Manila Earns a Spot on Time Out's Best Cities for Street Food 2026 List

(SPOT.ph) Manila's street food scene has long been a source of local pride. It's more than just a quick bite; it's an integral part of everyday life, where sizzling open-air grills, bustling stalls, and beloved local eats bring people together, reflecting the city's vibrant culinary culture.

Now, the rest of the world is taking notice. The Philippine capital has recently earned a place on Time Out's list of the Best Cities for Street Food 2026, joining some of the world's most celebrated dining destinations.

After unveiling its annual World's Best Cities for Food ranking in June 2026—which saw Lima, Peru, claim the top spot—Time Out turned its attention to one of the world's most beloved culinary experiences: street food. Drawing on a survey of 24,000 locals who rated their city's street food scene according to quality and affordability, the global publication released its Best Cities for Street Food 2026 ranking on July 30.

Manila emerged as one of the standout destinations, securing the No. 4 spot with a 58% rating, tying with Mexico City.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, claimed the top spot with a 63% rating. Time Out highlighted the city's dynamic food culture, from its Michelin-recognized dining scene to iconic street food hubs like Bến Thành Market, where locals and visitors alike flock for authentic Vietnamese fare.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ranked second with a 62% rating, while Jakarta, Indonesia, and Taipei, Taiwan, tied for third with a 59% rating. Other cities in the prestigious list include Hanoi, Johannesburg, Bangkok, Mumbai, Marrakesh, Los Angeles, Beijing, Singapore, Jaipur, Guadalajara, Nairobi, Bucharest, New Delhi, and Accra.

Time Out has long recognized Manila's culinary appeal. In a 2015 guide, the magazine described the Philippine capital as "Asia's most underrated city," praising its "fabulous food" shaped by Spanish, Chinese, Malay, Indonesian, and American influences. The guide also highlighted iconic Filipino dishes such as lechon (roast suckling pig), barbecue pork skewers, and chicharon (crispy pork rind). It even quoted celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, who said Manila served some of the best roast pork he had eaten anywhere.

This latest recognition from Time Out is another reminder that Manila's street food is a culinary tradition worthy of global attention, and that some of the world's most memorable flavors are found right on the curbside.

Want to know more about Filipino street food? Here’s SPOT.ph's Unscientific Guide to the Most Popular Street Food Options in Metro Manila.