Top 10 Souvenirs to Get in Manila

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The Philippines is one of the main producers of bananas. Dried bananas are a popular snack. Known for their natural sweet taste and crisp texture, dried bananas are a healthy snack option. JOVY’S’ banana chips have a rich flavor with a thick sugar coated on the outside. The snack tastes slightly sweet when eaten. You are sure to munch on the round chips one after another. It can be paired with coffee or green tea, or be added to breakfast cereals or nuts for added texture.

Shop: Major supermarkets such as SM, Robinsons, etc.

Papaya is another major fruit produced in the Philippines. It is made by the locals into all kinds of products, including papaya soap. Papaya soap is used for skin brightening, freckle lightening, and exfoliating. With a light papaya scent, it can be used for yourself or as a gift. Plentiful of papaya soaps are available in a variety of shops, convenience stores, and even grocery stores.

Shop: Major supermarkets such as SM, Robinsons, etc.

Dried mango is available in many places. However, those produced in the Philippines truly stand out in deliciousness, with the most famous brands being 7D dried mangoes. The extremely delicious dried mango has an intense mango scent and is both sour and sweet in your mouth. It comes in both large packages and smaller sizes. Along with dried mangoes, the Philippines also produce dried coconut, dried pineapple, dried banana, and more. They are really cheap and easy to carry around.

Shop: Major supermarkets such as SM, Robinsons, etc.

Deep-fried pork rind (Chicharon) is Southeast Asia’s local snack. It is also popular with the locals in the Philippines. You may enjoy every bite of crispy texture and customized seasoning. It is even better when served with vinegar. In local pork rind chains such as R. LAPID'S, you may buy freshly made deep-fried pork rinds. You may also find their products in supermarkets or even the deep-fried pork rind biscuit snacks that look and taste just like the real thing, but are more portable.

Shop: Major supermarkets such as SM, Robinsons, etc.

BOY BAWANG cornick is a great snack to go with alcohol. While many people enjoy peanuts with beer, you must try this snack in the Philippines and have your mind blown. The cornick being crunchy and tasty with the aroma of corn is a surprising match with beer.

Shop: Major supermarkets such as SM, Robinsons, etc.

The Philippines’ Muscovado Sugar is known for its natural and unique flavor. It is derived from sugar cane juice and has a dark and rich molasses flavor. The sugar from Panay Island, Philippines, is an unrefined raw sucrose that maintains the unique scent and natural minerals of sugar cane juice. It is richer in nutritional values compared to other brown sugars or white sugars. Muscovado Sugar can replace white sugar for daily cooking, desserts, ginger tea, coffee, tea, chocolate, making Chinese and Western desserts, and more.

Shop: Major supermarkets such as SM, Robinsons, etc.

Adlai is a traditional Filipino grain, also known as wild rice. Similar to rice or wheat, Adlai has a nutty taste and is rich in nutritional value. Adlai can be used as a healthy alternative to grains, making porridges, noodles, or being used as staple food in a meal.

Shop: Major supermarkets such as SM, Robinsons, etc.

Seakid Crispy Dilis Anchovy of Teriyaki flavor is sweet and chewy. Although the finish is a little bit bitter, the delicious snack will keep you from stopping. There’s also a mixed flavor of fried anchovy and fried squid. The fried squid is so crispy that you may only taste the aroma at the end.

Shop: Major supermarkets such as SM, Robinsons, etc.

Arnel Turmeric and Ginger Tea is produced by powdered ginger and turmeric. It is great for health and perfect as a gift for the elderly. Arnel is the brand that originated in Palawan, the source of the ingredients.

Shop: Major supermarkets such as SM, Robinsons, etc.

The Philippines is an island nation surrounded by the ocean. Her seafood is one of the most popular souvenirs. One may choose from products such as dried squid, dried shrimp, or dried fish, which have a rich savory seafood flavor and are perfect for cooking or as a side snack. Daing, a dried fish, typically eaten with steamed rice, is one of the most popular choices. Daing is washed and marinated, then exposed under the sun to dry for a few days before being sold in the market.

Shop: Major supermarkets or dry goods stores