National Dish Philippines: Isaw (Recipe)
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Meet Isaw, one of the Philippines’ most iconic street foods! These grilled skewers of marinated chicken or pork intestines are a fixture at lively barbecue gatherings and bustling street markets across the islands. Smoky, savoury and packed with bold flavour, they are usually served straight off the coals with a tangy dipping sauce on the side. Bring the buzz of a Filipino street stall right into your own back garden.
About Isaw
Isaw is a hugely popular street food from the Philippines, found most often at barbecue parties and on the country’s busy street markets. The dish consists of grilled chicken or pork intestines seasoned with flavourful marinades. It boasts not only a distinctive taste but also a fascinating history that is deeply rooted in Filipino culture. Isaw is frequently served alongside a tangy dipping sauce, bringing the flavours of the Philippines straight to the plate.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 400g chicken intestines or pork intestines
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Skewers for grilling
Shopping for the ingredients
To prepare isaw, it is important to source all the ingredients you need fresh and of good quality. Visit your local butcher or an Asian grocery to find the intestines. Make sure they are well cleaned and free of any unpleasant smells. For the marinade, you will need fresh seasonings and good-quality soy sauce to guarantee the best flavour.
Preparing the dish
Preparing isaw begins with thoroughly cleaning the intestines. It is essential that they are well washed and rid of any impurities. Next, make the marinade by combining soy sauce, vinegar, chopped garlic, onion, pepper and sugar in a bowl. Place the cleaned intestines in the marinade and leave them to soak for at least an hour so the flavours can work their way in.
Step-by-step instructions
- Thread the marinated intestines onto the skewers so they sit neatly on the grill.
- Preheat the grill and set it to a medium-high heat.
- Lay the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
- Brush occasionally with the remaining marinade to build up extra flavour.
- Take the isaw skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
If you would like to make isaw gluten-free or lactose-free, take care to use a gluten-free soy sauce. There are now plenty of alternatives that contain no wheat yet still deliver the same umami flavour. The remaining ingredients — vinegar, garlic and onion — are perfect for a gluten- and lactose-free preparation. Just be sure not to add anything that contains gluten or lactose.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans and vegetarians, isaw is easily adapted by using vegetable or tofu skewers instead. Courgette, peppers, mushrooms and aubergine are great options that you can marinate in the same way to deepen their flavour. These alternatives grill up beautifully and bring a wonderful aroma. Try a variety of marinated vegetables to create your own delicious skewers, much like a Vegetable Lumpia.
More tips and tricks
A great tip for perfect isaw is to grill the intestines over indirect heat to keep them from charring. Stick to fresh ingredients too, so you can coax out the fullest flavour. A combination of other seasonings such as chilli or ginger can lend the dish an exciting edge. Isaw is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, when its full flavour and tender texture really shine.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The isaw recipe is easy to tailor to your own preferences. You can make the marinade sweeter or spicier by adjusting the amounts of sugar and pepper. The choice of intestines can be varied to taste as well. If you prefer things milder, simply cut back on the garlic and onion.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot get hold of chicken intestines, you can also use other cuts of meat or even plant-based alternatives — the same skewer-friendly spirit you find in Pork Barbecue. For the marinade, honey or agave syrup can stand in for sugar to bring a natural sweetness. If you want your skewers hotter, add a little sambal oelek or some fresh chillies. The more creative you are, the more interesting the flavours you can achieve!
Drink pairing ideas
Isaw pairs wonderfully with all sorts of drinks! A cold, freshly poured beer is a perfect match and complements the savoury notes of the dish. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, serve lemonade or water with lemon to freshen the palate. Drinks infused with mint or ginger can lift the whole tasting experience even further.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of isaw is simple yet effective. Serve the grilled skewers on a wooden board or an elegant platter for a rustic look. Round out the plate with fresh vegetables or a spicy dipping sauce offered in small bowls. A decorative arrangement and fresh herbs as a garnish give the dish the finishing touch and make it appealing to every palate.
A bit of history
Isaw is not only a delicious dish but also carries a fascinating history that reaches back to the street culture of the Philippines. Originally conceived as a humble dish for ordinary people, isaw has over the years grown into an important part of Filipino food culture. It represents the diversity and the love people share for good food enjoyed together. Today isaw is more than a snack — it is a symbol of the convivial atmosphere of the country’s street markets and of Philippine cuisine as a whole.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Isaw
Isaw is an incomparable street food that captures the flavours and culture of the Philippines. Made with fresh ingredients and a tangy marinade, it is a treat that delivers on both taste and presentation. Whether you try the traditional version or a variation for vegans and vegetarians, isaw is sure to be a hit with your guests. Let the many ways of preparing it inspire you, and savour this delicious dish to the full.
