Philippine street food is a feast for the senses and offers a delicious glimpse into the country’s diverse culinary heritage. From savory chicken inasal to sweet banana cue. Whether you prefer spicy or sweet, these dishes are sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
Home to some of the most flavorful and unique street food in the world. From Chicken Inasal to Banana Cue, there are plenty of tasty treats that await your discovery. In this blog, we’ll explore 12 must-try Philippine street foods that will tantalize your taste buds and have you coming back for more. Let’s dive in!
1. Chicken Inasal
Chicken Inasal, a beloved dish of the Philippines, is one of the most popular street foods for tourists. The dish consists of marinated chicken barbecued on a charcoal grill before being served with sides of garlic-flavored rice and vinegar-based sauce.
It’s an incredibly flavorful meal that can be enjoyed by all. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also often very affordable and easy to find. You’ll spot Chicken Inasal being served throughout the streets of many cities in the Philippines, and you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to try this uniquely Philippine dish while you’re there!
2. Fishballs
Philippine street food is renowned across Southeast Asia and beyond. Fishballs, an iconic Philippine street snack, make the perfect culinary introduction to one of the world’s most vibrant cities. While many visitors are initially intimidated by the treats available at street stalls in the Philippines. Adventurous eaters will discover that there’s much to be appreciated by sampling local delicacies such as fishballs.
Made either from ground fish paste or a combination of real fish and assorted seasonings. These small round balls are often accompanied with a tasty sauce as they make their way through busy urban streets. With its inexpensive price tag and traditional flavors, fishballs have become a must-try for anyone visiting Manila and other large cities in the Philippines. Try them today for an exciting sampling of a classic Philippine treat!
3. Taho
Taho Philippine street food is an irresistible snack for any tourist visiting the Philippines. Made from fresh silken tofu, brown sugar syrup and tapioca pearls, it is a delicacy not to be missed! It is usually served from one hand of the street vendor while they balance a two foot long yoke across their shoulders with the other.
The end product is a sweet treat that provides a unique blend of textures, delivered right to the buyer’s hands. Not limited to just tofu, varying recipes include additional toppings such as sago (tapioca), arnibal (caramelized syrup), or even cheese and coconut shavings!
A healthier option than many fast food snacks, this traditional snack has withstood the test of time due to its notoriety amongst tourists and locals alike. In short, trying Taho Philippine Street Food should be at top of every tourist’s list when visiting the Philippines!
4. Betamax
Philippine street food is a must for any tourist visiting the country; it offers a wonderful cultural experience as well as delectable flavors. Betamax is one of the most beloved street snacks that originated from the Philippines, and has since become popular nationwide.
This iconic street food is essentially skewered squares of pork or chicken liver wrapped in thin slices of pork fat which are then barbequed to perfection over an open flame.
The result is a savory and fragrant snack that bursts with flavor – perfect for enjoying as an accompaniment to some cold beer and good company. Tourists who want to sample traditional Filipino cuisine should definitely give Betamax a try!
5. Balut
Balut is a popular street food in the Philippines. That involves consuming an embryo from a duck, or sometimes a chicken, incubated for approximately 17 days. Despite having hatched in its shell, the egg is still soft-boiled so that it can provide both an unusual taste and texture.
This classic Pinoy snack has become an acquired taste among locals, but adventurous tourists should not hesitate to try this unique experience! Unlike other street foods, Balut successfully captures the cultural identity of the nation and provides external voyagers with a better grasp of traditional Filipino cuisine. Furthermore, it proves to be more than just a flavorful treat – it tests the limits of one’s comfort zone as well!
6. Turon
Turon is a traditional Filipino street food that is gaining popularity with locals and tourists alike. It’s an easy-to-make, pocket-sized snack packed with flavor and texture. It is usually features sweet sliced bananas tightly wrapped in spring roll wrappers, deep fried to golden perfection. Turon’s signature sweetness is further enhanced by the addition of jackfruit, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Although often served plain, turon can be topped off with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an added indulgent punch. Its convenience makes it the perfect snack for any tourist looking to experience classic Filipino flavors in quick bites. With its unique balance of sweet and savory components, it’s no surprise that this delectable dish has become a popular street food staple throughout the country.
7. Kikiam
Kikiam is a popular snack in the Philippines consisting of pork, glass noodles, shrimp paste and other spices. It is similar to the Chinese dish called shrimp or fish ball. The snack is made with a thin wrapper filled with a spicy filling which is deep fried so that the flavors are sealed and locked in.
Kikiam can be bought from street vendors or in local restaurants as an appetizer or accompaniment to rice dishes. Authentic kikiam has a unique flavor that tourists should not miss out on when visiting the Philippines. Not only does it have a delicious taste but this yummy snack also has cultural and historical importance.
Enjoying some classic kikiam while exploring used to be an integral part of Filipino meals and it can be one of the most delightful experiences for tourists seeking to delve deeper into the culture of local people in the Philippines.
8. Kwek-Kwek
Kwek-Kwek is a popular Philippine street food that has become a must-try in recent years. This iconic, deep-fried treat usually consists of chicken or quail eggs, which have been marinated then coated with a special batter and served with a garlic chili sauce.
The result is an explosion of flavors ranging from sweet to spicy, creating the perfect snack to keep you full between meals. It’s not only extremely delicious, but it’s also surprisingly affordable, so don’t forget to give it a try when you visit the Philippines!
9. Isaw
Isaw grilled chicken intestines – is a unique and quintessential street food from the Philippines. It can be found in nearly all major cities, often sold by small kiosks or makeshift roadside stalls. Although it does not sound overly appetizing, Isaw has become popular for its bold flavors and low cost.
Though unfamiliar to many tourists, Isaw is widely considered a great snack for both adventurous eaters and budget-minded travelers alike. For those looking to experience a truly unique dish that won’t break their budget. Isaw should be at the top of their list of Philippine street food must-tries!
10. Pork barbecue
Pork barbecue Philippine street food is an exciting option for any tourist looking to get a taste of local cuisine. Each locality in the Philippines has its twist, from sariwon-style pork BBQ. Marinated with a sweet sauce to lechon baboy which entails spit-roasting a pig until it reaches a perfect balance of crispiness and juiciness.
Street food stands offer platters where juicy cuts of pork and chicken are served. Alongside more traditional Filipino dishes, like inihaw na tilapia – grilled tilapia fish – and lumpiang shanghai – mini spring rolls often filled with vegetables or ground pork.
The exquisite tastes served up at various street carts throughout the country will tantalize your taste buds. Giving you the opportunity to try not just one phenomenal dish but multiple flavors of this unique culinary style.
11. Lumpia
Trying Lumpia, a traditional Philippine street food, should be at the top of any tourist’s list when visiting the country. These savory spring rolls are cooked fresh and are usually filled with diced chicken, pork, or beef. Depending on the season and availability there can also be shrimp or veggies. Some spots will even allow you to customize your order with variations like added condiments and dipping sauces.
When looking for a place to indulge in this delicious delicacy, you’ll likely find street vendors through midtown areas or night markets selling them in batches. They pair great with a hot cup of kapeng barako coffee!
Whether you’re discovering Lumpia for the first time, or already have it high on your craving list. Make sure to try it here when given the chance as it’s worth experiencing every delectable bite!
12. Banana Cue
Banana Cue is one of the most beloved street food snacks in the Philippines. It’s a quick and easy to eat treat made of deep-fried, caramelized bananas – served on bamboo skewers.
Every bite offers a rich flavour and a tempting array of textures. While some variations are just sugar-coated roasted bananas, Banana Cue comes in flavors like cheese, pineapple, and white chocolate for those who want something more unique.
Tourists can find it around tourist hotspots such as Boracay island, or try their hand at making it by travelling towards Cebu where it originated. For an unforgettable taste of the local culture of the Philippines, Banana Cue is an absolute must-try!
In conclusion
The Philippines offers a vibrant street food scene that is sure to delight even the most adventurous traveler. From chicken inasal to kwek-kwek to banana cue, there are so many unique and delicious dishes that should not be missed! Each dish captures the essence of Filipino cuisine and culture, giving visitors an unforgettable experience that they’ll remember for years to come.
Whether you’re looking for a snack or an entrée, exploring the street food of the Philippines is definitely something you won’t want to miss! So make sure to add some of these classic Filipino flavors to your list and start exploring today!
