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Once the meryenda cravings beckon, it’s time to hit the streets! Lined with ambulant carts stocked with snacks that range from light to heavy, the streets are a haven for hungry Filipinos during late afternoons.

For those unfamiliar with the street food scene, you may get a bit overwhelmed at first. But if you’re one of the braver ones, you may want to try (at least once) the more exotic eats.

ISAW

What it is: Grilled chicken intestines

Price: P5 – P10 per stick

How it’s made: The skewered chicken instestines are grilled until cooked.

Why it’s a hit: If you’re a fan of pork barbecue, this is the cheaper alternative. It’s even yummier when dipped into your choice of sauce: hot, sweet or spicy vinegar. A filling merienda at a minimum price, it’s no wonder that this snack is a hit among Filipinos.

Health Risk: Just like everything else, too much of isaw isn’t good. According to Mr. McNeil Valencia, a registered Nutritionist and Dietician at the Medical city-South Luzon, isaw is rich in cholesterol which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, and even cancer due to the burnt part of the isaw. You can also be a victim of food-poisoning, Hepa A, and colon cancer if the isaw is not prepared and cooked well.

Eat it safe by: eating it only occassionaly, and by limiting intake to one stick when eating. Instead of dipping it into a common container of sauce where there’s a risk of contamination, it’s best if the vendor provides the sauce in individual servings.


KWEK-KWEK

What it is: Quail eggs covered with flour batter colored by atsuete

Price: Big – 10 pesos
3 medium – 10 pesos

How it’s made: The quail eggs are boiled and rolled in batter made from flour, pepper, salt and annatto powder. These are deep friend until crispy.

Why it’s a hit: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, kwek-kwek is undeniably tasty and filling. It’s a variation of the Japanese tempura, perfect for dipping into spicy vinegar.

Health Risk: In addition to the fattening components of flour and oil, eggs are high in cholesterol. Too much of this street food may trigger risks of heart attack, hypertension, acute gastroenteritis, Hepa A, and diarrhea caused by bacteria.

Eat it safe by: limiting intake to one serving (3-5 quail eggs). Ask for an individually packed sauce, or bring your own made from vinegar mixed with onions, pepper and chili.


TURON

What it is: Saba (Philippine plantains) wrapped in lumpia wrappers

Price: 10-15 pesos each

How it’s made: The slice of saba is rolled in brown sugar and rolled up in a lumpia wrapper. This is deep friend until crispy. Caramelized sugar can be drizzled on top.

Why it’s a hit: The turon has many versions and can be served in a variety of ways. Some include jackfruit in the filling while others top it with ice cream, condensed milk, and whipped cream with sprinkles. The banana’s potassium benefits the nerves and heart. It’s also a quick energy-booster because of the carbohydrates and sugar.

Health Risk: The risk lies in the oil because it’s deep fried. If you eat it often, you may have a chance of having diabetes and abnormal blood sugar levels.

Eat it safe by: limiting intake to one per day and checking the quality of the oil the vendor’s using. If it’s too dark, chances are, the oil has been reused countless times. If you wish to ensure your health, better to cook this at home.

PROBEN

What it is: Proben is short for proventriculus, the chicken’s glandular part adjacent to its gizzard.

Price: 10-20 pesos per cup.

How it’s made: The proventriculus part of the chicken is dipped into cornstarch and flour then fried into a golden-brown crisp.

Why it’s a hit: The crisp of its skin is the perfect foil to the rubbery texture of the proventriculus. These cheap munchies are also eaten with rice by some Filipinos.

Health Risk: Its high cholesterol puts you at risk for hypertension and heart attack. If this food is not prepared hygienically, it can bring severe cases of hepatitis and bacterial infection that can cause gastroenteritis, microbial contamination, and food poisoning.

Eat it safe by: limiting your intake to one serving at a time(1-3 pcs. maximum). If at first bite you taste something bitter, stop eating. This means that the innards were not properly cleaned.

These are just some of the kinds of street food loved by Pinoys. Will you like them too? There’s only one way to find out. Taste them for yourself—but don’t say we didn’t warn you!

— By PanahonTV Intern Seff Genova