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  4. 10 Best Kikiam in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
  • 10 Best Kikiam in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian 1
  • 10 Best Kikiam in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian 2
  • 10 Best Kikiam in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian 3
  • 10 Best Kikiam in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian 4
  • 10 Best Kikiam in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian 5

10 Best Kikiam in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian

When we speak of street food, it is impossible not to think of kikiam. This Pinoy favorite is usually sold together with its constant partners, fish balls and squid balls. And the great news is that you don't have to wait for the street food kariton to arrive at your kanto every 3 pm to munch on some soft and chewy kikiam, as they are available online.


Apart from the kikiam we're all familiar with, you can also find the traditional one, a more elaborate type that looks similar to another Pinoy favorite, lumpiang shanghai. Read on, as we've prepared some recommendations and a buying guide, fact-checked by nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales, to help you score the best kikiam!

Last updated 07/14/2023
Samantha Morales
Expert
Nutritionist-Dietitian
Samantha Morales

Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.

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Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose Kikiam - Buying Guide

Here are some key points to consider:


  1. Traditional or street food style: choose the type of kikiam you crave.
  2. Determine if you prefer frozen or ready-to-eat kikiam.
  3. When opting for frozen kikiam, pay attention to their expiration date and net weight.
  4. Go over some customer reviews to gauge the kikiam’s quality.

For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.

1

Traditional or Street Food Style: Choose the Type of Kikiam You Crave

There are generally two types of kikiam, the one usually peddled in the streets with other tusok-tusok foods and the type you often see as a topping on lomi or pansit dishes. While both are called kikiam, they can vary in terms of taste, size, and even appearance. Learn more about them below.

Go for Traditional Kikiam if You Crave Something Savory

Go for Traditional Kikiam if You Crave Something Savory

Traditional kikiam typically consist of ground pork and seafood with minced vegetables wrapped in bean curd or tawpe sheets, which is why they possess a savory and flavorful taste that goes well as toppings for dishes like pansit and lomi. Some people also like to have them as ulam, paired with hot rice.


They look similar to the Chinese dish, ngo hiang, from which kikiam are said to have originated. They possess a sausage-like shape that you can compare to Pinoy's favorite, lumpiang shanghai. And although less known than their street food-style counterpart, several Chinese restaurants and specialty shops serve them, and they are usually presented sliced like embutido.

Street Food Style Kikiam Are Perfect As Snacks and Finger Foods

Street Food Style Kikiam Are Perfect As Snacks and Finger Foods

This type of kikiam is usually sold in street food carts, along with fish balls and squid balls. They are often deep-fried and then served with different kinds of dipping sauce that make them more delectable. In terms of appearance, they are smaller in size than traditional kikiam, but they do possess the same sausage-like shape.


And since they are bite-sized, Filipinos love to have this type of kikiam as merienda or snacks. They are also patok as finger foods or pulutan. Although made of the same ingredients as traditional ones, they do not look much like them anymore since this type of kikiam has been widely commercialized and is usually sold tingi at a very low price.

2

Determine if You Prefer Frozen or Ready-to-Eat Kikiam

Determine if You Prefer Frozen or Ready-to-Eat Kikiam

If you're pressed for time and prefer something you can eat instantly, you can order ready-to-eat kikiam from various Chinese specialty restaurants. Although traditional kikiam are the ones that are mainly sold cooked and ready-to-eat, you can also buy street food-style kikiam ready for consumption from various online stores on food delivery apps.


Meanwhile, if you want to get your kikiam fix at home, you can also buy frozen kikiam that you can stock your fridge with and occasionally cook for movie nights, merienda, or if you simply crave some tusok-tusok. Like other frozen foods, they are usually sold per kilo pack, containing several pieces, so they're also cost-efficient.

3

When Opting for Frozen Kikiam, Pay Attention to Their Expiration Date and Net Weight

When Opting for Frozen Kikiam, Pay Attention to Their Expiration Date and Net Weight

Like with other frozen food, when buying frozen kikiam, make it a habit to check their packaging. It is especially important to pay attention to their expiration date, so you know until when it is safe to consume them. This way, you can avoid wasting them by ensuring to finish them before they go bad.


In case the provided photos do not clearly show the expiration date, do not hesitate to contact the seller or shop directly. Another thing to consider is the quantity of the kikiam that you're buying. They are usually sold in 500 grams- and one kilogram-pack. To choose a suitable amount, be sure to select according to how many people are consuming them.

4

Go Over Some Customer Reviews to Gauge the Kikiam’s Quality

Go Over Some Customer Reviews to Gauge the Kikiam’s Quality

Since online shopping takes away the advantage of meticulously inspecting food items, it is vital to go over and read reviews left by previous customers. This way, you can be assured of the quality of the frozen goods. Some reviewers usually comment about how the food items are when cooked. Do they get crushed, or do they fry nicely?  The feedbacks and reviews should let you know.


You can also look for reviews that focus on the food products' taste. Some comments would tell you if they taste similar to those you can buy from street food carts. Apart from all these, you may also chance upon feedback and complaints about receiving expired frozen goods, so be sure to keep an eye on those to avoid having the same experience.

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10 Best Kikiam to Buy Online

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of food delivery apps, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Eng Bee Tin

Pork Kikiam

Eng Bee Tin Pork Kikiam 1

₱175

High Mid

Enjoy the Savory Goodness of Traditional Kikiam at Your Home With This Pack

2

Shanghai

Kikiam

Shanghai  Kikiam 1

₱59.94

Low Mid

Kikiam With the Right Balance of Crisp and Softness

3

Classic Savory

Crispy Pork Kikiam

Classic Savory Crispy Pork Kikiam 1

₱295

High

Mouthwatering Kikiam That Has a Crispy Crust and Juicy Filling

4

Golden Peacock

Kikiam

Golden Peacock  Kikiam  1

₱65

Low Mid

Halal and Made of Fish, Perfect for Those Who Avoid Pork

5

Mekeni

Kikiam Ball

Mekeni  Kikiam Ball 1

₱32

Low

Enjoy Tusok-Tusok at Home With This Fusion of Kikiam and Fishball

6

Capitol x Harlem Restaurant

Kikiam

Capitol x Harlem Restaurant Kikiam  1

₱84

Mid

Indulge in the Taste of Authentic Chinese Kikiam

7

Kikiam

 Kikiam 1

₱149.75

High Mid

A Pack of Tasty Kikiam to Satisfy Your Whole Family’s Street Food Cravings

8

Polland

Frozen Kikiam

Polland  Frozen Kikiam 1

₱270

High Mid

Meaty Kikiam That Is Best Paired With Rice

9

Marby

Tempura

Marby Tempura  1

₱90

Mid

Locally Made Kikiam Prepared With Cuttlefish

10

Zupafresh

Kikiam

Zupafresh Kikiam 1

₱80

Mid

A Bag Frozen Kikiam That Fry to a Nice Crisp

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Eng Bee TinPork Kikiam

Pork Kikiam 1
Source:frozenmnl.com
Reference price
₱175
High Mid
Reference price
₱175
High Mid

Enjoy the Savory Goodness of Traditional Kikiam at Your Home With This Pack

Whether you've always loved traditional kikiam or want to try it for the first time, this pack from Eng Bee Tin is an excellent choice. Coming from a chain that is known to be a home of classic and appetizing Chinese deli, you know it wouldn't disappoint in terms of quality and taste.


Their kikiam are made of pork seasoned with five-spice powder and wrapped in beancurd skin. They have a savory and slightly sweet taste that will remind you of timeless Chinese dishes. Each serving comes with three vacuum-packed rolls of kikiam that are best fried until golden brown.

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No.2

Shanghai Kikiam

Reference price
₱59.94
Low Mid

Kikiam With the Right Balance of Crisp and Softness

Coming from a brand known for its street food products, like fishballs and squid balls, you'll know that this pack of kikiam is bound to be good. In fact, reviewers can't stop raving about how these kikiam possess the right balance of lutong and lambot further complemented with its tamang timpla!

Moreover, these kikiam also stay siksik even after being cooked, unlike ones that tend to shrink. To enjoy at their best, deep-fry them until golden brown and then serve hot with your preferred sauce. In case your cravings are on the blink, they are a good pick too, as you can have them shipped through same-day delivery.

No.3

Classic SavoryCrispy Pork Kikiam

Reference price
₱295
High

Mouthwatering Kikiam That Has a Crispy Crust and Juicy Filling

Although known for their staple Chicken, Classic Savory also offers kikiam that can be your next favorite. Their kikiam is made of pork filling wrapped in thin bean curd skin, then deep-fried to perfection, so you can expect them to be juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.


They are usually served sliced and are best enjoyed with the restaurant's classic sweet and sour sauce. This kikiam is an excellent pick if you want a delicious and filling ulam. Although best paired with rice, you can also eat them as they are. Some people even like to pair them with the restaurant's pancit!

No.4

Golden Peacock Kikiam

Reference price
₱65
Low Mid

Halal and Made of Fish, Perfect for Those Who Avoid Pork

For those who are watching their meat intake or don't eat pork at all, this pack of kikiam from Golden Peacock has got you covered. Unlike most kikiam you'll see made of pork, this one is made of fish. With this, you can now enjoy your favorite kikiam without the guilt! It is an excellent pick for people closely watching their health.


Adding to that, it is also Halal certified! No need to worry about its taste, too, as it possesses the same nakasanayang taste that we all love. Some reviewers even said that it is a hit for kids! You can also consume it either as an ulam or snack. To ensure you get your hands on it while it's still fresh, you may opt for same-day delivery too!

No.5

Mekeni Kikiam Ball

Kikiam Ball 1
Source:lazada.com.ph
Reference price
₱32
Low
Reference price
₱32
Low

Enjoy Tusok-Tusok at Home With This Fusion of Kikiam and Fishball

Now that we can't go out much to meet our suking manong fishball, you might want to try these kikiam balls. These balls are like the combination of your favorite kikiam and fishballs. They possess the taste of classic kikiam while having an appearance similar to that of fishballs'.


These kikiam balls come from Mekeni Food Corporation's streetfood product line, so quality-wise, you know you're in for a treat as well! The said company has always been known for their range of quality frozen foods that Filipinos have always loved.

No.6

Capitol x Harlem RestaurantKikiam

Reference price
₱84
Mid

Indulge in the Taste of Authentic Chinese Kikiam

If you're craving traditional kikiam, head over to Capitol! Serving since 1955, their kikiam possesses an authentic taste that others would describe as timeless. Thanks to its soft interior and slightly gritty exterior, it creates a unique mouthfeel that goes exceptionally well with its very savory taste


With every bite, you get to taste a fusion of spices and flavors that tugs on your palate. It is ready to eat and usually served sliced too, so instead of a snack, it is perfect as ulam. And what elevates its savory taste even more, is the classic sweet and sour sauce that it comes with! 

No.7

Kikiam

Kikiam 1
Source:landers.ph
Kikiam 2
Source:landers.ph
Reference price
₱149.75
High Mid
Reference price
₱149.75
High Mid

A Pack of Tasty Kikiam to Satisfy Your Whole Family’s Street Food Cravings

Missing the kind of kikiam that you can find on your favorite tusok-tusok lanes? Look no further than this one. Possessing an appearance that looks very similar to that of local vendors', all you have to do is prepare your skewer, and they'll be as good as your favorite street food!


With a net weight of 1.5kg, this pack contains several pieces of kikiam that would be enough to satisfy not just your cravings but your whole family's cravings. And to complete the street food experience, you can pair them with a homemade dipping sauce, just like the one you can find on our tips below.

Meaty Kikiam That Is Best Paired With Rice

Apart from kikiam that you can papak, you might be looking for the kind you can pair with hot rice. Cue in this one by Polland! Unlike our nakasanayang kikiam, this one is like a sausage roll made with a generous amount of minced pork and vegetables, so it is oozing with tasty and meaty goodness. 


It is also seasoned with 5-spice powder, giving it a deeper flavor that street food-style kikiam can't provide. Although tasty on its own, it is best served with hot rice. Each pack contains three pieces of kikiam, but since each portion is big, it is good enough for sharing with your family.

No.9

MarbyTempura

Reference price
₱90
Mid

Locally Made Kikiam Prepared With Cuttlefish

Another excellent pick for those who are not into kikiam containing pork, these locally made kikiam from Marby are prepared with cuttlefish. With a net weight of 200g, you can cook the whole pack and enjoy it as pass-around finger food during game nights or movie marathons.


To enjoy them, simply deep fry and pair them with a dip! Although Marby is well-known and loved for its baked goods and pastries, the brand has also been keen on releasing a range of frozen goods, including fishballs, squid balls, lobster balls, along with this pack of kikiam that you can enjoy at home when you're craving street food!

No.10

ZupafreshKikiam

Reference price
₱80
Mid

A Bag Frozen Kikiam That Fry to a Nice Crisp

When it comes to street food, like kikiam, preferences can vary. Some people like them soft and chewy, while others like them golden and crunchy. If you're leaning more on the latter, this is for you! These pieces of kikiam from Zupafresh can fry to a golden brown hue with a nice crisp.


They are an excellent choice for people who like their kikiam with some pronounceable crunch! Taste-wise, some reviewers also indicated that they are delicious, making them especially a hit for kids. Aside from being excellent finger foods, you can serve them as ulam, as they're tasty enough to pair well with plain rice. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.

What Is Kikiam Made of?

The instant kikiam that we're all familiar with is typically made of a mix of fish or pork, flour, and seasoning. In contrast, the traditional variant is made using seasoned ground pork and minced shrimp, so it's more savory.

Can You Cook Kikiam in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook kikiam in an air fryer, just like fish balls and squid balls. This is a good alternative if you wish to veer away from the usual deep frying cooking method to eliminate the use of oil. Simply load the kikiam in the basket, then cook for about 10 minutes.

How to Make Kikiam Sauce?

The kikiam experience wouldn't be complete without the sweet, salty, and spicy sauce! Thankfully, you can create that at home. Simply mix water, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. To achieve a thick consistency, add cornstarch and flour. Throw in some minced onion, garlic, and chilies, too, then season it with salt and pepper!

Stock Your Fridge With These Frozen Goods

For days when you're pressed for time or simply don't feel like whipping up a dish from scratch, you'll love to have a pile of frozen food on your fridge that you can quickly cook and munch on. So what are you waiting for? Check out these articles below and reach for these frozen foods that should never go missing from your fridge!

Author: R. Victoriano

Editor: I. Honda

How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations

Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.

Top 5 Kikiam

No. 1: Eng Bee TinPork Kikiam

No. 2: Shanghai Kikiam

No. 3: Classic SavoryCrispy Pork Kikiam

No. 4: Golden Peacock Kikiam

No. 5: Mekeni Kikiam Ball

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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