Foodie’s Guide: 10 Unique Filipino Street Foods You Have to Try

 

The vibrant street food culture in the Philippines is a feast for the senses, offering a delicious and diverse array of flavors that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage. From savory snacks to sweet treats, Filipino street food is an adventure in itself, providing a taste of the local lifestyle and culinary traditions. Here’s a guide to ten unique Filipino street foods that you absolutely have to try.

1. Balut

What It Is: Balut is perhaps the most infamous of all Filipino street foods. It’s a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo, boiled and eaten straight from the shell.

Why You Should Try It: Despite its reputation, Balut is a unique culinary experience. The taste is rich and savory, with the broth inside the shell being particularly flavorful. Eating Balut is a rite of passage for adventurous foodies looking to fully immerse themselves in Filipino culture.

2. Isaw

What It Is: Isaw is grilled chicken or pork intestines, skewered on sticks and cooked over charcoal.

Why You Should Try It: Isaw is one of the most popular street foods in the Philippines. The intestines are cleaned thoroughly, boiled, and then grilled, resulting in a smoky, slightly chewy snack that pairs perfectly with vinegar dipping sauce. The charred flavor and the tangy dip make it a must-try for anyone exploring Filipino street food.

3. Kwek-Kwek

What It Is: Kwek-Kwek consists of quail eggs coated in an orange-tinted batter and deep-fried to a crispy perfection.

Why You Should Try It: The crispy batter combined with the soft quail egg inside makes Kwek-Kwek a delightful snack. It’s usually served with a choice of sweet, spicy, or vinegar-based dipping sauce. The vibrant orange color makes it one of the most eye-catching and appetizing street foods in the Philippines.

4. Banana Cue

What It Is: Banana Cue is a popular street food made from deep-fried saba bananas coated in caramelized brown sugar and skewered on sticks.

Why You Should Try It: The combination of sweet, caramelized sugar and the starchy, slightly tart saba banana creates a snack that is both satisfying and delicious. Banana Cue is a perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth, offering a quick energy boost while on the go.

5. Taho

What It Is: Taho is a warm, sweet snack made from silken tofu, arnibal (a caramelized sugar syrup), and sago pearls.

Why You Should Try It: Taho is a comforting and nostalgic treat, often sold by vendors in the morning. The soft, silky tofu mixed with the sweet syrup and chewy sago pearls creates a delightful combination of textures and flavors. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to start their day with a traditional Filipino snack.

6. Betamax

What It Is: Betamax is grilled chicken blood, formed into small, rectangular blocks and skewered on sticks.

Why You Should Try It: Named after the old Betamax tapes due to its shape, this street food is a savory, smoky delight. The texture is firm, and it’s often served with a vinegar dipping sauce that cuts through the richness of the blood. Betamax is a unique and intriguing snack for those willing to step out of their comfort zone.

7. Turon

What It Is: Turon is a deep-fried snack made from slices of ripe banana and sometimes jackfruit, wrapped in a spring roll wrapper and coated in caramelized sugar.

Why You Should Try It: Turon is crispy on the outside and sweet and tender on the inside, making it a favorite among Filipinos and tourists alike. The combination of the crispy wrapper and the soft, sweet filling creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s a delicious treat that’s both satisfying and portable.

8. Fish Balls

What It Is: Fish Balls are made from processed fish paste, shaped into small, flat balls, and deep-fried. They are often sold from mobile carts and served with a variety of dipping sauces.

Why You Should Try It: Fish Balls are a quintessential Filipino street food, loved for their simplicity and versatility. The experience of dipping these crispy balls into different sauces—sweet, spicy, or savory—is part of the fun. They are a light and tasty snack that’s perfect for any time of the day.

9. Manggang Hilaw with Bagoong

What It Is: Manggang Hilaw is unripe green mango, often sliced and served with bagoong, a salty and fermented shrimp paste.

Why You Should Try It: The combination of the tart, crunchy mango with the salty, umami-rich bagoong creates a burst of contrasting flavors that is uniquely Filipino. It’s a refreshing and flavorful snack that’s perfect for those who enjoy bold, tangy flavors.

10. Dirty Ice Cream

What It Is: Despite its name, Dirty Ice Cream is just a term of endearment for the local ice cream sold from street carts. It comes in various flavors, such as ube (purple yam), mango, and cheese, and is often served in a cone or in between bread as an ice cream sandwich.

Why You Should Try It: Dirty Ice Cream is a nostalgic treat for many Filipinos, offering a refreshing break from the tropical heat. The flavors are distinctly Filipino, and the experience of buying from a street vendor adds to its charm. It’s a must-try for a taste of Filipino childhood memories.

Conclusion

The street food scene in the Philippines is a vibrant and integral part of the country’s culinary landscape. Each dish tells a story of local culture, tradition, and flavor, making it an essential experience for any food lover. Whether you’re a daring eater ready to try Balut or simply looking to enjoy a sweet Turon, these ten unique Filipino street foods offer a delicious glimpse into the heart of Filipino cuisine. So, the next time you find yourself in the Philippines, take a stroll through the streets, and let your taste buds explore the rich and diverse world of Filipino street food.