Indulge in the flavorful world of Filipino snacks! This vibrant cuisine offers an array of tantalizing treats that cater to diverse tastes. From savory delights like kwek kwek, biko, and turon, to sweet indulgences, there’s something for everyone. The unique flavors used in these snacks are a major drawcard, with many featuring spices not commonly found elsewhere. This distinct flavor profile has earned Filipino snacks a loyal following.
Additionally, their affordability makes them an attractive option for those seeking a budget-friendly yet satisfying snack. As you embark on this gastronomic journey, be sure to savor each bite of the delectable offerings, including the exceptional #15, which is guaranteed to provide a forkful of comfort and flavor with every mouthful.
Turon
In the Philippines, Turon is a beloved snack that has captured the hearts of locals and foreigners alike. This crispy treat is made by deep-frying and rolling a delicious mixture of banana, sugar, and sometimes jackfruit. The perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors makes Turon a popular choice for merienda, or afternoon snack, but it’s equally enjoyed as a dessert.
Over time, its popularity has spread beyond the country’s borders, with many people around the world discovering its unique charm. While it can be enjoyed on its own, Turon is often elevated to new heights with various toppings such as rich chocolate sauce, sticky caramel, or creamy ice cream, adding an extra layer of indulgence to this already irresistible treat.
Banana Cue
Indulge in the sweet and crispy delight that is banana cue! This beloved Filipino street food is a game-changer for anyone who’s never tried it. For the uninitiated, banana cue consists of saba bananas, expertly fried to a golden brown perfection and coated with a layer of caramelized brown sugar. The key to achieving this sweet success lies in selecting ripe but not too ripe saba bananas – they should be soft and slightly sweet, yet still hold their shape when cooked.
Once you’ve sourced the perfect bananas, simply dip them in a mixture of brown sugar and water, then fry until crispy. And the best part? Serve immediately, straight from the frying pan, and get ready to fall hook, line, and sinker for this addictive snack!
Kwek Kwek
In the vibrant landscape of Filipino street food, kwek kwek stands out as an undisputed favorite. This beloved snack is crafted by enveloping hard-boiled quail eggs in a mixture of flour and cornstarch, followed by a gentle deep-frying process that yields a delightfully crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior.
The addition of a tangy dipping sauce, such as spiced vinegar or a sweet and chili fusion, further elevates the dish to an unparalleled level of balance, with sweet, sour, and savory notes harmoniously converging to create an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Camote Cue & Fries
For many Filipinos, Kamote Cue is an iconic afternoon pick-me-up. The sweet potato-based snack has gained popularity due to its unique combination of crispy fried sweetness and caramelized brown sugar. This affordable treat is incredibly easy to prepare and provides a filling satisfaction that’s hard to resist. When enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or coffee, Kamote Cue transforms into an even more delightful experience.
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly indulgence that hits the spot, Kamote Cue is a top contender!
Kutsinta
In the Philippines, kutsinta is a beloved rice cake that’s often enjoyed as a sweet treat or snack. Its unique charm lies in its composition: a blend of glutinous rice flour, brown sugar, and lye water. The mixture is then carefully steamed to achieve a soft, sticky consistency reminiscent of a cake. While kutsinta can be savored on its own, it’s also a delight with various toppings, such as shredded coconut or toasted sesame seeds.
For the best experience, indulge in this warm, freshly steamed treat straight from the steamer. Bring a taste of Filipino culture into your home by whipping up a batch yourself!
Puto Bumbong
In the world of Filipino treats, Puto Bumbong stands out as a delightful indulgence suitable for any time of the year. The subtle taste of rice flour is beautifully complemented by the nutty flavor of grated coconut and the richness of muscovado sugar, creating an exquisite texture and a heavenly overall flavor profile. While it’s commonly enjoyed during the holiday season, its universal appeal makes it a treat that can be savored throughout the year.
Palitaw
Palitaw, a classic Filipino rice cake, is crafted from a simple combination of glutinous rice flour and water. The mixture is then carefully flattened into small discs, which are subsequently boiled in water until they float to the surface. Once removed from the boiling liquid, these delicate treats are given a finishing touch by being rolled in either sweet grated coconut or sugar.
Whether savored as a snack or indulged as a dessert, Palitaw proves to be an irresistible treat that can be enjoyed at any hour.
Filipino Cassava Cake With Macapuno
The quintessential Filipino snack, cassava cake, is a delightful treat that combines the humble tuber with coconut milk and sugar. Grated cassava forms the base of this sweet delight, which is then steamed to perfection, resulting in a soft and airy consistency reminiscent of a cake. But what truly elevates this dessert is the addition of macapuno, preserved young coconuts, which impart an extra layer of sweetness and depth.
Warm and fresh from the steamer, cassava cake is best savored on its own or paired with a scoop of creamy ice cream or a drizzle of rich chocolate syrup. For those seeking a truly sublime dessert experience, making cassava cake with macapuno is a must-try!
Puto (Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes)
In the Philippines, Puto is a beloved steamed rice cake that has been a staple for generations. To make this delicate treat, white rice is first soaked overnight and then ground into a fine paste. The mixture is then enriched with coconut milk, baking powder, and salt before being steamed in small molds until cooked through. The result is a light, airy, and slightly sweet cake that’s perfect on its own or paired with savory dishes like chicken adobo.
For an added touch of indulgence, Puto can be topped with cheese, butter, or sugar. This wonderfully versatile snack is sure to delight everyone!
Suman Malagkit
For many Filipinos, suman malagkit evokes a sense of nostalgia and warm memories of special occasions. This sweet rice delicacy has been a staple in many households for generations, with each family having its own secret recipe passed down through the years.
At its core, suman malagkit is surprisingly simple to prepare: glutinous rice is cooked in coconut milk and then wrapped in banana leaves.
The resulting treat is both sweet and sticky, perfect for savoring on its own or paired with a soothing cup of hot tea.
While the process may appear straightforward, there’s an art to cooking suman malagkit that requires finesse and attention to detail. The key lies in achieving the perfect balance between rice and coconut milk, as well as cooking the rice to the ideal level of tenderness.
With some practice and patience, anyone can master the art of making suman malagkit, a dish that’s sure to become a beloved tradition.
Taho
For many Filipinos, taho has earned a special place in their hearts as a delightful sweet indulgence. At its core are three key components: soft and silky tofu, arnibal – a rich syrup infused with the sweetness of brown sugar and the warmth of vanilla – and sago pearls that add a delightful textural element to each spoonful. Taho is typically served in a small cup or bowl, accompanied by a straw for effortless enjoyment.
Whether you’re seeking a pick-me-up mid-morning, an afternoon treat, or a sweet respite after dinner, taho’s refreshing and satisfying qualities make it an ideal choice for any time of day.
Fish Balls
While street food enthusiasts around the world may have different preferences, fish balls in the Philippines have managed to strike a chord across various demographics. From high-flying CEOs to young college students, there’s an undeniable appeal to these bite-sized treats. The simplicity of savoring fish balls is something that transcends social status and age. For instance, the process of making them involves mincing fish, blending it with flour, and shaping it into small balls before frying.
This humble snack is often paired with a tangy sweet and sour sauce or a spicy vinegar chili dipping sauce, further enhancing its appeal. As a result, fish balls have become an integral part of Filipino culture, cherished by many for their addictive flavor and satisfying texture.
Chicharon
Chicharon, a Filipino delicacy, has been delighting people of all ages with its irresistible crispy goodness. The secret to its addictive nature lies in the deep-frying process, which transforms pork skin into a golden brown treasure. A dash of salt and pepper adds depth to its crunchy texture, making it a satisfying snack that’s hard to put down.
While it’s often enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish, chicharon also pairs perfectly with a refreshing glass of soda or lemonade – the ultimate comfort food combination. Whether you’re young or old, chicharon is a sumptuous treat that’s sure to become your new favorite indulgence.
Bibingka
In the world of Filipino desserts, one sweet treat stands out for its unique flavor and delightful texture: bibingka. This traditional rice cake is crafted with galapong, a type of rice flour that gives it a distinct character. The batter is carefully seasoned with a blend of salt, sugar, and anise, which imbues the final product with a subtle complexity.
To create this delightful dessert, the mixture is steamed in small molds until it’s cooked through, resulting in a cake that’s both moist and tender. Once prepared, bibingka is typically finished with a sprinkle of shredded coconut, a pat of butter, and a slice of cheese – a trifecta of flavors that elevates this Filipino favorite to new heights.
For generations, bibingka has brought joy to the hearts of many Filipinos, and its allure shows no signs of waning; it’s a true delight for anyone who gets to try it.
Biko
In the Philippines, Biko is a beloved rice cake that’s made with glutinous rice, brown sugar, and coconut milk. To create this tasty treat, the ingredients are blended together until the rice is tender and the mixture reaches a thick, sticky consistency. Next, it’s spread into a baking dish and steamed until firm. The end result is an irresistible sweet delight that’s perfect for special occasions.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, graduation, or any other milestone, Biko is always a welcome addition to the festivities, bringing joy and satisfaction to all who indulge.
Monggo Hopia
In the realm of Filipino pastries, Monggo Hopia stands out as a unique delight. This sweet treat consists of mung bean filling, carefully encased in a flaky dough that’s crispy on the outside and tender within. The magic happens when it’s deep-fried to perfection, yielding a golden brown crust that’s simply irresistible. For those who indulge, Monggo Hopia is a taste sensation that promises a fleeting yet intense experience of culinary bliss.
Ensaymada
In the world of Filipino baking, Ensaymada stands out as a sweet indulgence. This delightful brioche is crafted with a blend of butter, eggs, sugar, and flour, giving it a rich and tender texture.
As the dough takes shape, grated cheese becomes an integral part of its charm, adding a burst of flavor before being baked to perfection. Once fresh from the oven, Ensaymada’s true magic unfolds when served with a pat of butter or margarine.
A staple in Filipino bakeries and a beloved treat among people of all ages, Ensaymada is the perfect companion for any meal – be it breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Whether you savor its sweetness as a morning pick-me-up, a mid-day delight, or an evening indulgence, Ensaymada is always a magnificent experience.
The bottom line
Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, the Philippines has a plethora of snacks that will satisfy your cravings. From the familiar chains like Jollibee to local bakeries and restaurants, there’s no shortage of delicious options. If you’re lucky enough to have Filipino eateries nearby, you know how hard it is to resist the allure of their tasty treats. But even if they’re not within reach, this list is sure to transport your taste buds on a culinary journey to the Philippines.
So go ahead, indulge in these incredible snacks and give your belly (and your sense of adventure) something to smile about. And if you want even more Filipino flavors, be sure to check out our collection of recipes for main dishes, side dishes, exotic foods, appetizers, and desserts – there’s something for everyone!
