As the New Year dawns, there’s an extra sprinkle of excitement in the air for many Filipinos families abroad. Why? Because it’s that time of the year when all the aunties and uncles return from their holiday trips to the Philippines, their suitcases filled with… pasalubong!
For those of you who don’t know what a pasalubong is, it’s the heartfelt tradition of bringing back gifts from travels. And among these cherished gifts, the real stars are the chichirya.
But for those of you who don’t know what chichirya is, it’s the Filipino word for snacks. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good snack?
Join me as I reveal my 21 favourite Filipino snacks!
1. Potchi Strawberry Cream
If you love strawberries like I do, you’ve got to try Potchi. Each gummy is nice and fluffy, with a crystallized, sugared top that makes its outside texture crunchy, while the inside stays soft.
2. V-Cut Potato Chips
Craving that satisfying crunch? The barbecue flavoured V-Cut potato chips are my go-to for a snack that never disappoints. They’re simple, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious.
3. Piattos
There’s something about their uniquely thin and hexagonally shaped crisps that delivers the perfect crunch. They have tons of flavours, but the sour cream and onion is my favourite. If you’re a fan of the Ruffles version, you’ll love these!
4. Pillows
Pillows are not just for bedtime. Filled with chocolatey goodness, these snacks elevate the experience, turning every bite into a sweet escape. There’s a reason Bretman Rock featured these on his YouTube channel!
5. Boy Bawang Cornick
If you love savoury snacks, Boy Bawang is a must-try. These corn nuts coated with savoury garlic flavour are perfect for those who enjoy a bold and crunchy snack. Just don’t eat these before going on a date!
6. Choc Nut
This iconic peanut and milk chocolate treat is a favourite for many Filipinos. With its crumbly texture and rich flavour, Choc Nut is the perfect blend of sweetness and nuttiness.
7. Dried Mangoes
If you’ve never had Philippine mango in your life, you’re missing out. And while we may not all have the luxury of growing a mango tree in our backyard, these dried mango snacks serve as a convenient alternative that are just as tasty.
8. Cloud 9
Just like its name suggests, Cloud 9 takes your taste buds to cloud nine with its delicious mix of chocolate, nougat, peanuts, and caramel. It’s the ultimate chocolate bar that’s bound to satisfy any sweet tooth craving!
9. Pancit Canton
I love instant noodles, and these chilimansi ones always hit the spot. They’re quick, flavourful, satisfying, and super easy to make. Whether you’re a noodle aficionado or just a casual fan, pancit canton is the ultimate Filipino comfort food!
10. Stik-O
Stik-O’s were my favourite growing up! These chocolate wafer sticks not only serve as a tasty snack with coffee or tea, but also add a beautiful touch to desserts and ice cream, making them a true snacking and decorating delight!
11. Cracklings
Cracklings are lots of Filipinos’ favourite pulutan, a snack typically enjoyed alongside your favourite beer. This Filipino chip is light and fluffy, yet crunchy, and resembles a lightly salt and vinegar flavoured pork rind.
12. Haw Haw
If its fun name and adorable cow graphic design haven’t caught your attention already, let me introduce you to the Haw Haw milk powder candy, a sweet and creamy, compressed, hard candy that’s pure childhood nostalgia in every bite.
13. Wiggles
Embrace your inner child with Wiggles, a chocolate coated marshmallow snack that wiggles its way into your heart. Trust me, it’s impossible not to smile while munching on these!
14. Ding Dong
Ding dong! Welcome to the flavourful world of Ding Dong nuts mix, an exciting medley of peanuts, corn bits, grade green peas, and cornick. Special shout-out to the green peas. They’re the real showstopper, and my personal favourite nut in the mix!
15. Kopiko
Coffee lovers, rejoice! The Kopiko coffee candy is your on-the-go caffeine fix in a chewy, delightful form. Each coffee candy contains an espresso’s worth of caffeine per 4-5 pieces. Who needs a cup of coffee when you can have coffee candy?
16. Frutos
I call these the Filipino Starbursts. Frutos have been beloved by Filipino kids since their late-eighties debut. Packaged in vibrant colors, they offer tropical options such as mango, tamarind, lychee, and ponkan, along with classic fruity flavours like grape, lemon, orange, pineapple, and strawberry.
17. Sky Flakes
The classic Filipino cracker, Sky Flakes, brings a simple yet satisfying lightly salted crunch to your snacking routine. I like adding them to my lunch boxes, keeping them in my desk drawer, or even serving them with my favourite dips, spreads, and cheese.
18. Golden Sweet Corn
Planning a movie date? Make Regent’s Golden Sweet Corn a part of your plan! These sweet corn chips are a Filipino snack that you and your loved ones will love to munch!
19. Chiz Curls
Satisfy your cheesy cravings with Chiz Curls, the Filipino answer to puffed Cheetos. These light and puffy curls are coated in a delicious cheesy flavour that’ll melt in your mouth!
20. Clover Chips
And if you love cheese like me, one cheese flavoured chip brand isn’t enough. Clover Chips are here to steal the show, providing a flavourful crunch that’ll keep you coming back for more.
21. Chippy
End your snack adventure on a high note with Chippy, a Filipino favourite, boasting a crispy texture and a burst of smoky, tangy barbecue flavour in every addictive bite. Because, really, you can never have too many Filipino chips!
Bonus: Plastic Balloons
Okay, this one’s not actually a snack. But these plastic balloons hold a special place in my heart as a cherished pasalubong from my childhood. They’re endless fun and sometimes leave a hint of that unique plastic taste in your mouth. Again, not exactly a snack, but the memories make it a nostalgic treat in its own playful way.
Have you indulged in the irresistible flavours of any of these Filipino snacks? Let me know your favourite among them, or share your own favourite Filipino snack.
Our snack journey is just getting started!
The Lilac Blog 
Mr Chips and V Cut for me 😁 not had them for years!
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