Binobola-bola ko lang kayo
Thanks to the influx of new concepts and international cuisines influencing our tastebuds, nothing is sacred – not even street food.
Who knew these handheld snacks with its humble beginnings could be elevated or reimagined beyond recognition?
Read on, we’re giving you burgis versions of your favorite street food cuz it ain’t safe in these streets no mo’
Bola-Bola
First up, bola bola. In case you didn’t know, “bola bola” is really just the Tagalog word for fishballs. They’re sold by street vendors pushing wooden carts. The balls are fried, skewered, then served with three kinds of dipping sauces: sweet (brown and gravy-like), spicy (white and vinegary), and sweet & sour (bright orange like sweet chili sauce).
There are other bola-bola varieties, such as chicken, squid, and kikiam but we’re interested in the more bougie optons. Fish balls – but make it fashion.
Dumpling Set – Ganso Shabuway
Since 2011, Ganso-Shabuway has been providing Filipino diners with a premium hot pot experience. There are a variety of sets available which come in petite, regular, and large sizes. Whether you’re a meat-lover or a vegetarian, there’s something for everybody. Here, what we know as “bola-bola” are called dumplings!
Insider Tip: They have a variety of dumplings available including: Northern Sea Scallop Dumplings, Stuffed Cod Dumplings, Stuffed Crab Dumplings, Gindara Tofu Dumplings, and Prawn Rolls!
Polpette – Va Bene Pasta Deli
Va Bene is famous for their fresh pastas but did you know they also serve excellent starters and mains? One of the must-tries dishes is the Polpette – Italian meatball in tomato sauce served over “cacio e pepe” polenta, ricotta mousse, and a drizzle of Toscana extra virgin olive oil.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs – Green Pastures
Green Pastures is a farm-to-table restaurant concept created by Chef Robby Goco of Cyma. It promises to deliver locally-sourced and produced wholly organic dishes. Try the Buffalo Chicken Meatballs – pro-biotic chicken balls prepared “Buffalo style” with spicy Elderflower pepper sauce and domestic bleu cheese dip.
Tokneneng
Next is one we all know and love; in the immortal words of @PereaStreet, it’s that iconic “orange na bilog.”
Tokneneng is made from hard-boiled eggs which are dipped in an orange, tempura-like batter and deep-fried. A popular variation is kwek kwek. The main difference lies in the kind of egg that is used. Kwek kwek is traditionally made with quail eggs, while Tokneneng is made with chicken eggs.
Let’s see how these restaurants class it up. How egg-citing!
Turkey Scotch Egg – The Wholesome Table
The Wholesome Table is an organic restaurant that serves healthy comfort food by Bianca Araneta-Elizalde. All produce is organic and sourced locally where possible. The theme is very much translated into its home, secret garden-style interiors and design concept. Wholesome Table has elevated the tokneneng to new heights by using soft boiled duck egg wrapped in turkey sausage!
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Infinity Tower, HV Dela Costa cor. LP Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Bel-Air, Makati
+63 917 885-7520
Pinoy Egg – Green Pastures
It’s a five-minute free range duck egg wrapped in housemade longganisa over fiddlehead fern salad.
Quail Egg – Kushikatsu Daruma
Kushikatsu is a famous restaurant from Osaka that specializes in deep fried golden katsu sticks made with a light batter and dipped in special sauce. Read more here.
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2/F Uptown Mall, 36th Street Corner 9th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
(02) 946-7374
BBQ
Barbeque is bae. A simple marinade and a couple of minutes over an open flame can transform even the cheapest cuts of meat. Pinoy-style BBQ is sweet, smoky, and sometimes spicy making it a staple at festive events.
Most cuisines have their own versions of skewered meat, keep scrolling to see how these restos switch it up.
Also read: 19 of the Best BBQ Grill Joints in Manila That Will Make You Drool
Salmon Kushiyaki – 12/10
12/10 is a popular Japanese izakaya-inspired restaurant owned by Thea de Rivera and Gab Bustos of The Girl + The Bull. Their second baby – a tribute to their anniversary – is a customize-your-own degustation concept. The small plates pair perfectly with their cocktails, which are some of the best in the Metro. Indisputable hits include their salmon kushiyaki, katsu sando, and toro onigiri.
Reservations are accepted
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7635 Guijo St, San Antonio Village,Makati
(0915) 663-2823
Satay Sticks – Nav Modern Thai
Immerse yourself in exotic flavors with Nav’s modern take on traditional Thai dishes.
Insider Tip: Dine at their branch at SM Megamall's Food Hall and enjoy TWO GRILLED CHICKEN SKEWERS for THE PRICE OF ONE.
Tori Ichi Yakitori and Bar – Ayala Malls The 30th
From Kyoto to Manila, Tori Ichi is an underrated Japanese franchise specializing in yakitori grilled over binchotan (Japanese charcoal).
Wagyu Sticks – Little Winehaus
Little WineHaus will take you on a trip. Their extensive wine menu boasts Red and White wines from various countries. They also serve a range of small bites to pair with wine. Read more here .
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2 Scout Lazcano St cor Scout Magbanua St and Mother Ignacia Ave, Paligsahan, Quezon City
(02) 799 9217
Empanada
Empanadas are a Filipino-style hand pies made with a flaky, light crust and filled with ground beef, raisins, carrots and peas. They’re full of flavor and you can eat them on-the-go, making them a favorite street food for many.
Foie Gras & Pineapple Jam Empanadas – Rambla
Rambla is a Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant that applies modern techniques to create their well-loved specialties like the Octopus Carpaccio and their signature paellas and cochinillo. Their best-selling tapas include the Foie Gras & Pineapple Jam Empanadas and Jamon Iberico Croquetas.
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G/F Joya building, Rockwell, Makati
(02) 823-6468
Vegetable Samosa – Naan
Naan is casual dining Indian restaurant serving authentic and popular Indian street food. They are known for their naan topped with grilled chicken tikka, falafel, hummus, and samosas which are made fresh daily. Samosas are Indian empanadas often filled with a savory spiced filling like potato or lentils.
Reservations are accepted
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16 United St, Kapitolyo, Pasig
(0998) 553-6424
Beef Bourekas – Chaplin Cafe
Chaplin Cafe sits prettily on a roof deck spot in Century City Mall. The “all in one coffee place” serves a mix of Israeli and European dishes with a touch of Filipino as well. Try out the Beef Bourekas – puff pastry stuffed with spinach, ground beef mixed with lamb fat, fresh mint, parsley, and cilantro.
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4/F Century City Mall, Kalayaan Ave, Poblacion, Makati
(02) 946-5335
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