Manila: Street Food and Drinks Walking Tour with Tastings

Traveling through the bustling streets of Manila offers more than just sights — it’s an invitation to taste the city’s soul. This Street Food and Drinks Walking Tour by Mstartours promises an intimate, flavorful journey into Filipino street cuisine, guided by local experts. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie, a curious traveler, or someone seeking authentic local experiences, this tour is a lively way to connect with Manila’s culinary heartbeat.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it combines delicious tastings with a dynamic local transport component, giving an immersive feel of everyday Filipino life. Second, the small-group setting—capped at 10 participants—ensures personalized insights and a friendly atmosphere. A potential drawback? The tour isn’t suitable for vegetarians, vegans, pregnant women, or wheelchair users, so it’s best for those who come prepared to try a variety of savory and sweet treats.

This tour caters well to food lovers wanting an authentic taste of Manila and those eager to explore local neighborhoods beyond the usual tourist spots. With its mix of guided storytelling, sampling, and lively street scenes, it’s crafted for anyone wanting more than just sightseeing — a chance to eat their way through Manila’s vibrant street culture.

Key Points

• Authentic Filipino Cuisine: Enjoy 6-10 tastings, from kwek kwek to halo-halo, offering a true flavor of Manila’s street food.
• Local Transportation Experience: Ride a jeepney or Lamborghini tricycle, adding a fun and practical local transport element.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 10 participants for a more personal, engaging experience.
• Cultural Insights: Guides speak both English and Tagalog, sharing stories that enrich your understanding of Filipino life.
• Flexible Planning: Book now, pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• All Weather Activity: Rain or shine, the tour proceeds, so pack comfortable shoes and an umbrella if needed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Duration

The adventure begins at Grand Cafe 1919 in Binondo, a historic Chinatown district known for its vibrant street life and culinary history. The tour lasts around 2 hours, a perfect burst of flavor and culture without wearing you out. Since starting times vary, it’s wise to check availability and plan ahead, especially if you’re tight on time or coordinating with other activities.

What You’ll Do and See

Walking through lively streets, you’ll feel the pulse of Manila’s local neighborhoods. The tour is designed to be an engaging mix of food tastings, local transport rides, and storytelling. You’ll sample a variety of Filipino street foods, each with a story and a place in the city’s culinary landscape. Most days, you’ll enjoy 6 to 10 tastings, ensuring you’re more than just a little full by the end.

Food Tastings

The menu features classic street fare like banana cue, kamote fries, and turon, as well as savory bites such as kwek-kwek, siomai, and grilled squid. Sweet tooths will love the halo-halo, a colorful and refreshing dessert, and mango with shrimp paste offers a complex mix of flavors. Several reviewers praise the deliciousness and authenticity of these offerings, with one noting, “All the food was delicious. All the drinks were very delicious also,” highlighting the quality and variety.

Transportation Experiences

Most tours include a jeepney ride or Lamborghini tricycle, both iconic modes of Filipino transport. These rides are more than just practical—they’re a glimpse into everyday Manila life. Travelers have shared that riding the jeepney, although sometimes challenging to organize solo, is a highlight that adds personality to the journey. One reviewer says, “A jeepney ride is difficult to organize on your own, but a great experience,” emphasizing how these transport modes make the tour memorable.

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Local Markets and Hidden Gems

The tour takes you into small side streets and local markets, away from tourist crowds. Guides are especially good at pointing out local favorites and explaining the significance of different dishes. Some reviews mention navigating busy markets while feeling well cared for, thanks to the guide’s attentiveness. It’s an excellent chance to see how locals shop and eat, providing context that transforms simple tastings into cultural lessons.

The Guides and Group Size

Guide Mari (mentioned frequently in reviews) earns high praise for her enthusiasm, knowledge, and warmth. Travelers often describe her as “an amazing guide,” “friendly,” and “very knowledgeable about Manila.” The small group size (max 10) keeps the experience intimate, allowing for questions, conversations, and tips tailored to your interests.

The Value Proposition

At $71 per person, this tour offers substantial value. The multiple tastings, guided insights, local transport rides, and small-group intimacy mean you’re getting more than just a snack crawl—you’re getting a taste of Manila’s culture, history, and daily life. Many reviews mention how the tour exceeded expectations, with a few even calling it a “must-do” activity in Manila.

Practical Tips

• Come hungry—there’s a lot of food, and small appetites might miss out on some tastings.
• Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking through busy streets and markets.
• Bring questions—guides love sharing stories and insights about Filipino cuisine and culture.
• Be prepared for weather—the tour goes rain or shine, so pack an umbrella if rain is forecast.
• The tour isn’t suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or those with mobility issues. Confirm your dietary needs beforehand.

In-Depth Review from Travelers

Many reviewers emphasize the delicious food and lively atmosphere. For example, one shared, “Mari was an excellent guide, showing us the sweet and sour side of local Filipino cuisine,” and another said, “The food was amazing but the real treat was Mari’s energy, which made the whole experience lively and fun.”

Others appreciated that the tour offered insights beyond just food. For instance, one reviewer noted, “Mari explained the impact of Chinese food on Filipino cuisine, adding depth to the experience.” Such stories help you understand not only what you’re eating but also why dishes are significant.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour is generally praised, a few points to keep in mind. The duration is only around two hours, so it’s best suited for those with flexible schedules or who want a quick yet comprehensive taste of Manila’s street food. Non-participants have mentioned that some dishes may not suit dietary restrictions—vegetarians and vegans are advised to consider this before booking. Plus, wheelchair accessibility isn’t available, so mobility considerations are important.

If you’re a food enthusiast eager to try authentic Filipino street dishes, this tour offers a fantastic introduction. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy small-group experiences and want to see local neighborhoods while sampling delicious fare. The combination of guided storytelling, local transport, and market visits makes it a well-rounded cultural outing.

Travelers who appreciate informative guides and want a taste of Manila’s lively street scene will find this tour especially rewarding. The tour’s value for money and personalized approach make it a worthwhile addition to any Manila itinerary, especially if you’re short on time but want a meaningful, tasty experience.

This Manila street food tour delivers more than just snacks. It’s a lively, engaging way to understand local culture through its flavors, streets, and people. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge turn a simple tasting into an authentic lesson in Filipino life.

The small group size creates intimacy, making it easy to ask questions and connect with both the guide and fellow travelers. The diversity of foods, from savory to sweet, paired with local transport rides, ensures your senses are fully engaged. And at around $71, it offers good value for a memorable, culturally rich experience.

Whether you’re a food traveler, a culture seeker, or simply curious about Manila, this tour helps you see the city through its flavors — a true feast for the senses.

What is included in the tour?
You’ll enjoy 6-10 food tastings, including items like banana cue, turon, kwek-kwek, siomai, grilled squid, halo-halo, and mango with shrimp paste, along with water or juice. The experience also includes a local transportation ride in either a jeepney or Lamborghini tricycle and a walking tour through local streets.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 2 hours long, making it a perfect short activity that fits well into most itineraries.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Grand Cafe 1919 in Binondo and concludes back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 3-7 can join with supervision. However, because of the food offerings and walking, parents should weigh comfort levels for younger kids.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

Are there any dietary restrictions to consider?
This tour isn’t suitable for vegetarians or vegans, as many dishes contain meat, seafood, or animal products. Confirm your dietary needs beforehand.

This guided street food adventure offers a genuine taste of Manila, blending flavors, stories, and local life into a memorable two-hour slice of the city. Perfect for those who want to connect deeply with Filipino culture through its bustling streets and delicious bites.

You can check availability for your dates here: