The Philippines is a paradise for food lovers, bursting with bold flavours and exciting textures that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable adventure. But let’s be real—Filipino food isn’t for the faint-hearted. Many of these delicacies are considered exotic, making them perfect for adventurous eaters. If you’re eager to experience the true heart of Filipino cuisine, diving into Filipino street foods is the way to go. These affordable, mouth-watering snacks can be found everywhere—from the lively streets of Manila to the hidden gems of the countryside—ensuring that every bite comes with a taste of local culture and tradition.
Here’s a deep dive into the best Filipino street foods that you should not miss out on:
Balut
1. Isaw (Grilled Chicken or Pork Intestines)
One of the most famous Filipino street foods, isaw is a flavourful snack made from skewered and grilled intestines of either chicken or pork. Marinated in a blend of spices, then grilled over hot charcoal, this delicacy boasts a smoky, slightly chewy texture that pairs perfectly with vinegar or sweet-spicy sauce. It’s a must-try for those who love bold flavours.
2. Betamax (Grilled Blood Cake)
Named after the old-school Betamax tapes due to its rectangular shape, this street food is made from coagulated chicken or pork blood. It is skewered and grilled to perfection, offering a smoky, iron-rich taste that is surprisingly delicious when dipped in vinegar or soy sauce. Filipino street foods like Betamax may seem unusual at first, but they are worth trying for adventurous eaters.
3. Adidas (Grilled Chicken Feet)
No, we’re not talking about the shoe brand! Adidas is the local term for grilled chicken feet. Marinated in a sweet-savoury sauce and char-grilled until tender, it offers a unique combination of chewy skin and gelatinous tendons. It’s an exciting addition to the long list of Filipino street foods you must sample.
4. Balut & Penoy (Fertilized Duck Egg/Unfertilized Duck Egg)
Balut is one of the most iconic (and controversial) Filipino street foods. It’s a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo inside, typically enjoyed with a pinch of salt or a dash of vinegar. Despite its intimidating reputation, balut is packed with protein and has a rich, savory taste. If you’re not quite ready for balut, try penoy—a non-fertilized duck egg that’s similar to a hard-boiled egg but with a creamier texture.
Chicharon
Kwek-Kwek
5. Chicharon (Crispy Pork Cracklings)
Crunchy and addictive, chicharon refers to deep-fried pork rinds or intestines, often served with vinegar for dipping. This popular snack is available in various flavours, from plain salted to spicy or even garlic-infused. It’s the perfect crunchy treat for those who love bold, savoury flavours.
6. Kwek-Kwek/Tokneneng (Quail Eggs in Orange Batter)
Kwek-kwek is a vibrant, deep-fried street snack made of quail eggs coated in a bright orange batter. The crispy exterior and soft, savoury egg inside make it one of the most popular Filipino street foods. Served with sweet or spicy vinegar, it’s an explosion of flavours in every bite.
While Tokneneng is bigger version of kwek-kwek, tokneneng is made using chicken or duck eggs instead of quail eggs.
Banana Cue
7. Binatog (Boiled White Corn with Coconut and Salt)
Binatog is a classic Filipino street snack made from boiled white corn kernels topped with grated coconut, salt, and sometimes a bit of sugar. Vendors often serve it warm in cups, making it a comforting and filling treat. The combination of the soft corn, rich coconut, and a hint of saltiness creates a delightful balance of flavours that you shouldn’t miss.
8. Banana-cue & Kamote-cue (Caramelized Deep-Fried Bananas/Sweet Potatoes on a Stick)
Banana-cue consists of deep-fried caramelized saba bananas skewered on a stick, while kamote-cue follows the same concept but uses sweet potatoes. These crunchy, sweet, and satisfying treats are perfect for an afternoon snack and are among the most beloved Filipino street foods.
Fish Balls
9. Proven (deep-fried chicken proventiculus)
Proven is a hidden gem in the world of Filipino street foods. It consists of the proventriculus, a part of the chicken’s digestive tract, marinated and deep-fried to golden perfection. It’s crispy, flavorful, and best enjoyed with spiced vinegar.
10. Fish Balls/Squidballs
These golden-brown spheres of joy are made from ground fish meat and flour, deep-fried until perfectly crispy. Fish balls are one of the most iconic Filipino street foods, often served with a variety of sauces—sweet, spicy, or vinegary—to suit every preference.
While Squid ball is seafood variation of fish balls, squid balls are deep-fried until golden brown and puffy.
Turon
11. Kikiam (Filipino-style Fried Meat Roll)
Inspired by Chinese cuisine, kikiam is a savoury meat roll made from ground pork and vegetables wrapped in bean curd skin. It’s deep-fried until crispy and often served alongside fish balls.
12. Turon (Caramelized Banana and Jackfruit Spring Roll)
Turon is a sweet, crispy snack made of ripe saba bananas and jackfruit wrapped in a spring roll wrapper and coated in caramelized sugar. This golden-brown treat is one of the most popular Filipino street foods, offering a perfect balance of crunchy and sweet flavors.
Chicken Skin
Taho
13. Chicken Skin
Crispy, salty, and absolutely addictive, deep-fried chicken skin is one of the best Filipino street foods for those who love crunchy textures. It’s usually served with vinegar or a sweet-spicy sauce.
14. Taho (Warm Silken Tofu with Syrup and Pearls)
A comforting and nostalgic snack, taho consists of warm silken tofu, arnibal (sweet syrup), and chewy sago pearls. Vendors serve it in cups, shouting “Tahooo!” as they walk through the streets.
Siomai
Sorbetes
15. Siomai (Filipino-style Dim Sum)
A street version of the popular Chinese dumpling, siomai is made of ground pork or shrimp wrapped in thin dough and steamed. It is typically served with soy sauce, calamansi, and chili oil.
16. Sorbetes (Filipino-Style Ice Cream aka “Dirty Ice Cream”)
Known as “dirty ice cream,” sorbetes is the Filipino version of ice cream sold from colorful street carts. Made from coconut or carabao’s milk, it comes in a variety of flavors like ube, mango, and cheese. Whether served in a cone or sandwiched in a pandesal (bread roll), sorbetes is a nostalgic and delightful treat.
Iskrambol
Dinamita
17. Iskrambol
A childhood favourite, iskrambol (short for “ice scramble”) is a pink, slushy drink made from crushed ice, evaporated milk, banana flavouring, and topped with powdered milk, chocolate syrup, and candy sprinkles. It’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day while enjoying a burst of sweetness.
18. Dinamita (Dynamite Rolls)
This fiery delight is so good, it deserves a second mention! Dinamita is a street food favorite for those who love a little spice in their lives. The cheesy goodness inside and the crispy wrapper make it irresistible.
Manggang Hilaw
Calamares
19. Manggang Hilaw (Green Mango with Bagoong)
This refreshing snack consists of unripe mango slices paired with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste). The contrast of the tangy mango and the salty, umami-rich bagoong creates an irresistible flavor combination.
20. Calamares (Deep-Fried Squid Rings)
Crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, calamares is the Filipino take on calamari. These deep-fried squid rings are seasoned to perfection and best enjoyed with garlic mayo or vinegar.
Mais
21. Mais (Boiled Corn on the Cob)
A simple yet satisfying street food, boiled corn is served either plain or slathered with butter and cheese powder. It’s a great snack for those looking for something wholesome yet delicious.
Final Thoughts
Filipino street foods offer more than just delicious flavours—they provide a glimpse into the country’s vibrant culture. They’re affordable, convenient, and deeply embedded in Filipino daily life. Whether you’re an adventurous foodie or a first-time visitor, these street snacks will surely leave a lasting impression. So next time you find yourself in the Philippines, don’t hesitate to explore and enjoy these flavourful delights!
