A Gastronomic Journey: Exploring Ugbo Street’s Delights with Arnold Clavio and Anjo Pertierra

Arnold Clavio, popularly known as Igan, and Anjo Pertierra recently embarked on a culinary exploration of Ugbo Street in Tondo, Manila, known for its vibrant night market and diverse food offerings. Their journey, featured in an episode of “Unang Hirit,” showcased a variety of delectable treats that capture the essence of Filipino street food culture.

Their gastronomic adventure included:

1. Dragon’s Breath or Nitrogen Puffs: A visually captivating dessert where colorful puffs are infused with liquid nitrogen, creating a smoke effect.
2. Tumbong Soup: A warm, comforting soup made from pig or cow’s intestines, popular in the Philippines.
3. Lechon: A Filipino staple, they visited Lechonan ni Edith, known for its delicious roasted pig.
4. Corn Dog: Showcasing the influence of Korean cuisine on the local food scene.
5. Avocado Shake: A creamy, refreshing blend perfect for the tropical climate.
6. Flying Fried Rice: A specialty of Ugbo Street, where the rice is theatrically tossed during cooking.
7. Salo-salo Meal: A collective feast featuring various dishes like skewered street foods, sizzling seafood, and itlog na pula (salted red eggs)​​.

Ugbo Street, operating from 6 PM to midnight, offers an array of food from savory grilled skewers, noodles, rice dishes, and sweet treats. The street is a hub for food lovers, where the air is filled with the aromas of sizzling delicacies and the chatter of vendors. The diverse food options include Korean dishes, BBQ, ice cream, and fruit juices. The area is known for its vibrant atmosphere, even in rainy conditions, as people flock to enjoy the street food delights​​​​.

Additionally, the Ugbo street food scene is a sensory feast, with vendors offering a wide range of dishes from skewered meats and fried snacks to soups, stews, and exotic options like balut (fertilized duck egg), grilled chicken intestine, and pork blood stew. This variety showcases the rich culinary diversity and the adventurous palate of Filipino street food culture​​.