All across South East Asia, you will find a thriving street food culture. Within each country, you will find many unique styles of street food which pay homage to the rich history of the countries in the region.
The Philippines is no exception – street food is deeply embedded in the countries culture and is still loved by many Filipinos to this day.
Like many other countries in the region, Filipinos can be quite creative and experimental in their methods of preparing and serving their street food.
If you’re a tourist in The Philippines, then you should add street food to your list of things to do! First, you have to visit one of the busiest streets in the three main archipelagos in the country. For example, Quiapo in Luzon, Colon street in the Visayas, and San Pedro St in Davao City Mindanao.
Let’s have a look at some famous street food found only in the streets of the Philippines.
Have a quick bite of Kwek-Kwek. It’s one of the most popular delicacies available. It primarily comprises a fried quail egg or chicken egg coated with flour. The flour used in the mixtures has orange or yellow colouring added. When fried, Kwek-Kwek is best eaten with vinegar, sliced cucumber, and sometimes with fresh seaweeds.
Get your chopsticks ready then have a bite of Shumai or Siomai. This is an original Chinese recipe which is embraced as one of the favourite Filipino street foods in The Philippines. This midget dumpling contains meat fillings (shrimps, pork, etc.), and wrapped in a small siomai wrapper. It is best eaten with lemon extract, and some personalised sweet and sour sauce.
The business end of Filipino street food
Ever heard of Adidas? Well, it’s not the referring to the popular sports brand. In Filipino street food culture, despite Adidas or “chicken foot” sounding weird Filipinos still eat this regularly, almost to the level of it becoming an addiction.
The feet are thoroughly cleaned and boiled before being coated in breadcrumbs and fried until its appearance turns golden brown. Its crispy texture and taste make it favourable for the Filipinos to purchase this low-cost dish. When coated with hot and spicy vinegar, Adidas becomes the best way to satisfy your appetite.
Still, unsatisfied with those craving of yours? Well, have a taste of “Bituka ng manok” or chicken intestines. Yes, chicken intestines are definitely edible in the Philippines.
Other countries generally throw away this part of the chicken while in the Philippines it’s a much-loved delicacy.
It is cleaned carefully in boiling water, and marinate with soy sauce, and some salt before frying. While others make grilled intestine along the streets in the country. Its enticing smell while being cooked attracts those passing by. And the taste? It’s slimy, yet satisfying.
Who amongst you would not recognise Fish and squid balls?
This is an internationally known delicacy. In Asia, Europe and other Western countries. In the Philippines, fish or squid balls are more personalised wherein the vendors make their own blend of the dish. Some of the Vendors use fresh grained fish, salt, pepper, and chopped spring onions or scallion before deep frying. How about a taste of this “on-the-spot” fish ball cooking?
Next, let’s try some Buko juice. After indulging in different street food cuisines, a fresh buko juice completes it all. It is made up of fresh coconut water filled with a bit of white sugar, milk and ice cubes to freshen up and satisfies ones thirsts after nibbling some of these common delicacies.
It is amazing how Filipinos enjoyed the simple way of living and embracing their culture with enthusiasm. People around the globe have their unique way of continuing their customs and practices which have been left to them across generations. Retaining something relevant, even as simple as the Filipino street food culture is an excellent method to maintain the broader culture of this nation.
So as you can see Filipinos love to eat. The best thing about it is that their cravings for food and drinks are simple and cheap, but despite this Filipino street food remains extraordinary.
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