Filipino street food is a delightful and flavorful experience that captures the essence of Filipino cuisine. From savory snacks to sweet treats, the streets of the Philippines are filled with an array of mouthwatering delights. Embark on a culinary adventure and indulge in these 10 popular Filipino street foods that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Balut
Balut is a unique and iconic Filipino street food that might seem intimidating at first. It is a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo inside. This popular delicacy is typically boiled and enjoyed with a sprinkle of salt or vinegar. Be adventurous and try this savory and protein-rich street food.
Isaw
Isaw refers to skewered and grilled chicken or pork intestines. It is marinated in a flavorful sauce, then grilled to perfection. Served with a tangy vinegar dip, isaw offers a deliciously chewy texture and smoky flavor that makes it a favorite among locals and adventurous eaters.
Fish Balls
Fish balls are a beloved Filipino street food made from ground fish meat mixed with flour and seasonings. These bite-sized balls are deep-fried until golden brown and served on skewers. Enjoy them with a sweet and spicy sauce for a delightful snack that bursts with umami flavors.
Halo-Halo
Halo-Halo, which means “mix-mix” in Filipino, is a popular dessert that provides a refreshing respite from the tropical heat. It consists of a delightful medley of crushed ice, sweetened fruits, beans, jellies, leche flan, and topped with a scoop of ice cream. Every spoonful offers a burst of flavors and textures that make it a must-try Filipino street food.
Chicken Inasal
Chicken Inasal is a mouthwatering grilled chicken dish that originates from Bacolod City. Marinated in a blend of tangy calamansi juice, vinegar, and various spices, the chicken is grilled over hot coals, resulting in a juicy and flavorful meat. Served with steamed rice and a dipping sauce, Chicken Inasal is a popular street food choice.
Kwek-Kwek
Kwek-Kwek is a delightful street food made of hard-boiled quail eggs coated in an orange-colored batter and deep-fried until crispy. It is typically served with a tangy vinegar-based dipping sauce. These bite-sized morsels are not only visually appealing but also offer a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
Banana Cue
Banana Cue is a sweet and savory snack made from skewered saba bananas coated in caramelized brown sugar. It is then deep-fried until the sugar forms a crunchy and sticky coating. This popular street food is a favorite among locals for its simple yet irresistible combination of flavors.
Turon
Turon is a delicious Filipino street food that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas and the crunchiness of spring roll wrappers. The bananas are wrapped in a spring roll wrapper, coated in brown sugar, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Turon is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, and it’s best eaten while still warm.
Mangga’t Bagoong
Mangga’t Bagoong is a unique combination of ripe mangoes and shrimp paste called bagoong. The ripe mangoes are sliced and dipped in bagoong, creating a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors. This refreshing street food is a popular treat during the mango season and offers a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite.
Pork BBQ
Pork BBQ is a Filipino street food staple loved by many. Marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, the pork is skewered and grilled to perfection. The smoky aroma and caramelized glaze make it irresistible. Served with a side of rice and a dipping sauce, Pork BBQ is a satisfying and flavorful street food that will leave you craving for more.
Sisig
Sisig is a popular Filipino street food that originated in Pampanga. It is made from chopped pig’s face and ears, seasoned with calamansi juice, soy sauce, onions, and chili peppers. Served sizzling hot on a cast-iron plate, this sizzling dish is full of bold and tangy flavors. Enjoy it with rice and an egg on top for a hearty and indulgent experience.
Bibingka
Bibingka is a traditional Filipino rice cake that is a staple during the Christmas season. It is made from rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, then cooked in a clay pot lined with banana leaves. Topped with butter, grated coconut, and salted egg, Bibingka has a soft and slightly chewy texture with a hint of smokiness. It’s a warm and comforting street food that will transport you to the festive spirit of the Philippines.
Adidas
Adidas, which is named after the famous sports brand, is a street food delicacy made from grilled chicken feet. Marinated in a flavorful sauce and grilled to perfection, Adidas offers a unique texture with tender meat and gelatinous skin. Served with a spicy vinegar dip, it’s a popular choice among adventurous eaters.
Try these 10 popular Filipino street foods to experience the vibrant and diverse flavors of the Philippines. From savory and grilled delights to sweet and refreshing treats, Filipino street food is a testament to the country’s rich culinary heritage. Embrace the bustling street food culture and let your taste buds embark on a delightful adventure.