Take a trip down Tutuban's FoodStreet

Manila, Philippines -  Street dishes are all the rage in the world’s culinary capitals, but these informal food feasts originated from Asia.

Manila, of course, is one of the top destinations for the practical and adventurous diner. Tutuban Center’s “FoodStreet” is a fine example of a gustatory district that attracts people from all walks of life for its simple, makeshift and unassuming stalls.

In these trying times, people are wisely cutting back on spending at restaurants and even fast-food joints. Street food — fresh, inexpensive, ready to eat — are more often preferred by the budget-conscious. Choose from a wide variety of food and beverages that recall the taste of home-cooked meals while having the feeling that you are dining out.

Now more than ever, being a street-food trader makes a lot of financial sense. For the innately entrepreneurial, Tutuban’s FoodStreet is offering spaces for rent. Situated at the main thoroughfares of the historic and commercial mall, future tenants will have a captured market among shoppers, students and the working and professional class.

For its small size, a street-food enterprise only requires small capital. The trader only needs the most basic cooking skills, management acumen, simple facilities and of course, his serving of affordable yet delicious lunches, dinners and snacks.

Though small-scale, this type of venture has a big potential for generating income — even employment — so it is not impossible for the street-food trader to have average earnings that can be three to even 10 times more than the minimum-wage worker.

Tutuban’s FoodStreet’s location at the historic former railway station is fitting because it is a reflection of the exciting local culture as manifested on the food fare being served.

Appetizing offerings include Hong Kong-style noodles; Chinese siopao and siomai; Persian shawarma; the very Pinoy silog, isaw, balut, chicharon, fishballs and banana cue; or even inihaw na liempo, pusit, manok, bangus; and delicious English muffins and American baked goodies.

One significant concern about street food, though, is health and sanitation. However, FoodStreet and Tutuban Center officials assure tenants that the mall administration takes this aspect of the business seriously. Hygiene, cleanliness and waste disposal will adhere to the strictest standards as imposed by law and the national and local health departments.

Security of both the businessman and his consumers is also of utmost consideration. The mall’s roving and plainclothes security personnel will be on hand to ensure the safety of everyone.

Tutuban’s FoodStreet operations will be from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight starting July 1. For leasing inquiries, contact Gina Villamor and Mary Anne Suralta at 251-1661 local 125, or direct line 253-1769.