STREET FOOD IN MANILA: TRAVELER’S GUIDE

Street food in Manila is varied, delicious, and different. Food is a big part of every trip, and the local tastes you find in the streets of Manila, its markets, and shops, will surely enhance your experience.

Manila Markets: Street Food and More

Manila has a diverse culinary scene and its markets are a great representation of it. Each market has its own character; In Quinta Market, you’ll find traditional Filipino foods. Binondo, Manila’s historic Chinatown, has some unique dishes inspired by both Chinese and Filipino cuisine. Divisoria Market is famous for its shopping spots and a variety of street snacks. Meanwhile, Tondo stands out for its authentic street food offerings, reflecting the local lifestyle. You can also find night markets, serving both savory foods and desserts.

Quinta Market

1. • Location: The Quiapo district of Manila, near the historic Quiapo Church. Quinta Market is a central point in the heart of the city.
   • Highlight: Quinta Market is renowned for its traditional Filipino street food, offering an authentic taste of local dishes. It’s a great spot to experience the real flavors of Manila.

Binondo (Chinatown)

1. • Location: Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, is situated in the district of the same name. This historic area is just north of the Pasig River and is easily reachable from central Manila.
   • Highlight: The fusion of Chinese and Filipino cuisines creates a unique culinary experience. You can find dim sum dishes, noodle soups, and Filipino snacks.

Divisoria Market

1. • Location: Divisoria is located in the Tondo area of Manila and is known as the shopping center of the city. This market is packed with stalls and shops, spread over several blocks and streets.
   • Highlight: Besides being a paradise for bargain hunters, Divisoria Market is also famous for its diverse array of street snacks, from sweet delicacies to savory bites, perfect for on-the-go eating while exploring the market.

Tondo Market

1. • Location: Tondo Market can be found in the densely populated Tondo district of Manila, known for its community life.
   • Highlight: This market is a hub for authentic Filipino street food, offering a glimpse into the daily culinary practices of Manila’s residents. It’s a place where you can find a variety of home-style Filipino dishes, cooked and served with a local touch.

Manila’s Night Markets

• • Location: These markets pop up in various locations around the city, with some of the more popular ones being found in the areas of Roxas Boulevard and along the Baywalk.
  • Highlight: Manila’s night markets turn into lively places filled with food stalls. You can enjoy a variety of Filipino and international dishes, as well as many kinds of desserts.

Street Food in Manila to Try

As you probably already understand, Manila’s culinary options are almost endless. Here are some of our favorite street food picks you can find in the city.

Isaw

Isaw is a popular street food, grilled chicken being the most common form. In some areas pig intestines are used instead of chicken or mixed with it in various proportions according to taste. They have a smoky flavor.

Isaw

Siomai

Siomai is a variation on the Chinese dumpling, very common in Manila. It is a cooked or steamed. At its most basic, it consists of ground pork shrimp and mushrooms. Served with chili garlic sauce.

Siomai

Hopia

bean-filled hopia is a traditional pastry. There are other variations, using different kinds of fillings today.

Hopia

Kikiam

This dish also originated from Chinese cuisine. The kikiam is a roll made from ground pork and shrimp mixed with various spices and vegetables. People often eat kikiam with a sweet and spicy sauce.

Kikiam

Kwek-Kwek

Kwek-kwek is made by taking small hard-boiled quail eggs and coating them in a bright orange batter, then deep frying them. The batter is made from flour mixed with some spices and food coloring.

Kwek-Kwek

Turon

Turon is a sweet Filipino snack. It’s made by wrapping banana and jackfruit in a thin wrapper and frying it until crispy.

Turon

Lechon Manok

Lechon Manok is a Filipino dish where a whole chicken is roasted over charcoal until it’s juicy and crispy.

Lechon Manok 

Adobo

Adobo is a popular Filipino dish made by cooking meat, usually chicken or pork, in a mix of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices.

Adobo 

Halo-Halo

a colorful Filipino dessert made with shaved ice, milk, and mixed with various sweet ingredients like fruits and beans.

Halo-Halo

Buko Juice