Manila has landed on Time Out’s list of the world’s best cities for street food in 2026, giving Filipino food another reason to be on the radar of travellers who like to eat their way around a city.
The Philippine capital ranked fourth on the global publication’s annual Best Cities for Street Food list, tying with Mexico City with a rating of 58%. The ranking was released on July 30 and was based on a survey of 24,000 people in cities around the world.
Time Out assessed street food scenes based on two key factors: quality and affordability. For Manila, the result puts its roadside stalls, local food spots and everyday Filipino favourites among the street food scenes that international diners should check out.
Leading this year’s ranking was Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with a 63% rating. Time Out highlighted the street food around Bến Thành Market, including Vietnamese staples such as pho and banh mi.
Kuala Lumpur came second with 62%, with the Malaysian capital receiving praise for the open-air dining atmosphere around Jalan Alor. Visitors can find favourites such as satay, whole-grilled fish and char kway teow there.
Jakarta and Taipei shared third place with 59%. Jakarta was recognised for its roadside warungs, where diners can tuck into dishes such as spicy nasi goreng and gado-gado. Taipei, meanwhile, was noted for its night markets, including those in the Shilin district.
Manila and Mexico City followed in fourth with 58%, while Hanoi came next with 57%.
The full ranking included several major food destinations from across Asia, Africa, North America and beyond.
From Filipino Favourites to a Food Scene with History
While Manila’s latest ranking puts its street food in the spotlight, Time Out has been paying attention to the city’s food culture for years.
In a 2015 guide, the publication described Manila as “Asia’s most underrated city” and praised its “fabulous food”. It noted that the city’s culinary identity has been shaped by a mix of Spanish, Chinese, Malay, Indonesian and American influences.
That combination can be seen in many of the dishes found across Manila. Filipino favourites highlighted by Time Out included lechon, or roast suckling pig, barbecue pork skewers and chicharon, the crispy pork rind commonly enjoyed as a snack.
The guide also brought in a familiar name when discussing Manila’s food scene. Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain was quoted as saying that the city served some of the best roast pork he had eaten anywhere.
For visitors, however, part of Manila’s food appeal is not necessarily about finding a fancy restaurant. Some of the city’s most recognisable flavours can be found at roadside stalls, local markets, neighbourhood eateries and small food vendors.
That everyday accessibility is also part of what makes street food interesting for travellers. A quick stop for grilled meat, a plate of fried rice or a local snack can become part of exploring the city itself.
Time Out’s 2026 ranking comes shortly after the publication released its annual World’s Best Cities for Food list in June. Lima, Peru, took the top spot in that ranking.
With Manila now ranked among the world’s leading street food cities, the latest list offers another reason for food-focused travellers to explore the Philippine capital beyond its better-known tourist attractions. For anyone visiting Manila, the city’s food scene can be as much about what is served on the street as what appears on a restaurant menu.
