$100 Filipino Street Food Challenge

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Exploring Quiapo Market
3. Trying Miso Soup
4. Sampling Sautang Soup
5. Discovering Purple and White Mashed Potatoes
6. Tasting Dried Squid
7. Indulging in Cheese Corn
8. Savoring Fried Chicken Intestines and Calamari
9. Diving into Cheese Corn
10. Exploring Sweet Corn with Cheese Powder
11. Enjoying Fried Cow Organs
12. Experiencing a Variety of Street Foods

Exploring Street Food in Quiapo Market, Manila

Introduction

Welcome to the vibrant streets of Quiapo Market in Manila, Philippines. In this bustling market, alleys are brimming with people, indulging in a variety of mouth-watering street foods. Join me on this culinary adventure as I attempt to spend $100 on street food and explore the diverse flavors Manila has to offer.

Exploring Quiapo Market

Quiapo Market is a food lover's paradise, with its narrow alleys teeming with food stalls offering various delectable treats. The vibrant atmosphere and intoxicating aromas Instantly make You feel at home. From local delicacies to international flavors, the market caters to every palate. As I navigate through the crowd, I can't help but be excited about the culinary delights that await me.

Trying Miso Soup

My first stop in Quiapo Market is at a charming food stall where I encounter Margie, the friendly vendor. She introduces me to a Chinese-inspired dish called Miso Soup. This savory soup features white vermicelli noodles, meatballs, eggs, and a flavorful broth. The aroma alone is enough to whet my appetite. With each spoonful, the combination of flavors dances on my taste buds. The thin, egg-like noodles add a unique texture to the dish, making it an Instant favorite.

Sampling Sautang Soup

Next on my culinary Journey is a must-try Filipino dish called Sautang Soup. Upon Margie's recommendation, I indulge in this delightful concoction of Glass noodles, cabbage, eggs, and a vibrant orange broth. The glass noodles are a delight to slurp, and the broth is a flavorful symphony of peppery, salty, and savory notes. Topped with fresh onions and vinegar, this dish is a perfect balance of flavors.

Discovering Purple and White Mashed Potatoes

As I Wander through the market, I stumble upon a unique street food that catches my eye – two types of mashed potatoes, one made from purple potatoes and the other from white potatoes. The colors alone are captivating. Margarine and condensed milk drizzle over the potatoes, creating a luscious, sweet, and creamy combination. I savor each bite, marveling at the unexpected twist of potatoes as a dessert. This discovery adds to the richness of Manila's street food scene.

Tasting Dried Squid

The scent of the sea leads me to a stall where dried squid is being grilled. The smoky aroma and pungent fragrance captivate my senses. I order a cup of the grilled squid, and it is served with onions and vinegar. This snack offers a burst of flavors – sour, oniony, and spicy. The dried squid is wonderfully chewy, offering a unique textural experience. Although the taste might not appeal to everyone, I find it to be a satisfying and addictive treat.

Indulging in Cheese Corn

My explorations lead me to a cart offering a snack that combines two beloved ingredients – corn and cheese. The corn is generously coated with a processed cheese powder, margarine, and condensed milk. As I take a bite, the sweet and salty flavors mingle harmoniously, creating a heavenly combination. The cheese powder adds a nostalgic touch, reminiscent of childhood macaroni and cheese. This delightful treat brings me joy with each bite.

Savoring Fried Chicken Intestines and Calamari

At another street food stall, I Delve into the world of unconventional delicacies – fried chicken intestines and calamari. These crispy delights are served with a variety of dipping sauces. The calamari, although breaded and fried to perfection, falls short in terms of flavor. However, the accompanying sauce with onions and chilies adds a much-needed zing. On the other HAND, the chicken intestines disappoint with their rancid taste, and I quickly move on to other street food options.

Diving into Fish Balls and Gwek Gwek

The next stop on my street food adventure is a cart that offers a variety of fried treats. I sample gwek gwek, which is a quail egg wrapped in dough and fried, along with fish balls. Both are served with a sweet sticky Sauce. The gwek gwek, with its unique texture and savory filling, satisfies my cravings. The fish balls, however, lack depth of flavor without the sauce. The sauce completes the dish, turning it into a flavorful street food experience.

Enjoying Fried Cow Organs

I stumble across a stall where Mark, the vendor, is frying cow organs such as mammary glands. Intrigued, I order a toothpick filled with the fried organs, complete with a sauce consisting of chilies and vinegar. The meat, although pungent and gamey, doesn't quite appeal to my palate. However, the sauce, with its tangy and spicy notes, adds an extra kick. Despite my mixed feelings, I appreciate the unique culinary experience.

Experiencing a Variety of Street Foods

As my culinary adventure draws to a close, I find myself at a food cart offering a medley of street food delights. From quail eggs wrapped in dough to fish balls and a pork-seafood mixture, the options are plentiful. Each bite uncovers a new explosion of flavors, ranging from savory to sweet. The street food vendors here have mastered the art of creating affordable, delicious treats that cater to diverse taste preferences.

In conclusion, exploring the street food scene in Quiapo Market, Manila, is an exhilarating journey filled with numerous culinary treasures. From comforting soups to adventurous delicacies, each dish offers a unique taste experience. Manila's street food culture is a testament to the city's vibrant and diverse food scene. So, grab your appetite and join me on this flavor-filled adventure through the bustling streets of Manila.