Manila is a city that never sleeps and neither does its food scene. From busy markets to late-night street corners, Manila’s streets are alive with sizzling skewers, bubbling vats of stew, and the unmistakable aroma of food that’s been grilled, fried, or caramelized to perfection. If you’re a traveler (or even a local rediscovering your roots), street food is the gateway to truly understanding Manila’s heart and culture.
Here’s a flavorful guide to some must-try street foods in Manila adventurous, affordable, and always unforgettable.
🍢 Isaw (Grilled Chicken or Pork Intestines)
Isaw is one of the most iconic street foods in the Philippines. Skewered and grilled over hot charcoal, these marinated intestines are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside perfect with a dash of vinegar or spicy sawsawan (dipping sauce). You’ll find it outside schools, churches, or anywhere crowds gather.
Best enjoyed: Hot off the grill, dipped in spicy vinegar while chatting with locals.
🍡 Kwek-Kwek (Orange-Battered Quail Eggs)
Bright orange and deep-fried, kwek-kwek is as fun to eat as it is to look at. These battered quail eggs are served with thick sweet-sour sauce or vinegar. Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside they’re a quick and satisfying bite.
Street tip: Pair with fish balls for a classic street food combo.
🥖 Taho (Silken Tofu with Syrup and Sago Pearls)
Taho is the gentle morning wake-up call of Manila. A vendor’s call of “Tahoooo!” signals the arrival of this sweet, comforting treat: warm silken tofu topped with arnibal (brown sugar syrup) and sago pearls (like mini tapioca).
Perfect for: Breakfast or an early-morning stroll through residential streets.
🧂 Balut (Fertilized Duck Egg)
The ultimate Filipino street food dare. Balut is a fertilized duck egg boiled and eaten from the shell. It’s rich, savory, and often eaten with a pinch of salt or a splash of vinegar. Not for the faint-hearted but an unforgettable experience for those who try it.
Pro tip: Try it at night markets, where it’s served warm and fresh.
🐟 Fish Balls, Squid Balls, and Kikiam
Sold from mobile carts, these deep-fried snacks are skewered and dunked into sauces of your choice sweet, spicy, or vinegar-based. They’re quick, cheap, and satisfyingly salty. Street vendors often let you choose your own sauce, making it a fun and interactive snack.
Best enjoyed: With friends, while standing around the vendor’s cart and sharing stories.
🧀 Turon (Banana Spring Roll)
A sweet ending to your street food crawl. Turon is made from sliced bananas (sometimes with jackfruit), wrapped in lumpia wrapper, and fried until golden brown with a sugary glaze. Crispy, sticky, and addictive.
Where to find: Public markets, sari-sari stores, and some jeepney stops.
🎒 Tips for Enjoying Street Food in Manila
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Go where the locals go — long lines usually mean good food.
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Bring small bills and coins — most vendors don’t carry change for large bills.
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Eat freshly cooked food — it’s safest and tastes the best when piping hot.
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Try a little of everything — street food is meant to be shared and explored.
Trying street food in Manila isn’t just about eating it’s about experiencing the energy, warmth, and creativity of Filipino culture. It’s noisy, chaotic, delicious, and unforgettable. Whether you’re nibbling kwek-kwek on a sidewalk or sipping taho at sunrise, every bite tells a story.
So the next time you’re in the capital, skip the fancy restaurant and follow the smoke, sound, and scent of Manila’s streets. Your taste buds will thank you.
