20 Must-Try Street Foods in the Philippines That Will Blow Your Mind!

Are you planning to visit the Philippines soon? If you are, then one thing you absolutely must try is the country’s incredible street food. Filipino street foods are not only affordable but also incredibly tempting and delicious. You’ll see street food vendors everywhere because Filipinos’ love for food is unparalleled. From savory to sweet, the choices are endless. Let’s dive into some of the most popular and mouth-watering Filipino street foods you have to try!

1. Balut: The Ultimate Exotic Food Experience

What is Balut?

Balut is a partially developed duck egg embryo that is boiled and eaten from the shell. Many foreign travelers might initially find it intimidating or even a bit gross, especially the embryo part. But trust me, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.

Taste Profile

Balut is best enjoyed seasoned with a bit of salt and vinegar. The flavors are rich and savory, with a unique texture that’s surprisingly satisfying.

Personal Anecdote

I remember my first encounter with balut. I was hesitant, but the vendor’s encouragement and the locals’ enthusiasm convinced me to give it a try. The burst of flavors was unlike anything I had tasted before. It’s a must-try for the adventurous eater!

2. Fish Balls: The Ubiquitous Street Food

What are Fish Balls?

Fish balls are made from fish meat, flour, corn starch, and flavorings, deep-fried to perfection. They are possibly the cheapest and most popular street food you’ll encounter in the Philippines.

Taste Profile

These little bites are usually served with either a sweet or spicy sauce, making them incredibly versatile and addictive.

Popularity

Almost every Filipino has grown up snacking on fish balls. They are a staple at street food carts and a nostalgic treat for many.

3. Kikiam, Squid Balls, and Chicken Balls: Variety on a Stick

What are They?

• Kikiam: Sausage-like dish made from minced pork and prawns.
• Squid Balls: Made from squid and fish meat.
• Chicken Balls: Made from minced chicken.

Taste Profile

All these are deep-fried and served with your choice of dipping sauce, whether it’s sweet, spicy, or vinegar-based.

Experience

These street foods, often sold by the same vendors as fish balls, offer a variety of flavors and textures. Perfect for those who like a bit of everything.

4. Mami: The Filipino Noodle Soup

What is Mami?

Mami is a Filipino noodle soup that comes in pork, chicken, or beef flavors. Although typically found in restaurants, it is also sold on the streets.

Taste Profile

The broth is rich and savory, making it a comforting dish, especially on a cooler evening.

Availability

Street vendors often sell mami alongside other popular street foods, providing a warm and hearty option.

5. Lugaw: The Comfort Food

What is Lugaw?

Lugaw is a glutinous rice porridge flavored with fish sauce and various toppings like garlic chips, crushed pepper, and green onions.

Variants

• Goto: Lugaw

5. Lugaw: The Comfort Food

What is Lugaw?

Lugaw is a glutinous rice porridge, simple yet flavorful, usually seasoned with patis (fish sauce) and topped with garlic chips, crushed pepper, and green onions.

Variants

• Goto: This version includes innards from either pig or cow, adding a richer taste and texture.
• Arroz Caldo: A more ginger-forward variant with chicken, often served with soy sauce, fish sauce, and calamansi (a local citrus fruit).

Taste Profile

Lugaw is savory and comforting, perfect for any time of day. It’s like the Filipino version of chicken soup for the soul.

6. Empanada: The Handy Snack

What is Empanada?

Empanada is a type of fried or baked pastry filled with minced or chopped meat and other ingredients. It’s popular in southern Europe and Latin America but has been embraced wholeheartedly by Filipinos.

Taste Profile

Empanadas are savory with a slightly sweet dough, making them a delightful snack or light meal.

Availability

You can find empanadas sold by street vendors, in restaurants, and even in malls across the Philippines.

7. Sorbetes: The “Dirty” Ice Cream

What is Sorbetes?

Sorbetes, also known as “dirty ice cream,” is a local Filipino ice cream sold by street vendors from colorful carts.

Taste Profile

It’s creamy, sweet, and comes in various flavors such as ube (purple yam), mango, and chocolate.

Refreshing Delight

Perfect for the hot and humid climate of the Philippines, sorbetes is a refreshing treat you’ll see locals enjoying on almost every street corner.

8. Halo-Halo: The Ultimate Dessert

What is Halo-Halo?

Halo-halo is a mixed dessert consisting of sweet fruits, coconut, tapioca pearls, and other ingredients, all mixed together with shaved ice and often topped with a scoop of ice cream.

Taste Profile

It’s sweet, refreshing, and offers a variety of textures in every bite.

Cultural Significance

Although especially popular in summer, halo-halo is enjoyed year-round and is a quintessential Filipino dessert.

9. Turon: The Sweet Spring Roll

What is Turon?

Turon is made of sliced bananas and brown sugar, often with a slice of jackfruit, rolled in a spring roll wrapper and deep-fried until golden and crispy.

Taste Profile

Sweet and crunchy, turon is a delightful treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Popularity

It’s a common snack and dessert that you can find in many street food stalls.

10. Lumpiang Togue and Lumpiang Shanghai: The Spring Rolls

Lumpiang Togue

• Description: A spring roll filled with mixed vegetables and mung bean sprouts.
• Taste Profile: Savory and crispy, a light yet satisfying snack.

Lumpiang Shanghai

• Description: A spring roll filled with ground meat and vegetables, deep-fried to a golden brown.
• Taste Profile: Rich and flavorful, often served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Experience

These spring rolls are staples in Filipino cuisine and are enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike.

11. Cheese Sticks: The Gooey Goodness

What are Cheese Sticks?

Cheese sticks are deep-fried spring rolls filled with cheese slices.

Taste Profile

They are savory with a creamy, gooey cheese center. Typically served with a pink dipping sauce made from a mixture of ketchup and mayonnaise.

Affordability

Cheese sticks are an affordable and delicious street food snack, perfect for cheese lovers.

12. Taho: The Sweet Morning Treat

What is Taho?

Taho is a classic Filipino sweet treat made from silken tofu, topped with tapioca pearls and sweet brown sugar syrup.

Taste Profile

It’s sweet, smooth, and very comforting.

Availability

Commonly sold by street vendors early in the morning, it’s a popular breakfast or snack option.

Personal Anecdote

I used to wake up early just to catch the taho vendor in my neighborhood. The warm silken tofu and sweet syrup always made my mornings brighter.

13. Banana Q: The Caramelized Delight

What is Banana Q?

Banana Q is made of deep-fried bananas coated in caramelized brown sugar and skewered on sticks.

Taste Profile

Sweet and crunchy, with a warm, caramelized coating that’s hard to resist.

Experience

It’s a popular street snack that’s both satisfying and delicious.

14. Camote Q: The Sweet Potato Treat

What is Camote Q?

Camote Q is similar to Banana Q but made with sweet potato slices.

Taste Profile

Sweet and crunchy, offering a different but equally delicious experience compared to Banana Q.

Availability

You’ll find Camote Q sold by many street vendors alongside Banana Q.

15. One-Day-Old Chick: The Adventurous Snack

What is a One-Day-Old Chick?

One-day-old male chicks, deep-fried and usually sold in malls and around the streets.

Taste Profile

Savory and crispy, especially when dipped in vinegar or chili sauce.

Experience

This is an adventurous and unique snack that’s not for the faint of heart but is quite popular among locals.

16. Isaw: The Iconic Skewer

What is Isaw?

Isaw is barbecued pig or chicken intestines that are thoroughly cleaned, boiled, marinated, skewered, and grilled.

Taste Profile

Savory and smoky, with a slightly chewy texture.

Popularity

Isaw is an iconic street food that’s beloved by many Filipinos.

Personal Anecdote

Grabbing some isaw from a street vendor after a long day is one of my favorite pastimes. The smoky flavor and the tangy dipping sauce are just irresistible.

17. Betamax: The Bold Choice

What is Betamax?

Betamax is grilled coagulated chicken blood.

Taste Profile

Rich and savory, with a unique texture.

Experience

It’s a bold and adventurous choice that offers a unique taste of Filipino street food culture.

18. Adidas: The Unusual Delight

What is Adidas?

Adidas refers to grilled chicken feet.

Taste Profile

Chewy and flavorful, often marinated in a savory sauce.

Experience

It’s an unusual but delicious snack that’s quite popular among locals.

19. Kwek-Kwek and Tokneneng: The Egg Delights

What are Kwek-Kwek and Tokneneng?

• Kwek-Kwek: Hard-boiled duck eggs coated in orange batter and deep-fried.
• Tokneneng: Hard-boiled quail eggs coated in orange batter and deep-fried.

Taste Profile

Savory with a crispy exterior, typically served with a vinegar-based dipping sauce.

Experience

These are a common merienda (snack) and are loved by many for their rich flavor and satisfying crunch.

20. Betute Tugak: The Stuffed Frogs

What is Betute Tugak?

Betute Tugak is stuffed frogs, a delicacy in the Pampanga region.

Taste Profile

Savory and tender, with a unique flavor that’s quite delicious.

Cultural Significance

This dish is unique to specific regions and offers a truly local taste of Filipino cuisine.

Conclusion

There you have it—20 must-try street foods in the Philippines that will blow your mind! Each of these dishes offers a unique taste experience and a glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or an adventurous eater, these street foods are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So, the next time you find yourself wandering the vibrant streets of the Philippines, be sure to try these incredible street foods. Your taste buds will thank you!