Candice Lopez-Quimpo
These may look like miniature chimneys along the roadside stalls, but that's what gives the chewy purple snacks their name.
Traditionally, purple mountain rice was used to make these, steamed in bamboo tubes, then served with butter, panocha (brown concentrated sugar) and grated coconut.
The Via Mare chain has been consistently producing chewy snack for years.
Cafe Via Mare, Shop 138, Greenbelt 3 Ayala Center, Makati, Luzon Philippines;
45. Turon
This fried banana with langka (jackfruit) all sealed in a lumpia wrapper is our version of a sweet spring roll.
It is peddled around the cities and towns for the perfect merienda (mid-morning or afternoon snack).
46. Pan de sal
Pan de sal are small oval buns often eaten by Filipinos for breakfast. A brownish crust conceals a soft and fluffy inside. The best pan de sal is baked in an oven using firewood, naturally infusing the wood flavor into the bread.
Everyone has their favorite bakery, but Pan de Manila with outlets all over Metro Manila is consistently delicious.
Pan de Manila, lower GF dela Rosa carpark 2, Makati, Luzon Philippines;
47. Taho
Brown sugar syrup is stirred into warm soybean custard and topped with sago pearls.
Traditionally sold by vendors walking the streets calling out to those at home, but can also be sourced from supermarkets and restaurants.
48. Tablea tsokolate
A customary hot chocolate drink that stems from Spanish colonial times, tablea tsokolate is made from tablea de cacao -- bittersweet, thick flat chocolate disks.
The traditional version is available at Adarna Food and Culture.
Adarna Food and Culture, 119 Kalayaan Avenue Diliman, Quezon City, Luzon Philippines;
49. Halayang ube
The ube or purple yam is a popular ingredient used for desserts and here it's made into a sweet halayang ube (ube jam).
For decades the nuns of the Good Shepherd Convent in Tagaytay have been producing this jam.
Their product is smooth and creamy, and helps provide a livelihood to the single mothers who make them.
Good Shepherd Convent, Gibraltar Road Benguet, Baguio, Luzon Philippines;
50. Leche flan
This is a popular dessert among locals -- an egg and milk-based custard capped off with glistening caramelized sugar.