Filipino Merienda Ideas
Merienda is more than just a snack in the Philippines — it’s a beloved tradition, a tasty break that bridges meals and brings people together. Whether you’re working from home, packing baon, or craving a quick bite in the afternoon, these easy Filipino Merienda Ideas are sure to satisfy your cravings daily without breaking the bank.
Looking for even more ways to save while enjoying Filipino favorites? Check out our post on Budget-Friendly Pinoy Recipes for Everyday Meals for practical and affordable cooking ideas.
1. Kamote Cue
A beloved street snack, kamote cue features thick slices of sweet potato (kamote) coated in caramelized brown sugar and deep-fried to golden perfection. Skewered on sticks for easy eating, it’s crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and incredibly affordable. You only need sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and oil — pantry staples in most Filipino homes.
2. Pandesal with Palaman
Pandesal is the quintessential Filipino bread roll. Slightly sweet, pillowy, and crusty on the outside, it pairs well with a wide range of fillings or palaman — like margarine, peanut butter, cheese, or leftover adobo. Its versatility makes it a top merienda option for busy households and students on a budget.
3. Banana Turon
Turon is a crispy and sweet snack made from ripe saba bananas wrapped in lumpia wrappers, sometimes with jackfruit (langka), and fried until crisp. A thin coating of caramelized sugar gives it an irresistible crunch. Turon is a favorite for its combination of simplicity, affordability, and indulgent taste.
4. Champorado with Tuyo
Champorado is a chocolate rice porridge made with sticky rice and tablea (cacao tablets), giving it a rich, bittersweet flavor. Pairing it with salty dried fish (tuyo) creates a unique balance of sweet and savory, making it a comfort food staple during the rainy season.
5. Mais Con Yelo
Mais con yelo is a chilled dessert-snack perfect for tropical afternoons. It consists of corn kernels (fresh or canned), crushed ice, evaporated milk, and sugar. It’s creamy, sweet, and refreshing — and very budget-friendly using local ingredients.
6. Tokneneng
Tokneneng are quail eggs coated in orange-tinted batter and deep-fried until crispy. Often served with spiced vinegar, they’re a popular street food that’s filling and protein-packed. You can also use chicken eggs to make its bigger cousin, kwek-kwek.
7. Puto (Steamed Rice Cakes)
Puto are soft, fluffy steamed rice cakes often topped with cheese or salted egg. They’re traditionally made from rice flour and coconut milk and can be served plain or paired with savory dishes like dinuguan. Puto offers a delicate sweetness that makes it a favorite for all ages.
8. Instant Pancit Canton with a Twist
Instant pancit canton noodles are quick to prepare and can be turned into a filling merienda with the addition of sautéed garlic, veggies, or eggs. It’s a great way to elevate a basic instant noodle meal without much cost or effort.
9. Tablea Tsokolate with Ensaymada
This traditional hot chocolate is made by dissolving tablea in water or milk and whisking until frothy. Paired with buttery ensaymada topped with cheese, it creates a nostalgic merienda that’s rich, comforting, and perfect for cooler days.
10. Halo-Halo sa Bahay
The ultimate summer merienda, halo-halo means “mix-mix” and is made with a combination of crushed ice, sweetened beans, fruits, jellies, milk, and sometimes topped with leche flan or ube ice cream. A homemade version can be tailored to your available ingredients and still satisfy your cravings.
11. Cheese Sticks
Cheese sticks are a hit among kids and adults alike. Sliced cheese wrapped in lumpia wrappers and fried until golden creates a gooey, savory snack that’s quick, cheap, and crowd-pleasing. Serve with ketchup or mayo for extra flavor.
12. Mini Chicken Empanadas
These handheld savory pastries are filled with a mixture of chicken, carrots, potatoes, and sometimes raisins. They’re great make-ahead snacks that freeze well, making them convenient for busy afternoons. Plus, they’re very affordable to make in batches.
13. Maruya (Banana Fritters)
Maruya is made by slicing saba bananas, dipping them in batter, and frying them to a crisp. Sprinkled with sugar, it’s an old-fashioned merienda that transforms simple ingredients into something truly comforting and satisfying.
14. Ginataang Bilo-Bilo
This warm dessert soup features glutinous rice balls, saba bananas, jackfruit, and tapioca pearls simmered in coconut milk. Rich and creamy, it’s a classic rainy-day snack that’s both nourishing and indulgent.
15. Kakanin Platter
Kakanin refers to native rice delicacies like sapin-sapin, biko, kutsinta, and palitaw. These snacks are often made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sugar — affordable staples that highlight Filipino ingenuity in turning simple ingredients into festive treats.
Merienda is a delicious part of Filipino daily life. With these Filipino merienda ideas, you won’t run out of snackspiration! Bookmark this post, save the recipes, and bring a piece of home to your everyday table with this Filipino Merienda Ideas.
