Skinita Street Foodz in Kapitolyo Pasig: Serving Filipino Street Foods with a Twist

If you’re looking for a really nice place to eat clean Filipino street foods with a twist, look no further. Skinita Street Foodz would be your best bet. There’s no better place to experience high quality, well priced Pinoy street food with a lively social atmosphere than what Skinita has to offer. In fact, if I’d have my way, this place should just be renamed "Skinita Streetfood Heaven.” I love Skinita. After reading all of the great reviews, I knew I had to try it out on my recent trip to that stretch of Kapitolyo. I am so glad I did because I was definitely not disappointed. 

Sancho Delas Alas with friends and business partners

Conceptualized by friends led by actor Sancho Delas Alas, Skinita Street Foodz brings in great flavors of Asian Fusion + loads of street foods to choose from. And we were also able to discover their cuapao variants, they’re absolutely divine! I personally don’t mind driving all the way to Kapitolyo, even braving the hellish traffic jam if I’m in the mood or craving for their soft and fluffy cuapao bun with pulled pork barbecue or for the more adventurous foodie, I highly recommend their Kimchi Cuapao. It gives an addicting kick! I won't be surprised if you'll ask for a second plate or perhaps try the other equally delicious variants. 

Actor Sancho Delas Alas welcomes guests with a warm genuine smile

Skinita's  Basketbols with two dipping sauce: Sweet and Sour and Soy-sauce based

EVERY FOODIES' MECCA: TUTUBAN’S FOODSTREET

Deliciously sinful and yummy pata tim...Hmmm, need I say more?

Filipinos love to eat. Each time there is an occasion—be it to celebrate birthdays or town fiestas or just simple family gathering/reunion, food will always be a huge part of it. And because of this tradition, street food had been a part of our Filipino culture as we all love to converse in the presence of food.  Yes, street food or street dishes similar to those found in other Asian countries like Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Macau among others.  These informal food feasts are typical scenes on these countries where they originated.

Inihaw na pusit or grilled squid, regardless if it's stuffed or plain is a good choice!

In the Philippines, Manila is the top destination for practical and adventurous diner. Tutuban Center’s “FoodStreet” is an example of gustatory delight district where people from all walks of life prefer its simple, makeshift and unassuming stalls.

This is the place to be if you’re looking for clean, fresh, inexpensive and ready to eat meals. If you’re to ask me, this one’s a whole lot better than fine dining or fancy restaurants, and even better than greasy fast-food joints. With a wide variety of foods to choose from, you could relish the taste of home-cooked meals while dining out.

For those interested to try being a street-food trader/entrepreneur, Tutuban’s FoodStreet is offering spaces for rent. Situated at the main thoroughfares of its historic (it’s located in an old railway station) and commercial mall, future tenants will surely attract clients among the shoppers, students and yuppies (young professionals) who frequent the mall.

Filipinos' favorite sisig with rice and lots of chili!

The good news among budding entrepreneur, the street-food enterprise only requires a small amount of capital. The trader only needs the most basic cooking skills, management acumen, simple facilities, and a serving of affordable yet delicious lunches, dinners and snacks.

Though small scale, this type of venture has a big potential for generating income—even employment—so it’s not impossible for the street-food trader to have an average earnings that can be three up to 10 times higher than the minimum-wage worker. And it’s more practical because you can be your own boss after growing tired of the corporate race. It’s a pretty good investment too for returning OFW’s (Overseas Filipino Workers) or if you’re a bored housewife that has excellent culinary skills, a FoodStreet stall is perfect for you.

Delicious Affordable meals with drinks on the side.

Appetizing offerings include Hong Kong style noodles, Chinese siopao and siomai, Persian shawarma, the Filipino staple Silog variety, isaw, balut, chicharon, fishballs, and banana cues; or even grilled liempo, squid, chicken, bangus fish, yummy English muffins and American baked goodies.

The prospective food trader may not only earn high income but he will be helping the local economy as well in terms of taxes, as micro-industries such as street-selling promotes financial self-sufficient for families as well.

Yummy Crablets dipped in locally spiced vinegar will make your trip memorable!

One significant concern about street food is health and sanitation. However, FoodStreet and Tutuban Center officials assure tenants that the mall administration takes this aspect of business seriously. Hygiene, cleanliness and waste disposal will adhere to the strictest standards as imposed by law and national and local health department.

Security of both the businessman and his consumers is also utmost consideration. There will be roving and plainclothes security personnel to ensure the safety of everyone.

Tutuban Center’s FoodStreet invites entrepreneurs to open your business at Tutuban Center and taste success in your own terms.

Tutuban’s FoodStreet operations will be from 6am to 12 midnight starting July 1, 2012. For leasing inquiries, contact: Gina Villamor and Mary Anne Suralta at 251-1661 local 125, or direct line at 253-1769. 

Post Script: I like the smell of grilled meats and seafood’s wafting in the air. It gives foodies like me sense of thrill. So if you're like me, go ahead and visit these street foods stall at Tutuban Center beginning July 1, 2012! You’re sure to have a feast at a reasonable price! 

Tusok-Tusok: The Original Fried Isaw-Superb Hit Among Pinoys!

If you live somewhere in the vicinity of  Cubao and you happen to pass by the MRT Araneta Center Station, you must have noticed the long lines near the ticketing booth. No, it's not part of the MRT itself, but if you look a little closer, you'll soon realize that it actually came from a food kiosk or stall that sells street foods like isaw (chicken and pork intestines), adidas (chicken feet), helmet (chicken's head), betamax (pork blood) etc. Yes, Tusok-Tusok is a hit among Filipinos! Everyday people line up the food stall for their favorite street food. 

What made the difference among other food stalls and kiosks? Well, the difference lies in their affordability and taste as well. It's one of the first (they claim to be the original) who thought of the old isaw to be fried instead of  the usual "barbecued style".  According to the cook, "We made our street food uniquely crispy by breading them and frying them instead of merely roasting them hot off the grill. This way, our customers will enjoy their crispiness fresh from the frying pan." 

Did I mention that it's really affordable? "Swak na swak sa budget (Really fits the budget!), " says Mr. Tomas Agustin, a Tusok-Tusok regular customer.  For a mere P7.00 you can get a stick of fried pork blood or fried chicken intestines. And if you add some more P5.00, you'll get a cup of rice to go with it. How's that for a really superb meal, right? 

For street food dummies, they even posted a street food dictionary where you can choose what you like depending on the taste and appearance. Well, I tried it, I'd say the taste was good but I do not recommend this to those people prone to gastritis and other hygienic issues though. But as they say, you wouldn't be truly Pinoy if you haven't tasted street foods at least once in your life. Besides, fry foods aren't the healthier choice, the rest is all up to you though whether you pass it up or go ahead and indulge.

Like them on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tusok-Tusok-The-Original-Fried-Isaw

xoxo,