How to Enjoy the Best Street Food in Manila

Street food in Manila is an integral part of the local culinary scene and it reflects the rich cultural diversity and culinary traditions of the Philippines. From the bustling streets in Manila to the crowded smaller towns and cities across the country you will find street food vendors with an array of delicacies and delights on offer that will be a gastronomic delight to all those who taste it and take in the aromas. Here is how you can best enjoy street food like a local in Manila.

Choosing Where to Stay

When visiting Manila, choosing your accommodation is important as you have to take into consideration the sights and places you will want to visit and what type of accommodation you wish to select. There are many different types of accommodation such as hotels, resorts and apartments. Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila has many different options of conveniently located luxurious Apartments in BGC Manila. The serviced residences are in the heart of the metropolis very close to the Makati district which is the capital’s financial, cultural, retail and entertainment hub. Guests can ensure that their stay will have all the amenities expected, with full access to comprehensive facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, ballroom, saunas and even a children’s play area.

Street Food Markets to Visit

The street food in Manila is highly varied, with delicious, delectable dishes that make for a great experience. There are a number of markets to visit, each with its own diverse culinary scene. At the Quinta Market you will find traditional Filipino food, that is very authentic in its taste and is a great place to experience the real taste of Manila's local street food. The market can be found in the Quiapo district of Manila which is near the historic Quiapo Church in the centre of the city. Binondo is Manila’s very own Chinatown and has some unique dishes that are a blend of Filipino and Chinese cuisine. It is located in the Binondo district just north of the Pasig River. Here you will find varieties of dim sum, noodle dishes and many different Filipino snacks. The Divisoria Market is a very famous shopping area with many vendors who sell different types of street snacks. This market is located in the Tondo area of Manila which is crowded with stalls of vendors and shops that is spread out over many streets and blocks in the city which is perfect for eating while you walk and explore the market.

The Best Way to Enjoy Street Food Like a Local

Manila’s culinary variety is so diverse that it can be quite a challenge to sample it all. One of the best ways to experience it all is to go on a guided food tour to ensure that you enjoy all the delicacies and delights on offer like a local. Most of these tours will cover a large number of dishes and drinks that have usually been hand-picked. The host will impart their knowledge about the background of the food and in most cases include all of the most popular dishes for the selected area. These food tours are also a great way to learn about the highlights of the city and will be a well-rounded experience. Another form of tour that is available is to go on a street food cooking class where you will learn how to prepare a variety of these dishes.

The Street Food to Try in Manila

Manila’s culinary options are almost endless but here are a few of the most popular dishes to try out if you opt to try exploring the street food scene on your own. Isaw is skewered and grilled chicken or pig intestines that have a smoky taste. Siomai is a type of Chinese Dumpling that is usually cooked or steamed and contains ground pork, shrimp and mushrooms. Hopia is a bean-filled pastry that can have a variety of fillings. Kikiam is a deep-fried roll made of ground pork, shrimp and a mix of spices and vegetables. Kwek-Kwek are batter-fried small hard-boiled quail eggs that have a spicy flavour to them.