The 7 Biggest Local Street Food in Manila

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Top Local Street Food Alternatives in Manila

Filipino cuisine is composed of the cuisines of more than a hundred distinct ethnolinguistic groups found throughout the Philippine archipelago. A majority of mainstream Filipino dishes that compose Filipino cuisine are from the food traditions of various ethnolinguistic groups and tribes of the archipelago, including the Ilocano, Pangasinan, Kapampangan, Tagalog, Bicolano, Visayan, Chavacano and Maranao ethnolinguistic groups. The dishes associated with these groups evolved over the centuries from a largely indigenous (largely Austronesian) base shared with maritime Southeast Asia with varied influences from Chinese, Spanish and American cuisines, in line with the major waves of influence that had enriched the cultures of the archipelago and adapted using indigenous ingredients to meet local preferences.Dishes range from the very simple meal of fried salted fish and rice to curries, paellas, and cozidos of Iberian origin made for fiestas. Popular dishes include lechón (whole roasted pig), longganisa (Philippine sausage), tapa (cured beef), torta (omelette), adobo (vinegar and soy sauce-based stew ), kaldereta (meat stewed in tomato sauce and liver paste), mechado (larded beef in soy and tomato sauce), pochero (beef and bananas in tomato sauce), afritada (chicken or beef and vegetables simmered in tomato sauce), kare-kare (oxtail and vegetables cooked in peanut sauce), pinakbet (kabocha squash, eggplant, beans, okra, bitter melon, and tomato stew flavored with shrimp paste), sinigang (meat or seafood with vegetables in sour broth), pancit (noodles), and lumpia (fresh or fried spring rolls).

The Biggest Local Street Food in Philippines

Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is known for its vibrant street food scene. From savory snacks to sweet treats, here are three top local street food alternatives that are extremely popular in Manila:

  • Isaw: Isaw refers to grilled chicken or pork intestines that are skewered on bamboo sticks and then barbecued. This street food delight is typically marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and is then grilled to perfection. Isaw is often served with a spicy vinegar dip and is a favorite among locals for its smoky and savory taste. It is commonly found in street food stalls and is best enjoyed as an appetizer or snack.
  • Balut: Balut is a unique Filipino delicacy that consists of a developing bird embryo (usually a duck) that is boiled and then eaten from its shell. Considered as an exotic delicacy, balut is commonly sold by street vendors and is quite popular among locals. The egg is usually eaten with a sprinkling of salt and vinegar, and it is believed to be a good source of protein. While balut may be an acquired taste for some, it is definitely a must-try for those who want to experience Manila’s street food culture.
  • Turon: Turon is a sweet and crunchy street food dessert that is made by wrapping slices of ripe saba bananas in spring roll wrappers, along with jackfruit strips and sometimes a bit of brown sugar. These wrapped goodies are then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. The resulting turon is not only visually appealing but also deliciously satisfying. It is commonly sold by street vendors and is a favorite among locals for its delightful combination of flavors. Turon is often enjoyed as a snack or as a dessert after a savory meal.
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