A Family Food Adventure Near the Philippine Embassy
After finishing our business at the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, my family and I started feeling hungry. Naturally, we searched for Filipino food nearby — something warm, comforting, and familiar. Google led us to a unique spot: Meryenda, a Filipino food truck serving classic Pinoy street food and merienda favorites.
It turned out to be the perfect choice.
Meryenda: Fine Filipino Street Food in Ottawa
Meryenda is one of Ottawa’s well‑known Filipino food trucks, offering freshly cooked Pinoy snacks made on the spot. The Filipino crew is friendly, welcoming, and quick to prepare your order. Everything is served hot, flavorful, and neatly packed in eco‑friendly paper bags.
Beside the truck is a small outdoor seating area with wooden picnic tables and red umbrellas, making it a cozy place to enjoy your food. Garbage and recycling bins are conveniently placed nearby to keep the area clean.
Location of Meryenda Food Truck
📍 1448 Prince of Wales Dr, Ottawa, ON K2C 1P1
The food truck sits at the corner of Prince of Wales and Meadowlands, about 15–20 minutes from the Philippine Embassy depending on traffic. It’s easy to find and has nearby parking, making it a convenient stop for families, students, and anyone craving Filipino flavors.
Meryenda Food Truck Menu
Their menu is simple but filled with Filipino favorites — the kind of snacks you’d find at a street corner back home. Here are the dishes we ordered during our visit:
1. Adobo Balls
Price: $9.75 CAD
One of their most unique creations. These are deep‑fried rice balls stuffed with chicken adobo, coated in panko crumbs, and tossed in a soy‑vinegar glaze. Each piece is drizzled with cilantro aioli, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and topped with chopped green onions.
An order includes two large adobo balls served on a bed of shredded cabbage and carrots.
A must‑try — crispy outside, soft and savory inside.
2. Pancit with Lumpia
Price: $16.75 CAD
This dish combines pancit canton and sotanghon noodles, stir‑fried in sesame oil with a colorful mix of vegetables: red cabbage, bell peppers, carrots, and green onions. It comes with a crispy lumpia and sweet chili sauce, plus a slice of lime.
My eldest daughter loved the noodles — flavorful, colorful, and comforting.
3. Kwek‑Kwek
Price: $8.75 CAD
A Filipino street food classic. These are quail eggs coated in orange batter, skewered, and deep‑fried until golden. They’re served with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
My youngest daughter enjoyed these the most — especially dipping them in the sweet, non‑spicy sauce.
A Taste of Home in Ottawa
There aren’t many Filipino restaurants in Ottawa, so discovering Meryenda was a treat. The food was:
- hot and freshly cooked
- not greasy
- well‑seasoned
- beautifully prepared
Every dish tasted like something you’d find at a street stall in the Philippines — simple, delicious, and made with care.
If you’re visiting Ottawa or passing by the area, Meryenda is worth the stop for a quick Filipino snack or merienda break.
Final Thoughts
Our visit to Meryenda made our family lunch memorable. It’s always heartwarming to find Filipino flavors far from home — especially when they’re prepared with authenticity and love.
Maraming salamat po for joining us on this little food adventure. If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it with your family and friends!
