The 7 Biggest Local Street Food in Manila

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The Philippines is a country with a rich and diverse culinary scene, and its local street food is no exception. From savory to sweet, from meaty to vegetarian, there’s something for everyone in the country’s street food offerings. Here are five of the most popular local street foods in the Philippines:

  1. Balut: This is a fertilized duck egg that is boiled and eaten whole. It is a popular street food in the Philippines and is often served with vinegar, salt, and chili.

  2. Kwek Kwek: These are deep-fried quail eggs coated in a batter made with flour, cornstarch, and spices. They are usually served with a sweet and sour sauce.

  3. Taho: This is a soft tofu pudding served with a syrup made from brown sugar and tapioca pearls. It is a popular breakfast food in the Philippines and is often sold by street vendors.

  4. Turon: This is a sweet spring roll made with saba bananas, jackfruit, and langka wrapped in a thin wrapper and fried. It is usually served with a sugar dip.

  5. Halo-Halo: This is a cold dessert made with shaved ice, evaporated milk, condensed milk, and a variety of toppings such as fruits, beans, and rice. It is a popular treat in the Philippines and is often served during hot weather

Bugis Singapore Street Food in Manila
Bugis Singapore Street Food in Manila

The 7 Biggest Local Street Food near Manila

Bambang Street Food Garage

  • Address: 1681 Bambang St, Santa Cruz, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 3.8 (6)
  • Phone: +63 917 203 7669
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
    Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
    Wednesday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
    Thursday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
    Friday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
    Saturday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
    Sunday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
  • Reviews:
    Jeffrey Dee✭✭✭✭
    a week ago
    Food is good knowing it’s a chinese restaurant. Place is good but can be great.
    Dos Mercado
    4 years ago
    Poor service… trying hard mag korean resto
    Amad Aniello✭✭✭✭✭
    a year ago
    I love it the way how serve
    Eric Gutierrez✭✭✭✭
    5 years ago
    Ordun_9906✭✭✭✭
    4 years ago

Gastro Street Food Hub

  • Address: Delos Santos St, Sampaloc, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila, Philippines
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 3.9 (38)
  • Phone: +63 917 807 0401
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Sunday: Closed
  • Reviews:
    May Alam✭✭✭✭
    4 years ago
    It is for students, the vicinity is close to legarda station, there’s nothing really fancy
    Zamir Laud✭✭✭✭✭
    4 years ago
    If you are looking for an affordable yet crazily delicious and healthy food options, this is your place especially the Chez Rhoudge Kitchenette. They offer a variety of flavors carefully picked to suit your daily cravings. But wait, there’s more! So come, visit, and enjoy!
    David Argana Jr✭✭✭✭✭
    3 years ago
    I used to chill in this place, it’s actually a great place to study and listen to music as well. I met many friends here, if you’re near gastro this is a worth going to place.
    Gerson Lim
    5 years ago
    Poor market sale resulted to pull out and pack up for only 10 days operation. Few students. Dont just lease the area but study many times believe me.
    David Magarro✭✭✭✭
    3 years ago
    Love the ambiance of the place because of their mini open mic portion at center corner of the food area.

Eat Fresh Hong Kong Famous Street Food

  • Address: 92-93 Jose Abad Santos, corner Gen. Segundo, San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (1150)

Eat Street Food House

  • Address: 2223 Fidel A.Reyes, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila, Philippines
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating:

Bugis Singapore Street Food

  • Address: 78 Nicanor Roxas St, Quezon City, 1114 Metro Manila, Philippines
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (1657)

CALLE: Pinoy Street Food

  • Address: #3 Carriedo St. Balara Filters, Balara, Quezon City, 1108 Metro Manila, Philippines
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating:

Hawkers Republic Singapore’s Famous Street Food

  • Address: 880 Banawe St, Quezon City, 1114 Metro Manila, Philippines
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating:
Bugis Singapore Street Food in Manila
Bugis Singapore Street Food in Manila

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Top Local Street Food Alternatives in Manila

Filipino cuisine is composed of the cuisines of more than a hundred distinct ethnolinguistic groups found throughout the Philippine archipelago. A majority of mainstream Filipino dishes that compose Filipino cuisine are from the food traditions of various ethnolinguistic groups and tribes of the archipelago, including the Ilocano, Pangasinan, Kapampangan, Tagalog, Bicolano, Visayan, Chavacano and Maranao ethnolinguistic groups. The dishes associated with these groups evolved over the centuries from a largely indigenous (largely Austronesian) base shared with maritime Southeast Asia with varied influences from Chinese, Spanish and American cuisines, in line with the major waves of influence that had enriched the cultures of the archipelago and adapted using indigenous ingredients to meet local preferences.Dishes range from the very simple meal of fried salted fish and rice to curries, paellas, and cozidos of Iberian origin made for fiestas. Popular dishes include lechón (whole roasted pig), longganisa (Philippine sausage), tapa (cured beef), torta (omelette), adobo (vinegar and soy sauce-based stew ), kaldereta (meat stewed in tomato sauce and liver paste), mechado (larded beef in soy and tomato sauce), pochero (beef and bananas in tomato sauce), afritada (chicken or beef and vegetables simmered in tomato sauce), kare-kare (oxtail and vegetables cooked in peanut sauce), pinakbet (kabocha squash, eggplant, beans, okra, bitter melon, and tomato stew flavored with shrimp paste), sinigang (meat or seafood with vegetables in sour broth), pancit (noodles), and lumpia (fresh or fried spring rolls).

The Biggest Local Street Food in Philippines

Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is known for its vibrant street food scene. From savory snacks to sweet treats, here are three top local street food alternatives that are extremely popular in Manila:

  • Isaw: Isaw refers to grilled chicken or pork intestines that are skewered on bamboo sticks and then barbecued. This street food delight is typically marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and is then grilled to perfection. Isaw is often served with a spicy vinegar dip and is a favorite among locals for its smoky and savory taste. It is commonly found in street food stalls and is best enjoyed as an appetizer or snack.
  • Balut: Balut is a unique Filipino delicacy that consists of a developing bird embryo (usually a duck) that is boiled and then eaten from its shell. Considered as an exotic delicacy, balut is commonly sold by street vendors and is quite popular among locals. The egg is usually eaten with a sprinkling of salt and vinegar, and it is believed to be a good source of protein. While balut may be an acquired taste for some, it is definitely a must-try for those who want to experience Manila’s street food culture.
  • Turon: Turon is a sweet and crunchy street food dessert that is made by wrapping slices of ripe saba bananas in spring roll wrappers, along with jackfruit strips and sometimes a bit of brown sugar. These wrapped goodies are then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. The resulting turon is not only visually appealing but also deliciously satisfying. It is commonly sold by street vendors and is a favorite among locals for its delightful combination of flavors. Turon is often enjoyed as a snack or as a dessert after a savory meal.

Exploring the street food scene in Manila is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and try a variety of unique and flavorful dishes. From the savory isaw to the exotic balut and the sweet turon, these top local street food alternatives are sure to leave you craving for more.

Thank you for taking the time to read our article. For more in-depth reviews and comprehensive ratings on the Local Street Food spots, please explore the recommended articles listed below.

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