10 Must-Try Street Food in the Philippines
As an expat, it is part of your immersion in a foreign community to be familiar with its culture. The longer you stay, the more you get to know about the country. And what better way to know and familiarize oneself with a country’s culture but through its food. After all, your life in a foreign country would not be complete unless you have tried local delicacies during your stay.
The Philippines prides itself with its very diverse cuisines, offering foreigners an extensive gastronomic experience. Appetizers? There’s a myriad of choices. A full course Filipino meal? Of course! Desserts? There’s a lot to love. But besides that, you should not turn your gaze away from the number one favorite snack of Filipinos: street food!
So here are some of the popular street foods that Filipinos love to eat and expats should try:
Fish balls. These are made from finely pulverized fish meat molded into a ball, then deep fried in a pan. They are usually dipped in brown sweet and/or spicy sauce made with corn starch, soy sauce, brown sugar, and other spices. Other variation would include squid balls and chicken balls.
Photo from essshiii.com
Kwek-kwek or Tokneneng. Deep fried eggs covered with orange-colored batter. These are usually dipped in sauce made of vinegar, onions and chili. It is usually partnered with chopped cucumber and can be bought almost anywhere.
Photo grabbed from tenminutes.ph
Kikiam. These are made of ground pork and vegetables wrapped in bean curd sheets. They are then deep fried and dipped in sauce similar to fishballs.
Photo grabbed from contemporarynomad.com
Isaw. Charcoal-grilled chicken intestines on a stick. Although this might sound unappetizing for some, this is one of the most popular street foods among Filipinos. It is also dipped in sauce that is made of vinegar and soy sauce or the special brown sauce similar to fish balls and kikiam sauces.
Photo grabbed from lyfunli.files.wordpress.com
Adidas or Grilled Chicken Feet. Another exotic snack popular on the streets. The scrumptious skin surrounding the feet is dipped in brown sweet and/or spicy sauce. The bits of meat and ligaments also deliciously add to this distinct and quirky snack experience.
Photo grabbed from juice.ph
Betamax. Named after its shape resembling the old movie tapes of the 80’s, Betamax is made of dried pig or pork blood skewered and grilled. This is a testament that nothing gets wasted in any part of a livestock in the Philippines. It has a bittersweet taste when combined with vinegar or the same sauce used in fishballs.
Photo grabbed from traveleatfun.com
Dirty Ice Cream. Do not make the name scare you. Dirty ice cream is just another term for street-peddled ice cream or sorbetes in local lingo. It is actually a delicious dessert and a lifesaver during the scorching summer season as it is a cheap snack that chills you instantly! The usual flavors offered are cheese, mango and chocolate. Dirty ice cream is peddled using a stainless ice cream cart and a bell that signals the ‘sorbetero’ (ice cream man) is coming!
Photo grabbed from farm3.static.flickr.com
Iskrambol. Another popular summer treat loved by Filipinos especially kids. It is available even during rainy season and can usually be found in parks and street corners near schools. It is made of crushed ice with food coloring, milk powder, chocolate syrup and sometimes topped with colorful sprinkles and marshmallows.
Photo grabbed from beachresortphilippines.net
Taho. It is made of soft tofu, arnibal (made of sweetener and flavoring) and sago (tapioca) pearls. It is a popular breakfast alternative for Filipinos as it is light in the stomach and provides a good excuse to eat something sweet in the morning. Delightful and hearty, it is a good source of protein perfect to jumpstart your day.
Photo grabbed from angsarap.net
Turon. Deep fried banana wrapped in lumpia (spring roll) wrapper coated with brown sugar. There are several varieties of this snack —- banana with jackfruit, sticky rice with jackfruit, banana and cheese and the list goes on.
Photo grabbed from angsarap.net
These are just a few in the long list of scrumptious street food you can try in the Philippines. As soon as you have the chance, grab your friends and enjoy a food trip along the metro. You’re sure to discover something your tummy will love!
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Article by Rizza Singun
