
The best way to find street food in Manila is simply to explore! Walk around different neighborhoods, visit public markets, and look for areas where vendors are clustered together. Don’t be afraid to try new things and ask locals for recommendations.
Is street food in Manila safe to eat?
Generally, street food in Manila is safe to eat, but it’s important to be mindful of food safety. Choose vendors with clean-looking stalls, observe how the food is handled, and eat food that is freshly cooked. If you have a sensitive stomach, it’s always a good idea to start with small portions and see how you react.
How much does street food cost in Manila?
Street food in Manila is very affordable. Most snacks cost between 10 to 50 pesos (approximately $0.20 to $1 USD). Even a filling meal like pancit or barbecue can be had for under 100 pesos (approximately $2 USD).
What are some must-try street foods in Manila?
Some must-try street foods in Manila include isaw, fish balls, kwek kwek, banana cue, turon, taho, and Filipino barbecue.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options available?
While many street foods in Manila contain meat or seafood, there are some vegetarian options available. Taho (without the sago, if you want to avoid potential gelatin-based ingredients) can be a good option. Some vendors also sell vegetable spring rolls or grilled corn on the cob. It’s always a good idea to ask the vendor about the ingredients before ordering.
References
Food and Nutrition Research Institute
Ready to embark on your Manila street food adventure? Don’t be shy! Dive right in, explore the vibrant streets, and sample the incredible flavors that Manila has to offer. You might just discover your new favorite snack! So, grab your friends, loosen your belts, and get ready for a culinary journey you won’t soon forget. Kaon ta! (Let’s eat!)
