Is Filipino Street Food Healthy?

Filipino street food is a popular way to experience the local flavors of the Philippines. It’s an inexpensive way to get a taste of traditional Filipino dishes and snacks, and it’s a great way to explore the diverse culinary culture of the country. But is Filipino street food healthy?

The answer, unfortunately, isn’t so straightforward. On one hand, many Filipino street foods are made with fresh ingredients and are relatively low in fat and calories.

Popular dishes like barbeque skewers, fish balls, and empanadas are generally considered healthy options. Likewise, many Filipino street snacks like banana cue (fried bananas) and turon (a sweet banana wrap) are high in sugar but not necessarily unhealthy for you.

On the other hand, some Filipino street foods can be quite unhealthy due to their high fat and sodium content. For example, sisig (a pork dish made with lard) is high in saturated fat, while kwek-kwek (boiled eggs dipped in flour batter and deep-fried) is high in sodium. Additionally, some vendors may use questionable ingredients or cooking techniques that can make their food unhealthy.

In conclusion, it’s important to remember that eating any type of fast food—Filipino or otherwise—should be done in moderation. If you’re going to indulge in Filipino street food on occasion, look for dishes that are made with fresh ingredients and avoid those that are deep-fried or high in fat or sodium. With a little bit of knowledge and awareness about what you’re eating, you can enjoy Filipino street food without compromising your health.