20+ Must-Try Street Foods in Manila (Ultimate Guide)

Manila’s street food scene is a world of flavors waiting to be explored. From savory snacks to sweet treats, there’s always something to grab on the go. If you’re looking to spice up your food adventure, the best street foods you have to try in Manila will give you the perfect guide. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned street food lover, these bites are guaranteed to hit the spot.

Best Street Foods You Have to Try in Manila

1. Balut

Must-Try Street Foods in Manila — *Photo via* *Guide to the Philippines*

This fertilized duck egg, incubated for 14-21 days, is a well-known Filipino delicacy. It’s boiled and eaten with the embryo and yolk, while the hardened white is usually discarded. Balut is a true local favorite.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Chef Arch’s Lime 88 (160 San Rafael Street, Mandaluyong, Philippines)
Phone: (02) 775 5428
Website: https://www.facebook.com/chefarchslime

2. Isaw

Isaw, grilled chicken or pork intestines, has a smoky, slightly crunchy texture. Grilled to perfection over charcoal, it’s a must-try street food with a delicious, savory flavor.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Mang Larry’s Isawan (Magiting 43 1101 Quezon City National Capital Region)
Phone: 0921 234 7389
Website: https://www.facebook.com/155375931160899?ref=_xav_ig_profile_page_web

3. Kwek-Kwek/Tokneneng

These deep-fried, orange-battered eggs are often served with a tangy, spiced vinegar dip. Kwek-kwek typically uses quail eggs, while tokneneng uses chicken or duck eggs.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Anywhere with street vendors, especially near universities.

4. Taho

*Photo via* *Gabby C’s Portfolio | Instagram*

A refreshing snack made from silky tofu, sweet syrup (arnibal), and chewy sago pearls. Vendors sell taho in buckets, making it a popular breakfast or snack.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Giant Taho (Giant Taho, 14 1A Premero De Mayo St, Barangay San Isidro, Galas, Quezon City, Philippines)
Website: https://www.instagram.com/gianttaho

5. Banana Cue

Banana cue is deep-fried saba bananas coated in sweet caramelized brown sugar, often skewered for easy munching. It’s a crispy, satisfying treat that’s both sweet and comforting.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Anywhere in street food stalls in Manila

6. Barbecue

*Photo via* *Myron Lim Nepomuceno /Instagram*

Charcoal-grilled skewers of meat, typically chicken or pork, are a common sight at street food stalls. These are seasoned and cooked to perfection, making for a tasty on-the-go meal.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Macbeth’s Grill (1116 I. Delos Reyes Street Sampaloc, Manila 1008 Manila Metro Manila)
Phone: 0942 667 5313
Website: https://www.facebook.com/MacbethGrill

7. Calamares

Fried squid rings served with a dipping sauce. Calamares is slightly sweet, tender, and crispy, making it a popular street snack among seafood lovers.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: 9 Spoons (Muralla Corner Victoria Streets, Manila)
Phone: +6323185000
Website: https://www.thebayleaf.com.ph

8. Pares

Tender, braised beef paired with garlic fried rice and clear soup, a local comfort food. Pares is simple yet satisfying, offering a sweet and savory flavor combo.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Pares Mami House (3062 Rizal Avenue Extension, Sta. Cruz, Manila, Manila, Philippines)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/OriginalParesMami

9. Dirty Ice Cream

Also known as sorbetes, this ice cream made from coconut or carabao milk comes in vibrant flavors like ube, mango, and cheese. It’s a nostalgic, fun treat enjoyed by all ages.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Pushcart vendors on the streets in Manila

10. Bibingka

A traditional rice cake made with rice flour and coconut milk, cooked in a clay oven. Often enjoyed during Christmas, it’s a sweet snack with a slight coconut flavor.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Via Mare (Level 1, Shangri-La Plaza, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City)
Phone: +63286311613
Website: https://viamare.com.ph

11. Puto Bumbong

*Photo via* *Merienda Kneads by Pat/Instagram*

A festive, purple rice cake typically served with butter, sugar, and grated coconut. It’s commonly sold after Mass during the Christmas season.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Cafe Via Mare (Makati Avenue, Level 2, The Landmark, Ayala Center Makati National Capital Region)
Website: https://viamare.com.ph

12. Halo-Halo

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A famous dessert made by mixing shaved ice, milk, and an assortment of ingredients like fruits, beans, and sometimes ice cream. It’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Aling Consuelo Original Halo-Halo (2205 F Varona St Brgy 96 District 1 Tondo, Manila)
Phone: (02) 7368 4993
Website: https://www.facebook.com/AlingConsueloOriginalHaloHaloSaUgboOfficialPage

13. Betamax

Grilled coagulated chicken or pork blood skewered in small rectangular blocks. Named after the Betamax tape due to its blocky shape, it’s seasoned and served with a spicy dip.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Quiapo Market

14. Fish and Squid Balls

These deep-fried fish or squid balls are served with various dipping sauces, such as sweet, spicy, or vinegar-based. They’re crunchy, savory, and absolutely addictive.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Anywhere with street vendors, especially near universities.

15. Turon

A sweet, crispy spring roll made with ripe bananas and sometimes jackfruit, caramelized and fried to golden perfection. It’s a popular snack, especially during afternoons.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Merienda by Pan de Manila (Rockwell Ortigas / Sheridan Santolan Town Plaza 810 Mckinley)
Website: https://pandemanila.com.ph

16. Adidas

Grilled chicken feet, often called “Adidas” in the Philippines due to their resemblance to the sports brand’s logo. It’s a savory street food treat for those who enjoy grilled meats.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Barbeque street food vendors in areas like Quiapo

17. Chicken Skin

Crispy, deep-fried chicken skin, a savory snack that’s both crunchy and flavorful. It’s usually served with vinegar or a spicy dip.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Street food vendors in areas like Quiapo

18. Sweet Corn

Grilled corn on the cob, often brushed with margarine and sprinkled with salt, is a simple yet satisfying snack. The smoky grill flavor pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the corn.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Street stalls around Manila

19. Dinamita (Dynamite)

Green chilies stuffed with cheese, wrapped in spring roll wrappers, and deep-fried to crispy perfection. The creamy cheese tempers the spice, making it an exciting snack.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Local food stalls around Manila

20. Carioca

Deep-fried rice balls coated in caramelized sugar or sometimes dipped in coconut. Carioca is sweet, chewy, and great for anyone craving something simple yet satisfying.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Local food stalls around Manila

21. Fried Offal

Deep-fried skewers of various animal organs like chicken intestines (isaw) and chicken proventriculus (proben). These are often served crispy with a tangy dipping sauce.

Average Price: ₱
Where to Try: Local food stalls around Manila and Anywhere with street vendors, especially near universities.

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