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
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.
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.
Chef Arch’s Lime Street Food na Pinasosyal
Street-style barbecue platters served with a side of orchids? This may sound unconventional, but it works. This creative food presentation extends to their unique dishes, such as balut in red wine sauce and creamy garlic tuyo pasta (dried fish pasta). Remember to try the crispy dinuguan (pork blood stew) or the embutido stuffed crispy pata which can be downed with a bottle or two of cold beer. This is a resto bar after all, with a laid-back ambiance and fusion food that’s both familiar and new.
FOOD TRIP 