Let’s take a culinary trip to the Philippines! If you are looking for some unique foods to munch on, Filipino snacks might be what you’re craving!
This diverse cuisine offers something for everyone, from savory dishes like kwek kwek to sweet treats like biko and turon.
So, keep on reading as we explore some of the most popular and delectable Filipino snacks.
There are so many different kinds, and they all taste amazing.
From fried fish balls to dried squid, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the reasons why Filipino snacks are so good is because of the unique flavors that are used.
Many of them are made with spices that are not found in other countries.
This gives them a flavor that is all their own, and people can’t get enough of it.
Another reason why Filipino snacks are so good is that they are usually very affordable.
This makes them a popular choice for people who want to save money while enjoying something pleasant.
And so, there you have it!
Make sure to try #15, as each bite provides a forkful of comfort and flavor.
1. Turon
Turon is a type of Filipino snack that is deep-fried and rolled.
It is made with banana, sugar, and sometimes jackfruit.
Turon is usually served as a merienda, or afternoon snack, but it can also be eaten as a dessert.
The dish has gained popularity throughout the years, both in the Philippines and abroad.
Turon can be served plain or with various toppings, such as chocolate sauce, caramel, or ice cream.
2. Banana Cue
If you’ve never had banana cue, you are in for a treat!
This popular Filipino street food is composed of saba bananas fried in hot oil and coated with caramelized brown sugar.
The key to making banana cue is to use ripe saba bananas.
They should be soft and slightly sweet but not too ripe, or they will fall apart when fried.
Once you’ve found the perfect bananas, simply coat them in a mixture of brown sugar and water, then fry them until they are crispy and golden brown.
Serve immediately right out of the frying pan, and enjoy!
Trust me, banana cue is an addictive snack you won’t get enough of!
3. Kwek Kwek
When it comes to Filipino street food, there are few dishes more iconic than kwek kwek.
This Filipino favorite is made by coating hard-boiled quail eggs in a batter of flour and cornstarch before deep frying them to perfection.
You’ll then get a crispy exterior and a flavorful, moist interior.
Kwek kwek is typically served with a dipping sauce like spiced vinegar or a sweet and chili sauce, making it a superb combination of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
For Filipinos, Kamote Cue is the quintessential afternoon snack!
This budget-friendly snack is made of fried sweet potatoes coated in caramelized brown sugar.
It is fuss-free to make and quite filling.
Kamote Cue can be enjoyed on its own but is best when paired with a steaming cup of tea or coffee.
If you’re looking for a tasty, satisfying, and pocket-friendly treat, Kamote Cue is the answer!
5. Kutsinta
Kutsinta is a type of Filipino rice cake that is popularly served as a dessert or snack.
It is made with glutinous rice flour, brown sugar, and lye water.
The mixture is then steamed until it forms a soft and sticky cake-like consistency.
Kutsinta can be enjoyed plain or with a variety of toppings, such as shredded coconut or toasted sesame seeds.
This delicious treat is best served warm and fresh out of the steamer.
Bring a bit of the Philippines home when you make this yourself!
6. Puto Bumbong
Puto Bumbong is a delightful Filipino treat that works great for any occasion.
The rice flour gives the puto a subtle taste that is complemented by the grated coconut and muscovado sugar.
The texture of the puto is exquisite, and the overall flavor is simply divine.
Puto Bumbong is often eaten during the holiday season, but it’s definitely a treat that can be enjoyed year-round.
7. Palitaw
Palitaw is a type of Filipino rice cake that is made from glutinous rice flour and water.
The dough is then flattened into small discs before being boiled in water.
Once they float to the surface, they are removed and rolled in either grated coconut or sugar.
Palitaw can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert and makes for a great treat any time of the day.
Cassava cake is a Filipino snack made with grated cassava, coconut milk, and sugar.
It is then steamed until it forms a soft and fluffy cake-like consistency.
Cassava cake is often topped with macapuno, preserved young coconuts, giving the cake an added sweetness and richness.
This delectable dessert is best enjoyed warm, straight out of the steamer.
Many enjoy eating cassava cake with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
If you’re looking for a sublime dessert to try, consider making cassava cake with macapuno!
Puto is a type of Filipino steamed rice cake that is traditionally made with white rice.
The rice is soaked overnight, drained, and ground into a fine paste.
Coconut milk, baking powder, and salt are added to the paste, and the mixture is steamed in small molds until cooked through.
These airy, light and slightly sweet cakes are a classic Filipino snack that can be enjoyed on their own or with savory dishes such as chicken adobo.
It can also be topped with cheese, butter, or sugar.
Puto is a wonderfully versatile snack that is sure to please everyone!
10. Suman Malagkit
Many Filipinos have fond memories of eating suman malagkit, a sweet rice delicacy often served on special occasions.
The dish is made by cooking glutinous rice in coconut milk and then wrapping it in banana leaves.
The result is a sweet and sticky treat that can be enjoyed on its own or with a cup of hot tea.
While the dish may seem simple to make, there is an art to cooking suman malagkit.
Many households have their own secret recipe, passed down from generation to generation.
The key is to get the proper ratio of rice to coconut milk and to cook the rice until it is perfectly tender.
With some practice, anyone can master the art of making suman malagkit.
11. Taho
For many Filipinos, taho is a beloved sweet treat.
The dish has soft tofu, arnibal (a syrup from brown sugar and vanilla), and sago pearls.
You can enjoy it in a small cup or bowl with a straw for easy slurping.
Taho is undoubtedly a refreshing, satisfying treat for any time of day.
12. Fish Balls
Fish balls are a well-liked street food in the Philippines that diners from all walks of life enjoy.
Whether you’re a CEO of a huge conglomerate or a freshman student in college, you can find common ground in the simple pleasure of eating fish balls.
These bite-sized snacks are made by mincing fish, mixing this with flour, and forming them into small balls before frying.
They are often served with a sweet and sour sauce or a vinegar chili dipping sauce.
Fish balls make for a great snack and are relished by many Filipinos.
13. Chicharon
Chicharon is a type of Filipino fried pork crackling that is enjoyed by people of all ages.
The dish is made by deep frying pork skin until it becomes crisp and golden brown in color.
It is seasoned with salt and pepper, resulting in a crunchy and addicting snack.
Chicharon is often served as an appetizer or side dish, but it can also be enjoyed as a satisfying snack alongside a cool, tall glass of soda or lemonade.
No matter how you like it, chicharon is definitely a sumptuous treat that everyone will love munching on!
14. Bibingka
Bibingka is a type of Filipino rice cake that is traditionally made with galapong, a rice flour.
The batter is then seasoned with things like salt, sugar, and anise before being steamed in small molds.
Once cooked through, the bibingka is then topped with things like shredded coconut, butter, and cheese.
Bibingka is a treat that has been enjoyed by many generations of Filipinos and is sure to delight anyone who tries it.
15. Biko
Biko is another type of Filipino rice cake that is made with glutinous rice, brown sugar, and coconut milk.
The ingredients are blended well until the rice is soft and the mixture becomes thick and sticky.
It is then spread into a baking dish and steamed until firm.
Biko is an appetizing sweet treat served on special occasions.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, graduation, or any other milestone, biko is always a welcome addition to the festivities!
16. Monggo Hopia
Monggo Hopia is a type of Filipino pastry that is made with mung bean filling and wrapped in a flaky dough.
The pastry is deep fried until the dough becomes golden brown and crispy.
Monggo Hopia is definitely a treat that offers diners a small bite of heaven.
17. Ensaymada
Ensaymada is a Filipino brioche made with butter, eggs, sugar, and flour.
The dough is then typically rolled in grated cheese before being baked.
Once out of the oven, the ensaymada is then served with butter or margarine.
Ensaymada is a staple in Filipino bakeries and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Whether you’re having it for breakfast, snack, or dessert, ensaymada is always a magnificent treat!
The bottom line
Regardless of what your taste buds are asking for, there’s definitely a Filipino snack out there that will tantalize your taste buds.
So go and indulge in these incredible treats!
Filipino snacks are some of the best in the world.
Have you been to a Filipino bakery or restaurant, or how about the chain Jollibee?
If these aren’t around where you live, this list just might be what you’re looking for!
Your belly will thank you for it.
Want even more Filipino foods? Check out these recipes:
Authentic Filipino Snacks
Let’s take a culinary trip to the Philippines! If you are looking for some unique foods to munch on, Filipino snacks might be what you’re craving!
Ingredients
- Turon
- Banana Cue
- Kwek Kwek
- Camote Cue & Fries
- Kutsinta
- Puto Bumbong
- Palitaw
- Filipino Cassava Cake With Macapuno
- Puto (Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes)
- Suman Malagkit
- Taho
- Fish Balls
- Chicharon
- Bibingka
- Biko
- Monggo Hopia
- Ensaymada
Instructions
- Take a look at our Filipino Snacks list!
- Bring the ingredients to create a new favorite dish.
- Woohoo! You created a home-cooked meal!
- Comment your thoughts on our Facebook page!