8 Essential Street Food Spots in Manila
By: Melecio Martin G. Arranz IV
Manila’s street food culture is a melting pot of influences, blending indigenous traditions with Spanish, Chinese, and American flavors. Beyond the flavors, street food is also a way of life. These humble yet flavorful dishes bring people together everywhere, every time.
Street food vendors are the lifeblood of Manila’s culinary scene. Hardworking individuals set up their stalls in bustling markets and near schools and offices, offering affordable and delicious meals to passersby, perfect for a quick snack or Sunday brunch.
With every sizzle of the grill and the comforting aroma of freshly cooked treats, these vendors serve more than just food—they preserve traditions and flavors passed down through generations. From savory skewers of grilled meats to sweet delicacies wrapped in banana leaves, the city’s street food tells the story of its rich history and cultural heritage.
From savory skewers to sweet treats, street food in Manila reflects the city’s story. Exploring it isn’t just about food—it’s a cultural experience. Here are must-try spots to visit as you go around Manila.
8 Must-Try Spots for the Best Street Food in Manila
Manila’s street food scene allows locals and visitors to indulge in authentic Filipino culinary delights. Here are some top date night or food crawl spots to try:
1. Globe Lumpia House (Binondo)
Address: 740 Raon St. Quiapo Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Established in 1956, Globe Lumpia House has been serving its renowned fresh lumpia for decades. Nestled in Quiapo, this humble eatery attracts patrons from all over the Metro, eager to savor its signature lumpiang sariwa—a delightful blend of vegetables and peanuts wrapped in a soft crepe, drizzled with a unique garlic-based sweet and savory sauce.
If vegetables aren’t your thing, they also sell chicken empanadas and brownies—perfect bites for those on-the-go.
2. Mang Larry’s Isawan (Diliman)
Address: E. Jacinto Street, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila
A legendary spot among students and locals alike, Mang Larry’s Isawan is famed for its choices of grilled skewers.
Located near the University of the Philippines-Diliman campus, this eatery offers various barbecued delights, including the ever-popular isaw (grilled chicken or pork intestines), pork barbecue, and balunbalunan (grilled chicken gizzard).
3. Shanghai Fried Siopao (Binondo)
Address: 828 Ongpin Street Corner Bahama Street, Manila, Philippines
Offering a unique twist on the traditional siopao, Shanghai Fried Siopao features pan-fried buns to achieve a crispy bottom while maintaining a soft, fluffy top. Filled with savory pork and flavorful seasonings, these fried buns have become a favorite grab-and-go snack for those exploring Manila’s Chinatown.
Other tasty items on their menu include sharksfin siomai, bichu-bichu, and machang.
4. Jolli Dada’s Eatery (Quiapo)
Address: A1-A2 Lutong Maynila Food Section Quinta Market Quiapo Manila
Established in 1940, Jolli Dada’s Eatery has been a staple in Quiapo, serving traditional Filipino dishes that have stood the test of time.
Known for its flavorful palabok pancit—a noodle dish topped with a savory shrimp sauce—and other dishes like bison and puto, a popular Filipino dessert, this eatery offers a nostalgic dining experience for those seeking classic Filipino comfort food.
5. Walastik Pares (Makati)
Address: 7317 J Victor, Makati, 1230 Kalakhang Maynila, Makati, Philippines
Since 1994, Walastik Pares Ni Kabayan Wilbert has been serving its renowned and flavorful pares—a rich, tender braised beef dish with a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. It’s best enjoyed with fragrant garlic rice and a warm, comforting broth.
They offer unlimited rice and soup, making it a budget-friendly choice for a satisfying meal. Open 24/7, it’s perfect for late-night cravings.
6. Rosa’s Pancitan (Quiapo)
Address: 738 B, R. Hidalgo Street, Quiapo, 1001 Metro Manila
Founded by Rosario Hilario, affectionately known as Nanay Rosa, Rosa’s Pancitan has been serving delectable noodle dishes since 2003. This humble stall in Quiapo gained popularity for its flavorful and affordable offerings, drawing crowds daily.
Her famous Quiapo-style sotanghon soup is hailed as the best in Manila—rich, garlicky broth infused with deep, smoky flavors, clinging to silky glass noodles. For a small extra cost, add a soft-boiled egg or tender, crispy pork belly to take this comforting bowl to the next level.
7. Eddie Wow Logaw (Quiapo)
Address: Quaipo Manila in front of SM Carriedo
While they only serve one dish, you can customize your lugaw with different toppings, such as beef, isaw, balat, and more.
8. Vienna Bakery (Quiapo)
Address: 125 Carlos Palanca, Quiapo, Manila, 1001 Metro Manila
Established in 1901, Vienna Bakery is one of Manila’s oldest surviving bakeries, nestled in the heart of Quiapo. Renowned for its freshly baked loaves of bread and pastries made without preservatives, this historic bakery has delighted customers for over a century.
Some of their offerings include the classic pandesal and hopia, but you can also get savory chicken pie and coffee buns. If you are craving sweets, they have chiffon cakes, yema cakes, and more.
Your Next Bite-Sized Adventure
Manila’s street food scene is a feast for the senses, from the crispy, flavor-packed lumpia at Globe Lumpia House to the warm, hearty bowls of lugaw at Eddie Wow Lugaw. Every bite is a taste of the city’s rich history, each dish a delicious story waiting to be savored.
Imagine stepping out of your home and finding these culinary gems just minutes away. Federal Land, Inc. knows that where you live shapes how you experience the city. That’s why our properties are strategically located, putting you at the heart of Manila’s vibrant food culture.
Explore Federal Land’s RFO condo in Manila and discover how you can immerse yourself in the heart of the city’s dynamic food culture. Learn more about our projects through our website.
Melecio Martin G. Arranz IV
Digital Marketing Head
Martin is an experienced marketer with over 16 years of experience across various industries including real estate, banking and finance, technology, and advertising.
Martin has a broad range of expertise in having handled campaigns, brand launches, activations both in the traditional and digital space. Currently serving as the Digital Marketing Head at Federal Land, Martin leads a team focused on managing digital sales and platforms for the residential, estates and commercial business units.