Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, is a melting pot of flavors that reflects the country’s rich history, diverse culture, and love for food. The street food scene in Manila is both exciting and vibrant, offering an array of tasty delights that range from savory skewers to sweet treats. For locals, these street-side snacks are a part of everyday life, while for visitors, they provide an authentic taste of Filipino culture and cuisine. If you’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure, here are some street food staples in Manila that you simply must try.
1. Isaw (Grilled Chicken Intestines)
Isaw is one of the most popular street food items in Manila, and for good reason. This grilled chicken intestine skewer is marinated in a blend of spices and then perfectly grilled over hot coals until it has a smoky, slightly charred flavor. The intestines are cleaned meticulously and marinated to perfection, creating a delicious combination of chewy texture and savory taste. Typically served with a vinegar dipping sauce that cuts through the richness, isaw is a quintessential street food experience in Manila.
The best part of enjoying isaw is the communal experience—people gather around the grill, waiting for their turn, while the smoky aroma fills the air. It’s a dish that brings people together, especially when shared with friends along the busy streets of Manila.
2. Kwek-Kwek (Quail Eggs in Orange Batter)
Kwek-kwek is a beloved Filipino street food made of hard-boiled quail eggs dipped in a bright orange batter and deep-fried until crispy. The vibrant color makes them easy to spot at any street food stall, and the flavor keeps people coming back for more. They are usually served on skewers and paired with a variety of dipping sauces, such as spicy vinegar or a sweet and sour sauce.
The contrast between the crispy batter and the tender quail egg makes kwek-kwek an irresistible snack. It’s also common to see tokneneng, a similar dish made with chicken or duck eggs, cooked in the same vibrant batter. Whether you’re a fan of quail or chicken eggs, these deep-fried delights are a must-try.
3. Balut (Fertilized Duck Egg)
Balut is perhaps one of the most infamous Filipino street foods, known for being an adventurous choice for many travelers. It is a fertilized duck egg, typically between 16 to 21 days old, which is boiled and eaten directly from the shell. Balut is enjoyed for its unique combination of textures—the broth, the tender egg white, and the developing duck embryo.
While balut may not be for everyone, those who try it are rewarded with a rich, flavorful experience. It is often seasoned with a sprinkle of salt or a dash of vinegar, and many locals consider it to be a nutritious delicacy. Balut is a true representation of Filipino street food culture—bold, flavorful, and full of character.
4. Fish Balls
Fish balls are a quintessential part of Manila’s street food scene. Made from a mixture of fish paste, these balls are skewered and deep-fried until golden brown. Vendors often serve them from mobile carts, where they are fried on the spot and skewered for easy eating. Fish balls are typically served with a choice of dipping sauces—sweet, spicy, or a mix of both. The thrill of eating fish balls comes not only from the flavor but also from the experience of gathering around a vendor’s cart with friends, dipping the skewers into the communal sauce containers.
Fish balls are light, flavorful, and extremely affordable, making them a popular snack for students and workers alike. The simplicity of this street food staple is what makes it so endearing—it’s an easy, tasty bite that can be enjoyed anytime.
5. Betamax (Grilled Blood Cubes)
Betamax is another iconic street food in Manila, named after the old Betamax video cassette tapes because of its rectangular shape. These are cubes of coagulated chicken or pork blood, skewered and grilled to perfection. The blood cubes have a unique, slightly metallic taste and a firm texture that pairs well with the smoky flavor imparted by the grill. Betamax is often dipped in vinegar before eating, adding a sharp, tangy contrast to the dish.
Although the idea of eating grilled blood might sound unusual, it’s a delicacy that many locals swear by. Betamax is a perfect example of the Filipino philosophy of “waste not,” utilizing every part of the animal in creative and delicious ways.
6. Taho
For those with a sweet tooth, taho is the perfect street food snack. Taho is made from silken tofu, arnibal (a sweet syrup made from caramelized sugar and vanilla), and sago pearls (similar to tapioca). Vendors roam the streets of Manila early in the morning, carrying large containers of taho and calling out to announce their arrival.
The warm, custardy texture of the silken tofu combined with the sweetness of the arnibal and the chewiness of the sago makes taho a comforting and satisfying treat, especially enjoyed as a breakfast snack. The experience of getting taho from a street vendor, served in a plastic cup and enjoyed on the go, is a nostalgic one for many Filipinos, reminding them of carefree mornings during childhood.
7. Banana Cue
Banana cue is a popular street food made by deep-frying saba bananas (a type of cooking banana native to the Philippines) and coating them in caramelized brown sugar. The bananas are then skewered on sticks, making them easy to eat while walking through the bustling streets of Manila. The combination of the soft, sweet banana and the crunchy caramel coating makes banana cue an irresistible snack for any time of day.
The simplicity of banana cue is part of its charm—it’s a straightforward yet incredibly delicious treat that showcases the natural sweetness of Filipino saba bananas. It’s a perfect snack to satisfy a sweet craving without being overly complicated.
8. Manggang Hilaw (Green Mango with Bagoong)
Manggang hilaw, or green mango with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste), is a popular street food that perfectly captures the Filipino love for bold flavors. The unripe green mango is sliced and served with a generous dollop of bagoong, which is both salty and slightly sweet. The sourness of the green mango combined with the umami flavor of the bagoong creates a flavor explosion that is both refreshing and addicting.
This snack is particularly popular during the summer months when mangoes are in season, and it’s a great way to cool off while enjoying an intensely flavorful treat. For those new to Filipino street food, manggang hilaw offers an excellent introduction to the bold, vibrant tastes that characterize the cuisine.
9. Adidas (Grilled Chicken Feet)
Named humorously after the popular athletic brand, adidas refers to grilled chicken feet. The feet are marinated, skewered, and grilled until tender, resulting in a smoky, savory dish that’s rich in gelatin. Eating chicken feet is an acquired taste for some, but it’s a beloved snack for many Filipinos who enjoy gnawing on the tender bits and savoring the flavor-packed skin.
Adidas is often dipped in a vinegar-based sauce that enhances its savory flavors. Like many other street foods in Manila, it’s a dish that exemplifies the resourcefulness of Filipino cooking—making the most of every part of the chicken to create something delicious.
10. Turon
Turon is a sweet, crispy treat made by wrapping slices of ripe saba banana and jackfruit in spring roll wrappers and then frying them until golden brown. The wrapper becomes crisp, while the banana inside turns soft and sweet, with the jackfruit adding an extra layer of flavor. Turon is often coated in caramelized sugar, giving it an extra crunch and sweetness that makes it truly irresistible.
Turon is a popular merienda (afternoon snack) and can be found at many street food stalls throughout Manila. Its delightful mix of textures and flavors makes it a favorite for both locals and visitors looking for a quick sugar fix.
Exploring Manila’s Street Food Scene
Exploring the street food of Manila is a journey into the heart and soul of Filipino culture. The sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling food stalls create an experience that is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food itself. Whether you’re indulging in the smoky, savory flavors of isaw and betamax, savoring the sweetness of banana cue and turon, or challenging your palate with the bold flavors of balut and adidas, Manila’s street food scene offers something for everyone.
Street food in Manila is more than just a culinary adventure—it’s a way to connect with the people, traditions, and vibrant culture of the Philippines. So next time you find yourself in the lively streets of Manila, be sure to sample these iconic street food staples and discover the unique flavors that make this city a true food lover’s paradise.
