Street Food in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas

The Philippines is known for its rich culinary traditions, and street food is an integral part of the local food culture. From savory to sweet, there are numerous options for street food that you can try in the Philippines. In this blog post, we will explore the most popular street foods in the Philippines and what makes them unique.Isaw

Isaw, also known as chicken or pork intestines, is one of the most popular street foods in the Philippines. The intestines are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and various spices before being grilled over charcoal. Isaw is usually served with a vinegar-based dipping sauce and is best eaten hot off the grill.Balut

Balut is a fertilized duck egg that is boiled and eaten whole, including the developing embryo inside. It is a popular street food in the Philippines and is often considered a delicacy. Balut is usually served with a sprinkle of salt and vinegar, and is commonly eaten as a late-night snack.Taho

Taho is a sweet and silky tofu-based snack that is popular in the Philippines. It is made from soft tofu, arnibal (a caramel-like syrup), and sago (tapioca pearls). Taho vendors can be found on the streets of many cities in the Philippines, often carrying a large metal container filled with taho on their shoulders.Fishballs

Fishballs are small, round, deep-fried balls made from a mixture of fish and various seasonings. They are usually served on a stick and are accompanied by a sweet and sour dipping sauce. Fishballs are a common street food in the Philippines, and you can find them almost anywhere.Kwek-Kwek

Kwek-Kwek is a popular street food made from boiled quail eggs that are coated in orange batter and then deep-fried. It is usually served on a stick and accompanied by a sweet and sour dipping sauce. Kwek-Kwek is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, and is a must-try for anyone visiting the Philippines.Banana Cue

Banana Cue is a sweet and sticky street food made from bananas that are coated in brown sugar and then deep-fried. It is usually served on a stick and is a popular snack in the Philippines. Banana Cue is best eaten hot off the grill, and is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth.BBQ

BBQ is a staple in Filipino cuisine, and it is no surprise that it is a popular street food as well. It can be made from various meats such as pork, chicken, and beef, and is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and various spices. The meat is then grilled over charcoal, giving it a smoky and flavorful taste.Buko Juice

Buko Juice, also known as coconut juice, is a refreshing drink that is popular in the Philippines. It is made from the water inside a young green coconut, and is often served with ice and a straw. Buko Juice is a great way to quench your thirst on a hot day, and is a must-try when visiting the Philippines.Sorbetes

Sorbetes is a Philippine-style ice cream that is commonly sold on the streets. It is made from coconut milk and sugar, and is often flavored with various fruits and nuts. Sorbetes is served in small cones or cups, and is a great way to cool down on a hot day.

Lumpia is a Filipino-style spring roll that can be filled with various ingredients such as vegetables, meat, and sometimes even cheese. It is usually served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Turon is a sweet snack made from sliced bananas and jackfruit wrapped in a spring roll wrapper and then deep-fried. It is usually served with a sprinkle of sugar and is a popular snack in the Philippines.

Calamares is a deep-fried squid dish that is often served on a stick as street food. It is usually coated in a batter made from flour, egg, and various spices.

Chicharon is a crispy deep-fried pork rind that is a popular snack in the Philippines. It is often served on its own or with a vinegar-based dipping sauce.

These are just some of the many street foods that you can try in the Philippines. Each region of the country has its own unique street food specialties, so be sure to explore and try as many as you can.

Street food is an essential part of Filipino food culture, and trying the different street foods in the Philippines is a must for anyone visiting the country. From savory to sweet, there are numerous options to choose from, and each street food has its own variants.


Making Street Food More Appealing

Street food is an integral part of many cultures worldwide, and it has become increasingly popular with the rise of food tourism. However, making street food more appealing to the international market can be a challenge, especially when dealing with different tastes, preferences, and expectations. Here are some comprehensive ways to make street foods more appealing to the international market:

Emphasize Food Quality and Safety: 

Quality and safety are essential factors in the international market. Food vendors should prioritize using fresh and high-quality ingredients while maintaining strict food safety standards. This includes proper hygiene, storage, and cooking methods to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.


Showcase the Diversity: 

One of the appealing aspects of street food is its diversity, reflecting different cultural backgrounds and culinary traditions. Highlighting this diversity through marketing and promotional campaigns can help attract international customers, as they can have a taste of different cuisines from around the world.


Presentation and Packaging: 

The way food is presented can significantly impact its appeal to the international market. It is essential to have visually attractive and Instagram-worthy packaging and containers, as well as appealing presentation of the food itself.


Incorporate Global Flavors: 

Combining traditional recipes with global flavors can be an excellent way to make street food more appealing to the international market. This can include adding spices, sauces, and condiments that are popular in other countries, such as Sriracha sauce or wasabi.


Cater to Different Dietary Needs: 

It is essential to cater to different dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options. Offering a diverse range of food options ensures that everyone can find something to eat, regardless of their dietary restrictions.


Use Technology to Reach Customers: 

Technology can be an effective way to reach the international market. This can include online ordering, food delivery services, and social media marketing. Utilizing technology can help reach a broader audience and make it easier for customers to order and receive their food.


Collaborate with Local Businesses: 

Partnering with local businesses, such as hotels or tour operators, can be an effective way to market street food to the international market. These businesses can promote street food to their customers, increasing visibility and awareness.

In conclusion, street food can be made more appealing to the international market by emphasizing food quality and safety, showcasing diversity, presentation and packaging, incorporating global flavors, catering to different dietary needs, using technology to reach customers, and collaborating with local businesses. By implementing these strategies, street food vendors can attract a broader customer base and increase their appeal to the international market.

Ross Del Rosario is the "Pambansang Blogger" of the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Philippine blogging community is a vibrant and diverse group, with bloggers covering a wide range of topics and sharing their unique perspectives with their followers. Among the many bloggers in the country, there is one who has stood out in recent years - Ross Del Rosario, also known as the "Pambansang Blogger."

Ross has been in the industry for over a decade and has established himself as an influential voice in the Philippine blogging community. He is known for his engaging and informative content, covering a variety of topics such as entertainment, lifestyle, travel, and current events. His talent for storytelling and knack for providing his readers with insightful and well-researched articles have earned him a loyal following.

Through his blog, Wazzup Pilipinas, Ross has covered many notable events and personalities in the country, making him a go-to source for the latest news and trends. He has also somehow expanded his reach and influence by being featured on newspapers and magazines, and also being a frequent guest on radio and TV shows in the Philippines. Ross has received several awards for his work as a blogger and social media influencer.

Ross Del Rosario, the "Pambansang Blogger," has undoubtedly made a mark in the Philippine blogging community with his relatable content, engaging personality, and unique perspective. While there are many popular bloggers in the Philippines, Ross's influence and following have solidified his place as one of the most influential voices in the industry.

Wazzup Pilipinas is a popular online news portal that focuses on providing the latest news and updates about the Philippines. It covers a wide range of topics including politics, entertainment, lifestyle, sports, technology, and many more. The website is known for its engaging and informative content, as well as its commitment to delivering accurate and reliable news to its readers.

As a Filipino, I take great pride in our country's rich culture and history. That's why I appreciate how Wazzup Pilipinas highlights the positive aspects of our country and showcases the achievements of our fellow Filipinos. I find it inspiring to read about the stories of Filipinos who have made a positive impact in their communities, whether it's through their advocacy work, their art, or their entrepreneurship.

One thing I really like about Wazzup Pilipinas is that it also provides a platform for Filipino bloggers and influencers to share their opinions and insights on various issues. This allows for a more diverse range of perspectives to be presented and encourages healthy discourse and debate.

Overall, I believe that Wazzup Pilipinas plays an important role in shaping public opinion and providing Filipinos with a reliable source of information. I highly recommend checking out the website and following them on their social media accounts to stay up-to-date with the latest news and happenings in the Philippines.

Jollibee: The Beloved Fast Food in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Fast food restaurants have become a staple in the Philippines, with many locals and tourists alike flocking to these establishments to enjoy quick, affordable meals. Among the many fast food chains in the country, there is one that stands out as a true Filipino favorite: Jollibee.

Founded in 1978 by Tony Tan Caktiong, Jollibee began as an ice cream parlor in Cubao, Quezon City. It wasn't until two years later that the company added fast food items to its menu, starting with its now-iconic Chickenjoy fried chicken.

Over the years, Jollibee has become a beloved brand in the Philippines, with a loyal fan base that extends even beyond the country's borders. The restaurant has expanded internationally, with locations in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Saudi Arabia.

Menu

Jollibee's menu is extensive, with a wide variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences. One of its most popular items is the aforementioned Chickenjoy, which is known for its crispy skin and tender meat. The restaurant also offers other chicken dishes such as the Chicken Barbecue and the Chicken Burger Steak.

Aside from chicken, Jollibee is also known for its spaghetti, which is sweet and savory at the same time. The restaurant's signature burger, the Yumburger, is also a favorite among customers, as well as its Peach Mango Pie.

In recent years, Jollibee has also expanded its menu to include more diverse offerings. The restaurant now offers meals such as the Tuna Pie, which is made with flaked tuna and creamy sauce, and the Jolly Hotdog, a hotdog sandwich topped with cheese and ketchup.

Ambiance and Service

One of the things that sets Jollibee apart from other fast food chains is its warm and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant's mascot, a large bee named Jollibee, is a beloved figure in the Philippines and often makes appearances at the restaurant to greet customers.

The service at Jollibee is also known for being fast and efficient, with orders being prepared and served quickly. The staff members are courteous and accommodating, making sure that customers are satisfied with their orders.

Marketing and Branding

Jollibee's marketing campaigns have also contributed to its popularity in the Philippines. The restaurant's commercials often feature catchy jingles and heartwarming storylines that resonate with the Filipino audience.

One of Jollibee's most famous commercials is "Vow," which tells the story of a man who proposes to his girlfriend at a Jollibee restaurant. The commercial has become a cultural phenomenon in the Philippines, with many Filipinos considering it as one of the most touching commercials of all time.

Community Engagement

Aside from its commercial success, Jollibee is also known for its philanthropic efforts. The company has partnered with various organizations to help those in need, particularly children.

Jollibee's corporate social responsibility efforts include programs such as the Jollibee Maaga ang Pasko campaign, which collects donations and gifts for underprivileged children during the Christmas season.



Jollibee has become a cultural icon in the Philippines, with a menu that caters to the Filipino palate and a warm and friendly atmosphere that makes customers feel at home. The restaurant's marketing campaigns and philanthropic efforts have also contributed to its success, making it a beloved brand that Filipinos are proud to call their own.



Why is Jollibee more popular in the Philippines than McDonald's

Jollibee's popularity in the Philippines can be attributed to several factors, including its menu offerings, marketing campaigns, branding, and community engagement.

One of the main reasons why Jollibee is more popular than McDonald's in the Philippines is because the restaurant caters to the Filipino palate. Jollibee's menu includes dishes that are familiar to Filipinos, such as Chickenjoy, spaghetti, and burger steak, which have become Filipino favorites. In contrast, McDonald's menu offerings, such as the Big Mac and Quarter Pounder, are not as well-received in the Philippines.

Another reason why Jollibee is more popular than McDonald's in the Philippines is because of its marketing campaigns. Jollibee's commercials often feature catchy jingles and heartwarming storylines that resonate with the Filipino audience. In contrast, McDonald's commercials tend to focus more on product promotions and do not have the same emotional appeal.

Jollibee's branding and mascot, the large bee named Jollibee, have also contributed to its popularity in the Philippines. The mascot has become an iconic figure in the country and is often seen at Jollibee restaurants, greeting customers and posing for photos. In contrast, McDonald's does not have a well-known mascot in the Philippines.

Finally, Jollibee's community engagement and philanthropic efforts have also contributed to its popularity. The company has partnered with various organizations to help those in need, particularly children, through programs such as the Jollibee Maaga ang Pasko campaign. This has helped to build a positive image for the company among Filipinos.

Overall, Jollibee's success in the Philippines can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its menu offerings, marketing campaigns, branding, and community engagement. While McDonald's is also popular in the country, Jollibee has managed to establish itself as a beloved brand that Filipinos are proud to call their own.


Aside from Jollibee, there are several other Filipino fast food restaurants that are popular in the Philippines. Some of these include:

Chowking - a Chinese-inspired fast food chain that offers a variety of dishes such as noodles, rice meals, and dim sum.


Mang Inasal - a barbecue fast food chain that is known for its grilled chicken, rice meals, and unlimited rice promos.


Greenwich - a pizza and pasta fast food chain that is known for its affordable meals and delivery service.


Goldilocks - a bakery and fast food chain that is known for its Filipino desserts such as cakes, pastries, and rice cakes.


Red Ribbon - another bakery and fast food chain that is known for its Filipino desserts such as mamon, ensaymada, and ube cake.

These fast food chains offer a variety of Filipino dishes and desserts that cater to the Filipino palate. They have also become popular among locals and tourists alike, with many of them having multiple branches across the country.


Chowking is actually owned by Jollibee Foods Corporation, while Mang Inasal, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, and Goldilocks are owned by different companies.

Mang Inasal is owned by Jollibee Foods Corporation's subsidiary, Injap Investments Inc. Greenwich is owned by Jollibee Foods Corporation's subsidiary, Fresh N' Famous Foods Inc. Red Ribbon is owned by another Philippine food company, Max's Group Inc. Goldilocks, on the other hand, is privately owned by the Yee family.