travel guide

Best Pinoy Street Food

A vacation is a time to unwind, see new places and try new food, and the Philippines has a vibrant street food scene that is a must-try for any adventurous eater.
From savory skewered meats like chicken and pork barbecue, to crispy fried snacks like fish balls and squid balls, to sweet treats like turon (banana spring rolls) and buko (young coconut) juice, there is something for every palate.
While the street food may not always be the most hygienic option, it is a cultural experience not to be missed for those seeking to immerse themselves in the local cuisine.

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Camote & Banana Cue

Banana Cue is a deep-fried banana coated in caramelized brown sugar and served on a stick. It is a simple Filipino street food classic, sold at stalls across the country and loved for its sweet, sticky crust.

Camote Cue (Kamote Cue) is made with sweet potatoes, one of the most widely cultivated crops in the Philippines. The pieces are fried and coated in caramelized sugar, creating a crispy, sweet snack served on a stick.

Fishballs & Kwek Kwek

Fishballs are a Filipino street food favorite, found at stalls and food carts all over the country. They are made from finely ground fish meat, deep-fried until golden, and served on a stick with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Kwek Kwek consists of boiled quail eggs coated in a bright orange batter colored with annatto powder. The eggs are deep-fried until crisp and typically served with a spicy vinegar dipping sauce.

Binatog & Kikiam

Binatog is a traditional Filipino snack commonly sold by vendors pushing wooden carts. It is made with boiled white corn kernels mixed with creamy milk, margarine, and shredded coconut, with sugar added for extra sweetness.

Kikiam is a popular street food originally inspired by Chinese delicacies. It is made with ground pork and vegetables wrapped in bean curd sheets, deep-fried until golden and crispy, and usually served with a dipping sauce.

Betamax & Adidas

Betamax is made from coagulated chicken blood, cut into dark, gelatinous pieces, grilled, and served on sticks. Its name comes from its resemblance to old Betamax tapes, and despite its appearance, it has a mild, savory flavor.

Adidas is a uniquely named Filipino street food made from grilled chicken feet. It is tender and chewy, usually seasoned or served with a dipping sauce, and its unusual name and texture make it a favorite among adventurous eaters.

Sorbetes & Taho

Sorbetes is the traditional Filipino-style ice cream, quite different from sorbet. It is commonly sold by street vendors and served in a small wafer or sugar cone, or, for a more traditional experience, in a soft bread bun.

Taho is a much-loved Filipino sweet treat made with fresh silken tofu, sweet sugar syrup, and pearl sago. Vendors can often be heard calling out as they walk through neighborhoods, selling it in small cups.

Isaw & Iskrambol

Isaw is a popular Filipino street food made from grilled chicken or pork intestines. They are carefully cleaned, turned inside out, and cleaned again before being grilled, then served on skewers with vinegar or a dipping sauce.

Iskrambol is the Filipino version of a slushy dessert, a colorful frozen treat made with banana-flavored condensed milk. It is commonly sold by street vendors, and some versions are topped with powdered milk and chocolate sauce.

Balut & Turon

Balut is one of the Philippines’ most famous street foods, a developing duck embryo boiled and eaten directly from the shell. Eaters typically sip the warm broth first, then peel the shell to reach the seasoned yolk and embryo, enjoyed with salt and vinegar.

Turon is a popular Filipino afternoon snack made from a slice of banana coated in sugar and cinnamon and wrapped in a lumpia wrapper. It is deep-fried until crisp and golden, combining soft, sweet banana with a crunchy caramelized coating.