The Best Street Food Spots in Manila, Philippines

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Young student girl in Manila | © Michael Wels / Alamy Stock Photo
Mavic Conde

Street food in the Philippines is nothing short of delicious, offering a rich variety of flavours that will have you smacking your lips and shouting ‘sarap!’ With so much to choose from, here are the standouts to look out for on your Manila street food hunts.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Quiapo Market

Public markets are great places to try Filipino street food, and this bustling ‘old downtown’ district of Manila has choices in abundance. From popular tusok-tusok (skewered delicacies, including fried and grilled isaw, aka pork/chicken intestine), to mami (noodle soup), fresh lumpia (spring roll) and the infamous balut, this place gives customers a fantastic overview of what Philippine cuisine has to offer. As a sort of free market, there are many things going on all at once here. Be ready to brave the crowds to taste the real culture of Manila.

Mang Larry’s Isawan

Mang Larry’s

While tusok-tusok are considered more snacks than full meals, Mang Larry’s grilled treats are meant to be feasted on. The dishes are light on flavourings (seasoned only with salt and pepper) and blowtorched to achieve a mouthwatering crispy skin. The sauce options are also minimal, kept to the classic sweet and spicy vinegar dips Filipinos usually pair with their fried and grilled food.

Mang Raul’s BBQ Haus

South Manila’s best choice for an isaw face-off comes with four signature dips, where the tamis-anghang (sweet and spicy) flavour has won many a customer’s taste buds. This shop has been around since the ’70s, starting as a humble barbecue stall in a village in Las Piñas. With the neighbourhood’s recent makeover – now known as ‘Happy Place’ – the BBQ Haus has swapped its former street ambiance for a more refined setting. However, feel free to dine in the surrounding stalls, as they sell rice to the shop’s loyal customers.

Concepcion Public Market

Malabon City is home to hundreds of classic dishes, which have been hugely popular for generations. One such classic is ukoy/okoy, a crunchy deep-fried batter made of shrimp and beansprouts and best served with a side of vinegar dip. Yet what’s most appealing about Malabon is the sweet and sticky desserts; enjoy peachy-peachy (sweet and sticky cassava) and sapin-sapin (layered rice batter) and satisfy your sugar cravings.

Three Sisters’ Restaurant of Pasig

Barbecue and pancit combo

A pioneer in Pasig City’s Kapitolyo food district, which initially specialised in the beloved Filipino halo-halo dessert and is now better known for its pork barbecue and pancit. Their new location across Kapitolyo church is bigger and brighter with the same tasty, generously-portioned pork barbecue at an affordable price. This is it what Filipinos call a ‘3M’ restaurant – masarap (delicious), madami (big-serving), mura (affordable).

Ihawan ni Kuya Speed

Affordable, accessible and good chicken barbecue – that’s how regulars describe this barbecue joint in Edsa-Mandaluyong. For less than two bucks, you can have a barbecue rice meal ranging from isaw, pork, chicken, liempo, tilapia and bangus. It can get crowded at lunch and dinner time with a nearby BPO company. Make sure to ask for their vinegar dip.

Boni MRT Station

The public market under the Metro Rail Transit System Line 3 (MRT-3) is an accessible spot for eating street food and Filipino dishes, carinderia-style. Clean eateries and food carts with traditional Manila street food snacks converge in the area, side-by-side with non-food stores. It’s beloved by commuters on-the-go and condominium residents nearby who crave lutong-bahay (homecooked meals).

Pro tip: Eating street food in Manila often comes with a warning: eat at your own risk. However, if you know where to go, you’ll discover amazing treats, meet friendly locals, save cash and learn about a whole new culture of what Filipinos call ‘ghetto grub’.

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