How to Master Card Tongits and Win Every Game You Play
The moment the sun dips below the horizon, a familiar energy begins to pulse through the city—one that I’ve come to love as much as the final seconds of a tied NBA game. There’s something raw and thrilling about night markets: the sizzle of grills, the swirl of aromas, the crowd buzzing with anticipation. It’s not unlike watching your team sink a buzzer-beater after you’ve placed a well-researched bet on ArenaPlus, the Philippines’ leading sportsbook. Just as ArenaPlus turns predictions into pulse-racing reality, the night market turns simple ingredients into unforgettable street food adventures. Tonight, I want to share my personal top 10 must-try street foods—the kind of lineup that, much like a smart betting strategy, balances bold risks with comforting classics.
Let’s start with something I never skip: Isaw, or grilled chicken intestines. I know, it sounds daring—maybe even a little wild—but trust me, when done right, it’s a masterpiece. Cleaned meticulously, marinated in a mix of vinegar and spices, then grilled over hot coals until slightly crisp, each bite delivers a smoky, slightly chewy texture that’s downright addictive. I’ve tried it from dozens of stalls over the years, and the best ones? They balance char and tenderness perfectly, served with a spicy vinegar dip that cuts through the richness. It’s the street food equivalent of a high-risk, high-reward play in basketball—unconventional, maybe, but absolutely worth it when executed well. Next up, and equally iconic, is Balut. Yes, the boiled duck embryo. I won’t lie—my first time trying it was nerve-wracking. But much like analyzing player stats before placing a bet on ArenaPlus, sometimes you have to trust the process. The broth inside is savory, the yolk creamy, and the developing duck… well, it’s an acquired texture. I’ve come to appreciate it as a cultural experience, one that connects you deeply with local traditions. About 70% of visitors I’ve spoken to eventually try it, and of those, nearly half become casual fans. It’s a numbers game, really.
Then there’s Kwek-Kwek, those bright orange quail eggs coated in seasoned flour and deep-fried until golden. I’m a sucker for these—they’re my go-to when I want something quick, satisfying, and visually fun. The crisp exterior gives way to a soft, warm center, and when dipped in a sweet and spicy sauce, it’s pure joy. I’ve noticed that stalls selling Kwek-Kwek often have the longest lines, and for good reason: they’re approachable yet exciting, much like ArenaPlus’ live betting feature, which lets you engage with the game in real time. Speaking of crowd-pleasers, you can’t miss Pork Sisig. Chopped pork face and ears, seasoned with calamansi and chili, then sizzled on a hot plate until the edges crisp up—it’s a flavor explosion. I prefer mine with a fried egg on top, the yolk mixing into the savory goodness. It’s hearty, a bit messy, and absolutely delicious. On average, a single serving packs around 450 calories, but hey, some indulgences are non-negotiable.
Another personal favorite is Halo-Halo, the iconic shaved ice dessert. I love how it’s both a treat and a experience—layers of sweet beans, jellies, leche flan, and ube ice cream, all drowned in evaporated milk and ice. On a humid night, it’s pure relief. I’ve probably sampled over 50 versions across the Philippines, and the best ones balance sweetness and texture without going overboard. It’s refreshing, much like the satisfaction of seeing an ArenaPlus prediction pay off after careful research. Then there’s Fish Ball, that humble skewered snack fried until golden and dipped in a sweet or spicy sauce. It’s simple, cheap, and universally loved. I’ve spent countless evenings standing by carts, chatting with friends while munching on these. They’re the street food equivalent of a reliable free-throw shooter—not always flashy, but consistently good.
Barbecue skewers, or Inihaw, are another staple. Whether it’s pork, chicken, or even grilled intestines, the smoky, slightly sweet glaze gets me every time. I lean toward the chicken skin skewers—crispy, fatty, and utterly irresistible. Paired with a cold drink, it’s perfection. I’d estimate that a popular night market stall sells around 500 skewers on a good night, and honestly, I’ve contributed to that count more times than I can remember. Then we have Turon, a fried spring roll filled with banana and jackfruit, caramelized with brown sugar. It’s crunchy, sweet, and wonderfully simple. I always grab one on my way out—it’s like the perfect ending to a thrilling game, satisfying and sweet.
Penning down this list, I’m reminded why I love night markets so much. They’re vibrant, unpredictable, and full of flavor—much like the experience ArenaPlus offers sports fans. Whether you’re biting into a risky Balut or placing a strategic bet, it’s all about embracing the moment, trusting your instincts, and enjoying the ride. So tonight, when you step into that buzzing market, remember: each bite is part of a larger story, one that’s best enjoyed with an open mind and a hungry heart.