Hey there, foodies! HTC News has something that will surely put a smile on your bellies. We will give you the latest famous foods in Manila, Philippines, that you should try and visit.
In this article, we will explore:
– The trending foods in Manila
– Famous street foods in Manila
Before we dive into our main topic, let’s examine how Manila came to be and its historical marvel.
Origin of Manila, Philippines
Manila is the capital of the Philippines and the center of commerce and modern industrialization. It is a busy place, and whether at night or day, you’re always going to find something fun to do in the city.
Contrary to popular belief, Manila was not always known by its current name. Tracing back to the 13th century, it was a vibrant Muslim settlement engaging in trade with neighboring Asian countries. The area was blessed with abundant bodies of water, a feature that still defines modern-day Manila.
Back then, the shores of Manila Bay were filled with mangroves called nilad. Because of this, Manila was called Maynilad before it was changed.
In 1571, Miguel López de Legazpi, a Spanish conquistador, conquered Manila and made it the center of Spanish culture, religion, and administration in the Philippines.
The Spaniards had complete control of the city for nearly three centuries. They fortified Manila by building the iconic city wall of Intramuros, which later became a tourist attraction. This is where you can find some of the most delicious foods in the Philippines.
Manila’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Since its Spanish colonial past, it has emerged as one of the country’s most significant trading centers, a testament to its resilience and adaptability.
Foods in Manila That You Need to Try
Because Manila is the capital of trade in the Philippines, the diversity of cuisines is something you should not miss, especially if you are a tourist.
So here are some of the famous foods in Manila that will make your visit worthwhile:
Why Chicken Biryani in Manila
Why travel to India or Lebanon when you can savor the best biryani right here in Manila?
First on our list of foods you need to try in Manila is Why Chicken. It is located at 451 Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Avenue, Pasig City, and is owned by Rhodora Hassouna and Abed Elrahman Hassouna.
If you want to eat here or do takeouts, you should order before lunch because they are sold out by noon.
One of the reasons why it is loved by its customers is the tenderness and softness of the chicken. It is grilled to perfection, and the seasoning is just right.
The biryani rice at Why Chicken is a delightful fusion of flavors. It’s not overly spicy, catering to the Filipino preference for sweet flavors, yet it retains the authentic taste that Middle Eastern cuisine is known for.
The best part? You can customize your experience by choosing between their garlic sauce and spicy sauce or even mixing them both.
Wai Ying FastFood in Binondo, Manila
If you have a knack for Chinese food, then Wai Ying FastFood is the place for you.
Wai Ying FastFood is located at 927 Benavidez Street, Binondo, Manila, and is owned by Josephine Chu.
You’ll be dazzled by the extensive menu at Wai Ying FastFood. While every dish is a masterpiece, their dumplings and roasted duck are the true stars, offering a tantalizing taste of authentic Chinese cuisine.
They have a variety of dumplings that you will surely love. They have siomai, beef balls, shark’s fin, hakaw, chiu-chao, kutchai, shrimp chong fan, and many more.
The main attraction at Wai ying FastFood is their roasted duck, which is cooked to perfection. Seeing that roasted duck come out of the kitchen is enough for you to cry in savoriness. It is tender, flavorful, and soft, truly an ecstasy of flavor in every bite. But if duck is not for you, there’s always their soy chicken, a Wai Ying favorite as well.
Famous Street Foods in Manila
The street food culture in Manila is a unique part of the Filipino people’s lifestyle. It’s a ubiquitous sight, with customized carts offering a variety of foods, each with its own distinct flavor. Here, we jump into some of the famous street foods you’ll find in the capital’s bustling streets.
Isaw
Isaw is among the top Filipino street foods around. There are two kinds of isaw: Isaw ng manok (chicken intestine), and isaw ng baboy (Pig intestine). The intestines are cleaned thoroughly and are submerged in a special marinate before they hit the grill. You can dip it in either vinegar or sweet sauce.
Kwek-kwek
If you are strolling the streets of Manila and you see orange round balls, that’s probably kwek-kwek. This Filipino street food is made of colored batter and quail eggs. The egg is dipped into the batter and fried deep in oil. There are also two variations of sauces that you can try: vinegar and sweet sauce.
Halo-halo
Isn’t it funny that Filipino words are often repeated? But this dessert is something that is to be taken seriously because of its rich flavor. Halo-halo is made up of crushed ice with different fruits and sweets, followed by evaporated milk. Then, you mix it up to balance the flavors.
One common mistake foreigners make when trying halo-halo for the first time is eating it straight up without mixing it. This is a significant step that many overlook, leading to a common reaction of it lacking flavor. The key is to mix it well, allowing the flavors to blend and create a harmonious taste.
Fun fact: Halo in English means mix.
Time to Explore Famous Foods in Manila
Aside from tourist spots, food is an important part whenever you are traveling to the Philippines or any other country. It lets you immerse yourself more in the culture and people, making your travel more fulfilling and enjoyable.
So, don’t forget to try these famous foods in Manila if you ever decide to pay the city a visit. Mabuhay!
read more: Why Travel to Switzerland? – A Guide to Exploring the Swiss Wonderland