Affordable Street Foods in Manila
Isaw
Grilled pig or chicken intestines on a skewer, expertly cleaned and grilled to smoky perfection. Dip into tangy, spicy vinegar for a bold and savory bite.
kwek-kwek
Quail (kwek-kwek) or chicken (tokneneng) eggs coated in bright orange batter and deep-fried until crispy. Served with a tangy vinegar dip.
Fishball, Squidball, Kikiam
Snackable skewers of fish, squid, or processed pork, deep-fried and paired with sweet, sour, or spicy dipping sauces—a Filipino street food classic.
A Taste of Manila
Walking through the busy streets of Manila, the air is filled with the smoky aroma of grilled skewers, the sizzle of deep-fried kwek-kwek, and the sweet caramel scent of banana-q. Vendors call out to passersby, offering simple yet flavorful treats that cost just a few pesos. From the bold adventure of tasting balut to the comfort of a warm bowl of lugaw, Manila’s street food scene is more than just food—it’s a glimpse into the city’s culture, community, and everyday life.
Banana-Q
Skewered saba bananas caramelized in brown sugar
Balut
A unique Filipino delicacy: a boiled fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo—traditionally enjoyed with a dash of vinegar and chili.
Lugaw
Hearty rice porridge with chicken broth and optional egg
Sotanghon Soup
Found in Quiapo, this glass noodle soup in rich broth is deeply flavorful and affordable.
Siopao
Crisp-bottomed, fluffy steamed buns filled with savory meat—an elevated take on the classic siopao.
Okoy (Shrimp Fritters)
Crisp fritters made from glutinous rice batter mixed with small shrimp and veggies.
”We are going to start this list off with a street food that I think reigns supreme on the afternoon grills throughout the Philippines: isaw, which refers to both pig and chicken intestines, grilled over hot fire.”
"One of the best things about eating isaw... is seasoning with vinegar. The contrast of the smoky isaw with vinegar is extremely satisfying.”
- Mark Wiens