Balut!! The Rich and Flavorful World of Filipino Street Food

When it comes to food, the Philippines is a melting pot of flavors, spices, and culinary traditions. Beyond its famous dishes like adobo and sinigang, Filipino street food offers an exciting journey through the nation’s vibrant food culture. From bustling city streets to quiet provincial towns, street vendors serve up a variety of delectable treats that are as affordable as they are flavorful. Here’s a look at some of the must-try Filipino street food favorites!

Balut (Fertilized Duck Egg)

"Kuya, Yung maliit ang sisiw."

Perhaps the most famous—and infamous—Filipino street food is balut. This fertilized duck egg, which contains a developing embryo, is commonly eaten as a snack. While it may seem unusual to some, balut is beloved for its rich and savory flavor. It’s often served warm, with a sprinkle of salt or vinegar. For many Filipinos, balut is a nutritious delicacy that’s deeply rooted in tradition.

Adidas (Grilled Chicken Feet)

You read that right, but these are not your NMDs or Yeezy —Adidas is the colloquial name for grilled chicken feet, one of the more unique and adventurous Filipino street foods. The name is a playful nod to the iconic sports shoe brand, as the chicken feet resemble the shape of a three-stripe sneaker. Adidas is marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices, then grilled until tender and slightly crispy. The texture is gelatinous with bits of crunchy skin, making it a fun snack to nibble on. Just like other grilled street foods, it’s best paired with a side of vinegar or chili dip.

Isaw (Grilled Chicken or Pork Intestines)

At the heart of Filipino street food culture is isaw, skewered and grilled intestines from chicken or pork. The intestines are thoroughly cleaned, marinated in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, and spices, then grilled to perfection. Served with a side of vinegar dip, isaw has a smoky flavor and chewy texture that makes it irresistible. It’s a popular snack, especially among students and professionals looking for a quick bite after work.

Kwek-Kwek (Deep-Fried Quail Eggs)

If you’re looking for a crunchy snack, kwek-kwek is the perfect choice. This dish consists of boiled quail eggs coated in an orange-tinted batter, deep-fried until crispy. Kwek-kwek is served with a tangy vinegar or sweet and spicy sauce, making it a favorite among both kids and adults. The vibrant orange color of kwek-kwek is hard to miss, adding a festive flair to street food stalls.

Taho (Silken Tofu with Syrup and Sago Pearls)

For those with a sweet tooth, taho is a beloved Filipino street food staple. It’s a warm, silky treat made from soft tofu, sweetened with arnibal (brown sugar syrup), and topped with chewy sago pearls (similar to tapioca). Vendors usually carry taho in large metal containers, calling out “Taho!” as they pass through neighborhoods in the morning. This comfort food is perfect for breakfast or a mid-morning snack.

Fish Balls and Squid Balls

Perhaps the most iconic of Filipino street food are fish balls and squid balls—deep-fried, bite-sized balls made from ground fish or squid. These are typically served on skewers with a variety of sauces to choose from, such as sweet, spicy, or vinegar-based dips. Street vendors fry these balls on the spot, allowing you to watch them turn golden brown before you dig in. It’s a quick, cheap, and delicious way to satisfy your hunger.

Betamax (Grilled Blood Cubes)

A quirky name for a unique dish, Betamax refers to grilled chicken or pork blood that’s been solidified, cut into cubes, and skewered. The name comes from its resemblance to the old Betamax tapes. While the idea of eating blood cubes might sound unusual to some, Betamax has a rich, savory flavor that’s enjoyed by many street food lovers. Pair it with vinegar dip, and it becomes a flavorful treat with a smoky finish.

Banana Cue (Caramelized Fried Bananas)

For a sweet and satisfying treat, look no further than banana cue. Ripe saba bananas are deep-fried and coated in caramelized sugar, then skewered on bamboo sticks for easy eating. The result is a crispy, caramelized exterior with a soft, sweet banana inside. Banana cue is often sold alongside camote cue, a similar snack made from sweet potatoes.

Turon (Fried Banana Spring Rolls)

Another banana-based delight, turon is a popular snack or dessert made by wrapping slices of banana and sometimes jackfruit in a spring roll wrapper, then deep-frying it until golden brown and crispy. The caramelized sugar coating gives it an extra layer of sweetness and crunch. It’s a popular merienda (afternoon snack) that you can find in markets and on the streets.

Manggang Hilaw (Green Mango with Shrimp Paste)

Filipinos love the combination of sweet, sour, and salty flavors, and manggang hilaw (green mango) is a perfect example. Vendors serve slices of tart, unripe mango with a side of bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) for dipping. The contrast of the sour mango and the savory bagoong creates an explosion of flavors that’s sure to excite your taste buds.

Dirty Ice Cream (Sorbetes)

Despite its misleading name, dirty ice cream is a popular Filipino street dessert that’s far from dirty! This homemade ice cream, often sold from colorful wooden carts, comes in flavors like ube (purple yam), chocolate, mango, and cheese. Its distinct creaminess and affordability make it a favorite treat for kids and adults alike. It’s a fun and nostalgic way to cool down on a hot day.

So next time you’re in the Philippines, be sure to step out onto the streets and sample some of these iconic treats. You might just find your new favorite snack!