When it comes to street food, the Philippines is a treasure trove of flavors, creativity, and tradition. From the familiar isaw (chicken intestine) and balut (fertilized duck egg) to lesser-known delights, Filipino street food is a culinary adventure waiting to be explored. Perfect for balikbayans coming home, these treats offer a nostalgic yet exciting taste of home.
Here’s our roundup of 10 must-try Filipino street foods that will tantalize your taste buds and give you a glimpse of local culture:
1. Binaki
A sweet steamed corn tamale, binaki is a staple delicacy in Bukidnon. Made with cornmeal, sugar, milk, cheese, and butter, this dessert is wrapped in a corn husk, making it a treat as visually appealing as it is delicious.
2. Flavored Taho
Taho, a beloved morning snack, gets an upgrade with flavors like ube and strawberry. This creamy soy-based drink with tapioca pearls is a comforting street food that has evolved to please modern palates.
3. Fried Siopao
Take your siopao game to the next level with the crispy and flavorful fried siopao. Originating from Binondo’s food hub, this twist on the traditional steamed bun delivers a satisfying crunch.
4. Grilled Balut
La Loma’s famous grilled balut gives the iconic fertilized duck egg a smoky, savory twist. Partially exposed and grilled to perfection, it’s a must-try for adventurous foodies.
5. Karioka
This sweet and chewy snack is made from glutinous rice flour, deep-fried until golden, and coated in caramel. Served on skewers, karioka is a crowd-favorite kakanin that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
6. Siomai Batangas
Experience siomai with a twist! Siomai Batangas pairs the beloved dumpling with a savory alamang (shrimp paste) dip, delivering a unique burst of flavor with every bite.
7. Sotanghon Soup
Warm up with sotanghon soup from Rosa’s Pancitan in Quiapo. This hearty noodle soup, packed with flavorful broth, vegetables, and spices, is a comforting street food classic.
8. Suman Moron
A Visayan delicacy, suman moron combines coconut milk, cocoa powder, peanuts, and glutinous rice to create a rich and flavorful rice cake that’s perfect for dessert.
9. Tuslob Buwa
A Cebuano specialty, tuslob buwa features a rich dip made from pork brain and liver sautéed with garlic, shrimp paste, and spices. It’s a communal snack best enjoyed with puso (hanging rice).
10. Vigan Empanada
Hailing from Ilocos Sur, the crunchy Vigan empanada is filled with a savory mix of papaya, longganisa, and egg, offering a unique take on the traditional empanada.
The Charm of Filipino Street Food
Filipino street food captures the essence of community, culture, and creativity. These snacks are not only affordable and accessible but also bring people together through shared stories and flavors. Each bite is a celebration of the Philippines’ culinary heritage, making street food a must-try for locals and visitors alike.
