Manila is known for its diverse food scene and the way to actually immerse yourself in its culture is through its street food. Whether its sweet desserts and pastry, or savoury noodles, we’ve got you covered!
10 Best Street Food Spots You Must Try In Manila
1. Aling Consuelo Original Halo-Halo
“Halo-halo” in Filipino means “mix-mix,” which perfectly describes the dish as it involves a delightful combination of various ingredients. The base of halo-halo is usually shaved ice, and it is then topped with an assortment of colourful and flavourful ingredients. The most famous here is definitely Aling Consuelo Halo-Halo, which has been around since 1960, serving a wide variety of delightful shaved ice.
Address: 2205 F. Varona Street, Tondo, Manila, 1012 Metro Manila, Philippines
Hours: (Daily) 10AM – 12AM
2. Rosas Pancitan
One of the most popular street food here in Manila has got to be this one called Sotanghon Soup, called known as glass noodles in rich meaty broth flavour with hints of spices. The place to go for such delectable food is no doubt Rosas Pancitan in Quiapo! Each serving costs at least P50 only. You can also find rice cakes and other treats here.
Address: 738 B, R. Hidalgo Street, Quiapo, 1001 Metro Manila, Philippines
Hours: (Daily) 10AM – 9PM
3. Max Grilled Balut
Up next, we have Balut, a popular Filipino street food that is considered a must-try for many adventurous eaters. It is a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo inside. At Max Grilled Balut, it is topped with homemade sweet chili garlic sauce is added to give the balut more flavour, instead of the usual salt & pepper!
Address: 14 Tendido, La Loma, Lungsod Quezon, Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines
Hours: (MON-FRI) 4PM – 11PM, Closed on Sat & Sun
4. Shanghai Fried Siopao
Besides that, here’s a popular Filipino-Chinese dish called “Asado Siopao” or “Bola-bola Siopao.” Siopao is a type of steamed bun filled with various savory fillings. The most popular spot for this is no doubt Shanghai Fried Siopao in Chinatown. The siopaos here are made fresh daily, plus they’re really affordable at only 35 pesos each!
Address: 828 Ongpin St, Santa Cruz, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila, Philippines
Hours: (DAILY) 7AM – 6PM
5. Jay R – D’ Original Okoy
When one heads to Malabon in Metro Manilla, Okoy is the first thing that pops into mind. It is a snack fritter made primarily from small shrimp, flour, and water spinach (kangkong) or sweet potatoes. Famous for their HUGE okoy since 1999, Jay R – D’ Original Okoy your go-to spot for some fried golden brown shrimp fritters.
Address: Concepcion Public Market Malabon
Hours: (Daily) 8AM – 8PM
6. Jolli Dada’s Eatery The Original Palabok Pancit & Halo Halo
If there’s one dish that everyone loves, it has got to be Pancit Palabok. A Filipino noodle dish known for its vibrant orange shrimp based sauce topped with various ingredients. Undoubtedly, the most famous and highly rated spot for it is Jolli Dada’s Eatery, which was started in 1940! Known for their signature pancit palabok with a mountain of toppings, especially their chicharong bulaklak (deep-fried pig mesentery).
Location: Quinta Market & Fish Port
Hours: (Tue – Sun) 7AM – 8PM, Closed on Mondays
7. Kwek Kwek @ Quiapo Market
Another must-try street food that you can find at most places in Manila is Kwek Kwek. It’s basically quail eggs covered in orange batter and deep-fried, that are often served with vinegar or a special sauce. Head on over to one of the busiest markets, Quiapo Market for a taste of these savoury fried eggs where there are dozens of stalls selling it.
8. Lumpia @ Globe Lumpia House
Moving to yet another famous spot that opened back in 1956 is Globe Lumpia House where it serves one of the best Lumpia (spring roll) in Manila. Their lumpia is all veggie but still packed with flavours – making every bite garlicky sweet with a little kick of spiciness. They also sell freshly fried empanada (filled pastry) that similarly hits the spot.
Address: Zone 030, 740 Gonzalo Puyat St, Santa Cruz, Manila, 1001 Metro Manila, Philippines
Hours: (Daily) 9AM – 6PM
Link(s): Facebook
9. Vienna Bakery
A bakery for fresh bakes also sell one of the must-try street food here – Hopia. Handmade and freshly grilled on the spot, Vienna Bakery is where you go for the sweet Filipino pastry filled with fillings like mung bean (monggo), purple yam (ube), or winter melon.
Address: 125 Carlos Palanca, Quiapo, Manila, 1001 Metro Manila, Philippines
Hours: (Daily) 6AM – 8PM
10. Eddie-Wow Lugaw
Last but certainly not least is Eddie-Wow Lugaw at Quiapo as well. A popular food cart serving simple lugaw (Filipino-style congee) with cow brains and entrails topped with fried garlic and the works. A hearty dish best enjoyed during rainy or cold weather.
Address: Paterno Gomez St. Corner Hidalgo St., Quiapo, Manila (In Front of SM)
Hours: (Daily) 9AM – 5PM
Which Street Food Are You Most Excited To Try in Manila?
There you have it – our top 10 spots for the best and popular street food in Manila. Let us know in the comments if your favourite made it into the list! Enjoy foodies!
