Street Food Spots in Metro Manila: Top 7 Spots to Explore

Yotam Ottolenghi once said that “food can bring people together in a way that nothing else could”. And that’s true. Food is universal, it’s present everywhere, and it can really serve as a representation of one’s community. In the Philippines, specifically around Metro Manila, there’s a lot of unique food and street food spots. From local street food vendors to bigger food communities, it’s everywhere you look. This really showcase our love for good food.

This article is going to focus on street food in Manila, an inseparable part of Filipino life. More likely than not, everyone has tried street food at least once. Be it due to a lack of money for anything else, an unsatisfied craving, or any other reason.

What can you find on street food spots around Metro Manila?

There are a lot of street food options anywhere you go. Sometimes, if you go to a new place you might even find something new! Some of the staples you can expect to find anywhere are isaw, calamares, betamax, pares and kwek kwek to name a few.

These are known for being relatively affordable as compared to anything else you can buy. With prices for some of them ranging from around 1 – 4 pesos, there’s no wonder that street food is so well loved.

While some other street food choices may be more unique and more pricey, they’re definitely worth it. Be it from a small food cart outside school or a grill near a church, you’re sure to find something good to eat. Overall, you can never go wrong no matter which one you choose.

Top 7 Street Food Spots in Metro Manila

Quiapo Market
Location: Quiapo Manila
Quiapo is not only known for the church, but for its street food spots as well. In one of the busiest streets in all of Metro Manila, Quiapo Market is well known for its street food offerings. This has some of the top street food in Manila. Usually catering to churchgoers, they offer items such as isaw, turon, and sinigang among other things. They’re also open at pretty much any time, so you can always count on getting your street food fix here.
And if you’re just coming out of church, you can walk a bit and find the market! This is great for the after-mass blessings and something to let your hunger pass if you’re still going elsewhere.
Sabroso Street Food Market
Location: Forum Robinsons, Pioneer corner Edsa (Gateway Street, beside Go Hotel) Mandaluyong, Philippines
Facebook Page: Sabroso Street Food Garden
Not all the best foods in life come from the fanciest of places. Sometimes, you find the most mind blowing eats in the most humble of places. This is why you would definitely love the Sabroso Street Food Market.
Boasting some of the most popular street food in the Philippines, you can pick from an array of food trucks or street vendors. Just line up on one of the many market stalls and get your fill!
You can choose from the classic Pinoy street foods or even go for new Pinoy fusions! Relax and enjoy your Bagnet Rice Potong, ChickenZilla, mango shake, and other heartwarming finds.
Greenfield Weekend Market
Location: Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
Facebook Page: Greenfield Weekend Market
The Greenfield Weekend Market is another popular destination for good food. The Market has one of the widest ranges of food you can find. They sell the usual grilled food such as chicken and pork barbecue. Not limited to such things, they also sell cheese sticks, lobster balls and even lechon!
The prices here are significantly more than you’d get from a typical ihawan, but for good reason as well. The food here is something you may not find anywhere else, making it a truly unique choice.
Mezza Norte
Location: Mindanao open parking lot, Trinoma Mall, Quezon City (near Manila City)
Right outside Trinoma Mall’s parking lot in Quezon City is a hidden treasure. There lies a night food market that has been a center for culinary art as well. Mezza Norte boasts a tent where you can enjoy live music while you dig in their savory dishes. You can choose from a wide selection of food from different vendors.
Fill up on cheesy tacos from Mercato Centrale vendors, local street food, burgers wrapped in pizza, and many more delights! Another plus is their items wouldn’t break the bank.
So, if you’re looking for a cool spot to hang with your friends without going over budget, Mezza Norte is the right gastronomic hub for you.
Seaside Market Dampa
Location: Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines
Image Credit: ©langdu8x/123RF.COM
You might be feeling in an under the sea mood. Don’t worry, there’s a place for you too! For the seafood lovers out there, Seaside Market Dampa is the place to be. Packed with fresh seafood you can feast on, you’re definitely in for a good time.
Load up on live oysters, red frog crabs, lobsters, squid, scallops, stonefish, and much more! What’s more exciting is that they prepare these in front of you, so you can see the magic in action.
If you’re looking to enjoy the fresh sea breeze at night, take a short trip down to this market. You can also follow this up with a quick visit to attractions such as Mall of Asia or Intramuros.
Xavier Weekend Market
Location: 64 Xavier School, Xavier Street, Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila
Tech is not all there in Greenhills. Surrounding Xavier School is a weekend market that food lovers flock to for two days. In the Xavier Weekend Market, you can enjoy a taste of different recipes by newly-opened food stalls or restaurants. Have your pick of common street foods and other local delights!
You can also enjoy shopping organic produce, ready-to-eat meals, and home-baked goodies available for your perusal at the market.
Opens 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM only on the First Saturday of Every Month.
Mercato Centrale
Location: BGC, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Facebook Page: Mercato Centrale
And of course, last but not the least is the popular Mercato Centrale in BGC. How could the largest food market in the country not make it to this list? Known as the country’s premier food market, you can feast on a lavish selection of restaurants, food stalls, and home-based food vendors.
You can also enjoy walking around and enjoying the attractions while filling up on good food! Their Asian street food scene is definitely not one to miss.
Join thousands of weekly visitors that try out new food ideas every week! Maybe even find your next food addiction in one of their many offerings.

And there’s our list for the top street food spots! The late Anthony Bourdain himself enjoys simple Filipino cuisine, and you can too. If you haven’t had street food or are looking for a nice change, then go no further than our list.