UY, Dana Reuelle R.

1SCL1
15 December 2015

Filipino Street Food depicting a Strong Filipino Culture

A. Background of the Study
Street food in the Philippines is one of the most famous snacks not just Filipinos, but also
tourists eat. It has been a Filipino culture for a long time. You can find it anywhere in the streets
with lots of people hovering around the stalls after every class, office break time or just because
they like to. Theres a lot of varieties like kwek-kwek, fish balls, kikiam, isaw, turon, siomai,
puto, mango, and etcetera.
There are a lot of cheap food you can choose from around you. There are biscuits, breads,
and many more, but why do most people still choose to eat street food? Even though the dangers
and effects are very well known from always eating them. It is no myth that street food can be
satisfying, delicious and affordable, but people still eat and enjoy them.
Even though Filipino cuisine is not very famous all over the world unlike French,
American or Indian cuisine; well, Filipino street food is. Street food doesnt only depict the
culture, it also shows how simple Filipino people are. Filipino have very simple kinds of food. It
doesnt need so many spices, in fact, some ingredients are just found in backyards. Filipino street
food needs a lot of appreciation not just because of its simplicity, but also for the stories behind
those banana que, fish balls, or balut.
According to Caryl Estrosas, a food blogger, Street food is a way of life for many people
in this part of the globe. It is a source of income for many Filipino familiessome vendors
testified that their street food businesses enable them to send their children to school (Estrosas,
2011 October 25) Filipinos are very family oriented and hardworking. Because of what Caryl
Estrosas said, the Filipino culture can really be seen through those words that they are really
family oriented and hardworking. The parents can always look for a job but some still choose to
work at home by cooking on their own stoves and kawali, because they want to be with their
family. Sometimes, parents dont even sleep anymore just to buy and prepare for the next days
sale.

B. Statement of the Problem

1) Why does street food depict a strong Filipino Culture?
2) How can street food depict a strong Filipino Culture?
C. Objective of the Study
1) To identify if street food really depicts a strong Culture.

D. Significance of the Study

This study will benefit and show people about how important Filipino Culture is.
Filipinos are not very appreciative when it comes to the showing of efforts from other people.
This study will show how important Filipino culture is in the lives of Filipinos.
Definition of Terms
Filipino Street Food food in the Philippines that are found anywhere in ambulant stalls.
Culture - Culture is the systems of knowledge shared by a relatively large group of
people.

Summary
Street Food, even though it is known for its possible negative effects for the health, it is
still something Filipinos enjoy eating. Street food is not just something Filipinos look forward
for the day, its also something that satisfies our cravings with a cheap price. Even though its not
very famous unlike other countries, it is appreciated for its simplicity and the stories behind
every vendors you see selling street food. Every stall has its own story that depicts a Filipino
culture. The vendors do not sell just for a living of their own but also for the living of their
families, sons and daughters that needs to go to school. It shows a lot how Filipino people are
very hardworking and family oriented.
Conclusion
In conclusion, street food are not just foods that are being sold only for hungry people. It
is also a food that depicts the Filipino culture and that is something all Filipinos around the world
should be proud of.
Recommendation
Filipino street foods should be more appreciated especially from fellow Filipinos because
of all people, Filipinos should be the people who understands the situations of vendors. Filipino
street foods have always been discriminated for its low quality and health disadvantages. In a
sociological point of view, street foods should not be judged according to its presentation and
quality. It must be known that maybe the vendor dont have enough or high quality utensils to
produce food properly. Yes, sometimes it is dangerous, but only if you eat it every day. Eating
street foods is not for an everyday intake. It should be controlled and maintained by drinking lots
of fluids after eating.

Bibliography

Estrosas, C (2011) Filipino Street Food Adventure Retrieved from

http://artofadventuring.com/filipino-street-food-adventure/
Hofstede, G. (1997). Cultures and Organizations: Software of the mind. New York: McGraw Hill
Retrieved from https://www.tamu.edu/faculty/choudhury/culture.html