Best Filipino Merienda Recipes to Try

Imagine those moments when your stomach growls - it's not quite mealtime yet, but you're definitely craving something sweet, flavorful, or slightly filling. That’s where merienda comes to the rescue.

Merienda, the Filipino term for snacks or light meals eaten in between main meals, is an essential part of Filipino culture. It's the ultimate cure for after-school or office munchies, as well as late-night cravings.

More than filling your stomach, eating merienda is a quick escape from the daily grind that will surely bring a smile to your face.

Now, let's dive into some of the best merienda recipes that you must try. These snacks can be bought from street vendors, restaurants, or made at home with love.

1. Lumpiang Shanghai

Lumpia is a staple not only in birthday parties and fiestas, but also in everyday Filipino merienda.

Among the different types of lumpia, Lumpiang Shanghai is a standout favorite. These bite-sized spring rolls are filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, carrots, onions, and various seasonings.

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With each roll carefully deep-fried to golden perfection, the crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the juicy filling inside.

Lumpiang shanghai is best enjoyed when dipped in sweet chili sauce or a tangy dipping sauce made from vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible, making it a popular choice among Filipinos of all ages.

2. Pancit Palabok

No matter how many times you’ve had it, the taste of Pancit Palabok never gets old. This classic Filipino merienda is a comforting dish that combines thin rice noodles, a rich annatto-flavored sauce, and an array of delicious toppings.

The sauce, made from shrimp broth and annatto seeds, gives the dish its vibrant orange color and distinct flavor.

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However, it’s the garnishes that truly make this dish so well-loved. From crispy fried garlic, boiled eggs, shrimp, and smoked fish flakes, to crushed chicharon and freshly squeezed calamansi, these toppings add layers of texture and flavor that elevate the dish to new heights.

While you can easily buy this merienda favorite from street food vendors, making Pancit Palabok at home allows you to customize it to your own taste.

Some prefer a spicier version by adding extra chili flakes or hot sauce, while others may opt for a milder flavor by reducing the amount of annatto seeds used in the sauce.

Without question, the process of creating the flavorful shrimp broth, simmering the annatto seeds to infuse the sauce with its vibrant hue, and carefully arranging the toppings is a labor of love that's worth the effort.

3. Siomai

With roots tracing back to Chinese cuisine, Filipinos have made Siomai their own, adding their unique flavors and twists to this beloved merienda.

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These Filipino steamed dumplings are a delightful combination of ground pork, shrimp, mushrooms, and various seasonings, all encased in a delicate and silky wrapper. Once eaten, it gives you a burst of umami flavor with every bite.

These little bundles of joy are a popular merienda choice, often enjoyed with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, calamansi juice, and chili paste.

4. Halo-Halo

Looking for something to fill your stomach on a hot summer day? Look no further than the beloved Halo-Halo. This refreshing and colorful mixed fruit dessert is the perfect treat to cool you down and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Halo-Halo, which literally translates to "mix-mix" in English, is a delightful combination of ingredients that come together in a mouthwatering symphony of flavors and textures. It starts with a base of crushed ice and evaporated milk. From there, the possibilities are endless.

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Most sellers add a variety of sweet ingredients, such as sweetened beans, jellies, fruit preserves, and candied fruits. Some even include chunks of leche flan or ube halaya for added richness. To top it all off, a generous scoop of creamy ube ice cream is placed on top.

To eat halo halo, mix all the ingredients first, allowing the flavors to meld and the textures to intermingle. Each spoonful is a delightful surprise as you taste different combinations of sweet, creamy, and fruity goodness.

5. Bibingka

A favorite amongst Filipinos during the Christmas season, bibingka is a merienda that brings warmth and comfort to everyone.

This Filipino rice cake is made from a mixture of glutinous rice flour and coconut milk, giving it a soft and slightly chewy texture. Because it is traditionally cooked in clay pots lined with banana leaves over hot coals, the bibingka develops a beautiful charred exterior while maintaining a moist interior.

This Filipino merienda is topped with salted egg, margarine, and cheese for a contrast of flavor. It is often enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee, making it the perfect treat after Simbang Gabi.

Families gather around to savor this delicious rice cake while sharing stories and laughter as they celebrate the holiday season.

6. Puto

There's nothing quite like the fluffy and slightly sweet taste of Puto to transport you back to childhood memories.

These steamed rice cakes are a staple Filipino merienda, usually enjoyed during special occasions or as a simple afternoon snack.

Made from a mixture of flour, sugar, water, evaporated milk, and baking powder, Puto is light and airy, with a subtle hint of sweetness that lingers on your tongue. Most sellers top this merienda with a small slice of cheese.

It can also be flavored with pandan, ube, mango, or any other fruit extract to add a burst of flavor and a pop of color.

7. Kwek-Kwek

Who doesn't love a snack that's deep-fried until golden brown for the perfect crispy exterior? Kwek-Kwek is a Filipino merienda that takes fried eggs to a whole new level.

These bite-sized delights feature quail eggs coated in a vibrant orange batter made from flour, cornstarch, and annatto powder.

Kwek-Kwek is often enjoyed as street food, with vendors setting up their stalls in bustling markets or along busy streets. It is usually paired with cucumber and a tangy vinegar dip for a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the fried eggs.

8. Banana Cue

No matter how old you are, there's something undeniably comforting about indulging in caramelized banana skewers, known as Banana Cue.

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This Filipino merienda is a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of carefree days and simple pleasures. This merienda is made with saba bananas, which are firmer than regular bananas, making them perfect for caramelizing.

The bananas are skewered onto bamboo sticks, then fried with brown sugar until they turn golden brown.

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9. Ginataang Bilo Bilo

Ginataang Bilo Bilo is a Filipino merienda that warms both the body and soul. It is perfectly enjoyed on a chilly afternoon.

This delightful dessert soup is made with sticky rice balls, also known as bilo bilo, cooked in creamy coconut milk.

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To make the bilo bilo, glutinous rice flour is mixed with water to form a dough, which is then rolled into small balls. These sticky rice balls are then boiled until they become soft and chewy.

Meanwhile, a mixture of coconut milk, water, sugar, and pandan leaves (optional) is brought to a simmer. Once the broth is ready, the bilo bilo are added and simmered until they float to the surface, a sign that they are cooked through.

Ginataang Bilo Bilo also contains plantain bananas, jackfruit, and sweet potatoes that add heartiness to the dish.

10. Pork Chicharon

If you love pork, then you're in for a treat with Pork Chicharon. This Filipino merienda is the epitome of indulgence, offering a crunchy and savory delight that is hard to resist.

To make Pork Chicharon, pork skin is first boiled until tender, then dried to remove excess moisture.

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Once dried, the pork skin is deep-fried until it puffs up and turns into crispy golden goodness. The result is a snack that is both light and airy while still packing a punch of flavor.

Pork Chicharon is often enjoyed with a dipping sauce made from vinegar, soy sauce, red onions, garlic, and chili.

11. Pares

Although it's considered a merienda, Pares is a filling and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day. In fact, it’s a favorite of many Filipinos after a night out.

This Filipino comfort food consists of tender beef simmered in a flavorful sauce, served with garlic fried rice and a side of clear soup.

The beef for Pares is typically braised for hours in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, star anise, and other aromatic spices. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become incredibly tender and infused with the rich flavors of the marinade.

As the beef cooks, the sauce thickens and develops a deep, savory taste that pairs perfectly with rice.

12. Chicken Mami

Another comforting merienda that warms the soul is Chicken Mami. This Filipino noodle soup is reminiscent of rainy afternoons and cozy moments at home.

The key to a delicious Chicken Mami lies in its rich and flavorful broth. A whole chicken, along with garlic, onions, peppercorns, and bay leaves, is simmered for hours to create a savory base that will make your taste buds happy.

Thin egg noodles are then cooked separately until al dente, ensuring that they retain their satisfying chewiness. The noodles are then placed in bowls and topped with tender chicken slices, egg, blanched vegetables, and chopped scallions.

The piping hot broth is ladled over the noodles, creating a comforting and aromatic bowl of Chicken Mami.

You can add pepper, soy sauce, fish sauce, and calamansi to taste, allowing each individual to customize their bowl of Chicken Mami according to their preferences.

For more authentic Filipino merienda recipes, check out Recipes by Nora.