Good Old Isaw at North Farview

When it comes to street food, nothing beats good old isaw; succulent chicken intestines basted in a simple sauce and grilled til crispy, then dipped in hot vinegar to finish. At around Php3 a piece, it's a staple for college students, PUV drivers, hungry passers-by and a must-try for foreigners seeking the "local thrill" right alongside the infamous balut.

With the various health risks of having street food, though, it's hard to find a reliable isaw spot that serves (relatively) safe products without sacrificing the classic street-food taste. Luckily, we found one right in our own hometown; a portable isaw spot snuggled inside the entrance of one of North Fairview's subdivisions.

The isawan is located near a tricycle terminal beside the East West Bank and is actually a motorcycle with a large sidecar that can be converted into a grilling station, operated by a small family. They arrive at their spot everyday at around 5pm and set-up shop for their hungry patrons.

a small bulb provides light when it starts to get dark

You take your pick of the usual isaw and ihaw selections from the tupperwares laid out on the cart (dont worry, a kid is always present to keep watch over the food from bugs); we have the usual stuff like isaw manok, isaw baboy, betamax (caked blood), gizzard and regular barbecue. 

take your pick. going back for seconds is allowed AND encouraged

the grill

Afterwards you bring your choices over to the grill and let the boy in charge of that station take care of the rest. When your isaw are done, grab that bunch and start eating! If you're not comfortable dipping them into the jar of vinegar (spicy and chock-full of onions, garlic, chili and calamansi) along with several burly tricycle drivers, teenagers and subdivision residents, do what I do and request for a plate (covered in plastic), then have them ladle some vinegar straight over your isaw.

Left to Right: pork barbecue, betamax, isaw manok and isaw baboy. BLISS

Isaw can also be pre-ordered in large batches if you're serving it a party. As a bonus, you can also actually order a take-out of pre-barbecued isaw if you want to do the grilling yourself at home. They'll even let you buy the basting sauce and vinegar so you can have that authentic isaw taste.

I love the fact that I can be comfortable having isaw in that station. The area itself (being inside a subdivision) is secure and clean, and since you can see your food being prepared and cooked on spot, you can be assured of its safety. I'm not saying this is the cleanest, most sterile eatery in the world, but let's face it, you wont find the best, most delectable isaw in a fancy restaurant. Street food is, in essence, an adventure to the palate after all.