Authentic Filipino Street Food (20+ Pinoy Grilled Eats)

This roundup of authentic Filipino street food will take your taste buds on a journey through the vibrant and flavorful world of Pinoy grilled eats! From smoky pork BBQ skewers to crispy lumpia, these 20+ mouth-watering dishes showcase the best of Filipino cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned Filipino food enthusiast or new to these delights, this guide is your ticket to experiencing the irresistible savory goodness of the streets of the Philippines.

Filipino street food on plate with text overlay that shows 20+Filipino Streetfood.

Filipino street food is all about celebrating good times with friends, family, and a bit of a food adventure. Whether you’re wandering the bustling streets of Manila or the quiet alleys of provincial towns, there’s always something sizzling on charcoal grills. It's not just about satisfying hunger; it's about embracing Filipino culture, one bite at a time.

Most infamous Filipino street foods come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors—from savory pork belly skewers to sweet ice scramble treats. These street eats are a fusion of citrus, soy sauce, and all things deliciously grilled, offering a closer look into what makes Pinoy grill fare so special.

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Why You’ll Love This Collection?

Flavor Explosion: Each dish is a blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, bringing authentic Filipino cuisine to your plate.
Variety Galore: With 20+ options, from crispy spring rolls to pork BBQ skewers, there’s something for every palate.
Easy and Accessible: Skip the hassle of cooking complicated meals; these are straightforward and perfect for a quick fix.
Perfect for Sharing: These street eats are made for sharing, ideal for family-style meals or a Pinoy favorites platter.
Experience Filipino Culture: Every bite takes you on a journey through the rich traditions and flavors of Filipino street food.

Pork BBQ Skewers

One of the most popular street foods in the Philippines, pork BBQ skewers are marinated in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar. Grilled to perfection on charcoal grills, these skewers offer a delightful mix of sweet and savory goodness. They're a staple at any Pinoy grill gathering!

A pile of Filipino pork barbecue skewers.

Chicken BBQ Skewers

Similar to their pork counterparts, chicken BBQ skewers are marinated in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, calamansi, and spices. Grilled until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy, these skewers are a traditional dish of chicken that's loved by all.

Chicken Inasal

A Bacolod specialty, Chicken Inasal is marinated in a blend of vinegar, calamansi, lemongrass, and annatto oil. It’s grilled to juicy perfection, offering a tangy and smoky flavor that sets it apart from regular BBQ chicken skewers. Served with rice and soy sauce on the side, it’s a must-try!

Tender lemongrass-infused chicken delicately placed on a bed of fresh banana leaf.

Isaw ng Baboy (Pork Intestines Skewers)

Isaw is a popular street food made from marinated pork intestines that are grilled until crispy. Often enjoyed with a side of vinegar dipping sauce, these skewers provide a unique, savory taste that’s a must-try for Filipino food enthusiasts.

Chicken Isaw (Chicken Intestines Skewers)

Chicken isaw is a similar dish to pork isaw, but made with chicken intestines. It's marinated in a blend of soy sauce and vinegar before being grilled over hot coals, offering a smoky, chewy delight that pairs perfectly with an ice-cold drink.

Chicken intestines grilled on skewers, seasoned with a sweet and savory marinade.

Betamax (Chicken Blood Skewers)

Betamax gets its name from the blocky shape resembling old Betamax tapes. This street food is made from coagulated chicken blood, skewered, and grilled. It’s an acquired taste but a beloved snack among locals.

Grilled pork blood skewers, known as Betamax in Filipino cuisine.

Adidas (Grilled Chicken Feet)

Grilled chicken feet, affectionately known as Adidas, are marinated in a mix of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices before being grilled to a chewy and flavorful snack. It’s a popular street food that showcases the resourcefulness of Filipino cuisine.

Chicken feet grilled on skewers, seasoned with a sweet and savory marinade.

Kwek-Kwek Skewers

Kwek-Kwek consists of hard-boiled quail eggs coated in an orange batter made from glutinous rice flour, then deep-fried until crispy. Served on skewers, these treats are typically enjoyed with a spicy vinegar dip.

A close-up of kwek-kwek quail eggs, coated in a bright orange batter and deep-fried in hot oil.

Tokneneng Skewers

Similar to Kwek-Kwek but made with chicken eggs, Tokneneng are also deep-fried to a crispy golden perfection. They’re a street food classic that’s as fun to eat as it is to say!

A plate of deep-fried chicken eggs with a crispy, golden brown coating.

Fishball Skewers

Fishball skewers are a beloved street food, often deep-fried and served with a choice of sweet or spicy sauce. Made from ground fish, these round treats are a go-to snack for many, offering a quick bite on the run.

A pile of fish balls on skewers, ready to be deep-fried.

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Squid Ball Skewers

Like fish balls, squid balls are deep-fried snacks made from ground squid, offering a slightly firmer texture and a subtle seafood flavor. They’re a popular option at Filipino street food stalls.

Squid balls on skewers ready to be deep-fried.

Chicken Skin Skewers

For those who love a bit of crunch, chicken skin skewers are a treat! Deep-fried or grilled, these crispy delights are often seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes a touch of chili for a bit of heat.

Bangus Sisig

Half bangus, or milkfish, is chopped and served as a sizzling sisig—a mix of tangy, spicy, and crunchy textures that’s perfect as a snack or main dish. It’s one of the lesser-seen street foods but a hidden gem for those who find it.

Crispy Lumpia

No roundup of Filipino street food would be complete without crispy lumpia. These spring rolls are filled with ground pork, vegetables, and sometimes shrimp, all wrapped in a thin spring roll wrapper and fried to a crispy texture. A perfect snack that’s easy to love!

A pile of lumpiang shanghai, deep-fried spring rolls filled with ground pork, vegetables, and seasonings. The spring rolls are golden brown and crispy, with a slightly sweet and savory flavor.

Banana Cue

For those with a sweet tooth, banana cue is a must-try. Saba bananas are coated in brown sugar and deep-fried until caramelized, creating a sweet, sticky treat that’s perfect for snacking.

A skewer of deep-fried saba bananas, coated in a sweet, sugary glaze.

Camote Cue

Camote Cue features sweet potato slices coated in brown sugar and deep-fried until golden and caramelized. It's a delightful mix of crunchy and chewy textures with a hint of caramel sweetness that makes it an irresistible snack. Often sold on skewers, this treat is both filling and affordable, perfect for a quick energy boost on the go.

A skewer of deep-fried camote, coated in a sweet, sugary glaze.

Turon

Turon is another sweet street food, featuring bananas and jackfruit wrapped in a spring roll wrapper and fried to golden perfection. It’s a crunchy, sugary delight that’s often enjoyed as an afternoon snack.

Grilled Corn (Mais)

A simple yet satisfying treat, grilled corn is often slathered in butter and sprinkled with a bit of salt. It’s a street food classic that’s hard to resist, especially on a hot summer day.

Grilled corn on the cob, charred and slightly blackened from the grill.

Dirty Ice Cream

Dirty ice cream, the Philippines' colorful take on traditional ice cream, is sold by street vendors on carts. Flavors like ube (purple yam), cheese, and chocolate are served in cones or bread rolls, offering a sweet, creamy finish to any street food adventure.

A person selling ice cream cones on a street.

Taho

Taho is a beloved morning treat consisting of silken tofu, sweet arnibal syrup made from caramelized sugar, and tiny sago pearls. Vendors usually serve it hot in cups, shouting "Taho!" to announce their presence. This sweet, warm, and creamy snack is a nostalgic favorite for many Filipinos, offering comfort in every spoonful.

Ice Scramble

Ice scramble is a refreshing dessert made from shaved ice, condensed milk, and a variety of toppings like marshmallows, rice crispies, and chocolate syrup. It’s a vibrant, colorful treat that’s both sweet and nostalgic for many Filipinos.

Kikiam

Inspired by Chinese cuisine, Kikiam consists of ground pork or fish mixed with spices, wrapped in bean curd sheets, and deep-fried until crispy. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, it’s a savory snack that pairs well with other street food items like fish balls and squid balls. Its crisp exterior and flavorful filling make it a go-to for many street food lovers.

Balut

Balut is one of the most infamous Filipino street foods, featuring a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo inside. It’s usually enjoyed with a pinch of salt and sometimes a dash of vinegar. Known for its unique texture and bold taste, Balut is a popular late-night snack for those looking for a daring culinary experience.

FAQ

What is the most popular Filipino street food?

The most popular Filipino street food is arguably "isaw," which is grilled chicken or pork intestines, loved for its smoky flavor and crunchy texture.

What is Filipino street food called?

Filipino street food is commonly referred to as "tusok-tusok," meaning food that is skewered, grilled, or fried, like fish balls, kwek-kwek, and barbecued meats.

Is street food safe to eat?

Street food safety can vary, so it's best to choose vendors with good hygiene practices, where food is freshly prepared, and items are cooked thoroughly to minimize risks.