4. Taho
“Tahooooooooo” is one of the streetside sounds you’ll often hear in the Philippines and it’s one of the most common things to see people drinking. Taho is a tofu milk type of drink that’s perfect for a rainy afternoon. It’s warm, fresh soy milk type with a richer volume to it. Add on some carmelized brown sugar and “sago” or pearls or small tapioca balls, and you have a very affordable and yummy drink.
Often seen with vendors who travel by foot while carrying two buckets on a long stick over their shoulder, the scooping of the Taho is one very zen-like process that ends with a smile on your face after trying this tasty Filipino staple.
Photo above by Charles Angel Lacson
3. Fishballs
No, fish don’t really have balls, well not that I know of at least. These are not as it suggests, well at least not literally. Instead, fishballs are simply like the more common dinner food known as meatballs, but of course, this one is made of fish.
It’s a favorite of Filipinos as they are usually the most affordable of all the street foods. Fishballs deep fried in a wok are fished out with BBQ sticks and then dipped into one of three common sauces. Sweet sauce, spicy sauce or a vinegar mix add the much needed flavor to a rather bland tasting snack.
I remember always craving this when I lived in Manila back in the day. Here’s a link to my favorite fishball stand from a school I went to for a bit which was also featured as CNN’s top 10 street foods- https://www.wheninmanila.com/fish-balls-best-street-food-in-the-philippines/
Last 2 photos courtesy of Carlos Palma
2. Isaw or Esaw
Grilled, fried, stewed or cooked almost any way you want, the Isaw, or Chicken Intestine is one of the best Filipino street foods that you need to try!
Yes, it might sound icky at first, but rest assured that these do go through an intensive cleaning process before being served. Other than being cleaned, Chicken Intestines are also boiled first to rid any bacteria or unwanted stuff on them. Following which the most common practice on the streets is to curl up the intestines on a BBQ stick and then grilled.
I prefer to have this dipped in some vinegar after the grilling while others also have it with sweet or spicy sauces, almost similar to the fishballs.
Many foreigners are pleasantly surprised by the flavorful and good taste of Isaw. This is something you’d definitely want to try while in Manila.
Photo above by Charles Angel Lacson
Last 3 chicken intestines / esaw photos by Carlos Palma
1. Balut
The holy grail of Filipino street foods! This is one popular treat that has been seen from the likes of TV shows like Fear Factor all the way to Survivor!
Duck Embryo, or Duck Fetus, or Unborn Duck, or whatever other appetizing name you want to call it, is one of the most popular “weird” foods from anywhere in the world.
Many say the trick is to never, EVER, over analyze what a Balut really is. Moreover, many wise men recommend that you eat a Balut while in the dark, or at least close your eyes.
Yes, these tips may not be the most assuring, but know that this is actually a really good snack loved by many who have looked past the whole embryo and fetus thing… oh and don’t forget to add a little salt first.
The BALUT is the ultimate street food that you need to have on your bucket list and below is our token white guy Elijah Murray who will walk you through your first ever Balut experience.
If you want more info about how to eat a balut, check out this tutorial here – https://www.wheninmanila.com/how-to-eat-balut-duck-egg-fetus-exotic-food-from-the-philippines/
photo above by Spanky Enriquez
So there you have it! The Dirty Dozen! 12 Must Try Street Foods from the Philippines that have been tested time and again as the local favorites!
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
Apparently, there’s a new street food in town… on the streets… and now you’re in for a BLAST!
Here’s a bonus one for you that just made it’s way to our hearts, tummies and the streets not too long ago.
These things may look like a traditional egg roll, but haven’t you ever heard the saying about not judging an eggroll by it’s cover?
It’s called the “Dynamite” and just as the name proclaims, once you bite into this mind blowing street food, you’re definitely in for a treat! An egg-roll-wrapped Green Pepper or Jalapeno stuffed with variations of ground beef/pork, cheese and spices plus bread crumbs await those daring enough to try this! The spiciness really ranges from the pepper used as there have been very mild Dynamites but also fire hot ones.
Fire in the hole!
photo by Grace Bondad Nicolas
So there you go! The Dirty Dozen +1 Top Street Foods you MUST try When In the Philippines!
When In Manila, grab a friend and keep your large bills at home, then head out to the streets where you can find the tastiest and craziest appetizers and snacks this side of the world! Get out there and get started on your checklist of the 12 Must Try Street Foods When In Manila!
The Dirty Dozen: Top 12 Must Try Street Foods in Manila
