Filipino cuisine continues to leave its global footprint, as three local favorites – taho, maruya, and espasol – are recognized in the 2023 Taste Atlas’ Top 50 Best Street Food Sweets in the World list. These heart-warming and lip-smacking sweets have successfully represented the tropical archipelago in the popular global food map.
Claiming the 25th spot is the delightful “taho”, an enchanting mixture of soft tofu, arnibal syrup, and sago pearls. With 4.2 stars, this Filipino dessert doesn’t fail to appeal to the taste buds of both local and international gastronomes. “Taho is a sweet Filipino dessert which consists of fresh soft tofu doused in arnibal syrup and sprinkled with plump sago pearls… Usually, the dessert is topped with chewy sago pearls which are similar in appearance and texture to tapioca,” describes Taste Atlas in its list unveiled on July 14.
Landing in 37th place is the crispy and delectable “maruya”, a deep-fried banana fritter delicacy that scores a respectable 4-star rating. Taste Atlas writes, “Maruya are the famous Filipino banana fritters which consist of sliced or mashed bananas that are dusted with flour, battered, then fried until crispy… These fritters are a favorite among children and can often be found at street stalls throughout the country.”
Securing the 44th spot, “espasol”, a chewy Filipino rice cake, receives 3.8 stars. This delicacy from the province of Laguna is an emblem of the region’s culinary heritage. Taste Atlas notes, “Espasol is associated with the Laguna region, where it is hailed as a local specialty that is usually bought at various restaurants, stores, and street stalls.”
Here is the full list of the Best Street Food Sweets:
These Filipino snacks are among the best-rated street food sweets list of @TasteAtlas
#25 Taho
#37 Maruya
#44 Espasol https://t.co/yzwTOCY38H— GoodNewsPilipinas.com (@GoodNewsPinas_) July 17, 2023
This recognition for Filipino food came after Taste Atlas earlier this year named other Filipino favorites Sorbetes and Halo-Halo among the Best Rated Frozen Desserts in the World, and Lumpiang Shangjai among the Best Rated Street Foods.
Taste Atlas is an online platform that features over 10,000 specialty dishes, beverages, and recommended dining spots worldwide. It’s a go-to source for gastronomes planning an international trip, aiming to promote the local culinary culture across different countries.
The latest accolades given to taho, maruya, and espasol not only reflect the versatility and diversity of Filipino cuisine but also underscore the Philippines’ growing culinary prominence on a global scale. If you haven’t tried these Filipino favorites yet, it’s about time you do – and discover why they have secured their spot among the world’s top street food sweets!
TELL US in the comments below, which other sweet Filipino food do you want to see in the World’s Best list?
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