What is the most popular street food in the Philippines?

Fishball is arguably the most ubiquitous Filipino street food, found on virtually every street corner. Kwek-kwek (deep-fried quail eggs) and isaw (grilled chicken intestines) are close seconds. All are served with vinegar-based dipping sauces.

Is Filipino street food safe to eat?

Street food is generally safe when bought from vendors with high turnover (freshly cooked items sell fast). Look for stalls that fry or grill to order rather than pre-cooked items sitting out. The vinegar dipping sauces also have natural antimicrobial properties.

Filipino Street Food Recipes

Bring the flavors of Philippine street carts into your kitchen. From sizzling Kwek-Kwek to caramelized Banana Cue, recreate these beloved snacks at home.

A Taste of Philippine Streets

Filipino street food culture is vibrant and delicious. Walk down any busy street in Manila, Cebu, or Davao and you will find vendors selling an incredible variety of snacks on sticks, deep-fried treats, and grilled meats. These affordable bites are part of everyday Filipino life — eaten as afternoon merienda, late-night pulutan (bar food), or quick meals on the go. Many of these recipes are surprisingly simple to make at home.

30 min Easy

Kwek-Kwek

Orange-battered deep-fried quail eggs. The most iconic Filipino street food served with spiced vinegar dip.

30 min Easy

Turon

Caramelized banana spring rolls with jackfruit. Sweet, crispy, and impossible to eat just one.

50 min Medium

Lumpia Shanghai

Crispy pork spring rolls that started as street food and became a party staple. Best eaten fresh from the fryer.

1 hr Medium

Empanada

Ilocos-style meat pies with flaky orange crust filled with ground meat, egg, and green papaya.

1 hr Medium

Sisig

Originally a Pampanga street food — chopped pig face and ears sizzling on a hot plate with egg and chili.

45 min Easy

Puto

Fluffy steamed rice cakes topped with cheese. A sweet merienda treat found in every Filipino bakery and street stall.

Essential Street Food Dipping Sauces

No Filipino street food is complete without the right sawsawan (dipping sauce). Here are the three you need to know:

Spiced Vinegar (Sukang Maanghang)

White vinegar + sili labuyo + garlic + onion. The universal Filipino street food dip.

Sweet Sauce

Brown sugar + flour + water simmered into a thick sweet sauce. For fishball and kikiam.

Banana Ketchup

Sweet banana-based red sauce. Pairs with everything fried, from chicken to fishball.

Street Food Cooking Tips

Deep Frying Temperature

Most Filipino street food is deep-fried at 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a thermometer or test with a small piece — it should sizzle immediately when dropped in oil.

Batch Cooking

Street food is meant to be made in large batches. Kwek-kwek, fishball, and lumpia all freeze well. Fry straight from frozen when a craving hits.

The Right Oil

Use vegetable oil or coconut oil for deep frying. Coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness that makes fried Filipino food distinctive. Strain and reuse oil 2-3 times.