Crispy chicken feet, famously known as Adidas street food, have long been a beloved staple in the Filipino food scene. Whether enjoyed as pulutan, ulam, or a quick merienda, this humble dish delivers unforgettable flavor, texture, and nostalgia. One Filipina, Eula Paradero, has taken it a step further—turning even the bones delightfully edible.
Starting with just ₱500, Eula built a thriving business around this quirky and much-loved street food: crispy chicken feet.
From Curiosity to Crispy Gold
Eula’s love for chicken feet began early, inspired by her mother’s adobo-style cooking. “I first tasted chicken feet as a child—my mom used to cook it adobo-style,” she recalls.
In the midst of economic challenges, she decided to turn this passion into profit. With just ₱500, she ventured into selling chicken feet and created her own crispy version—so tender and flavorful that even the bones can be chewed and eaten!
The Secret Recipe: Patience, Passion, and Pressure
Cooking crispy chicken feet isn’t as simple as dropping them into hot oil. Eula shares her step-by-step process that turns a bony snack into a sought-after delicacy:
- Thorough Cleaning
Each chicken foot is carefully cleaned, removing tough outer skin and trimming the nails. - Slow Boil for Tenderness
She simmers the feet for up to two hours in a flavorful broth with garlic, onions, bay leaf, and peppercorns—a step crucial to softening the bones. - Crispy Coating
After boiling, the feet are coated in a seasoned flour mix with salt and pepper for that golden, crunchy finish. - Deep Frying
A final hot-oil bath transforms them into the perfect crispy treat.
The result? A snack that’s crispy, tasty, and so soft-boned that even the pickiest eaters give it a thumbs up.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken Feet
For those interested in preparing this beloved snack at home, a few key cooking tips can make all the difference:
- Marinate thoroughly to infuse deep flavor.
- Double-fry the chicken feet to achieve that irresistible crispiness.
- Use a blend of traditional Filipino spices and dipping sauces to enhance the savory and slightly tangy profile that makes Adidas street food so popular.
A Budget-Friendly, Collagen-Rich Delight
At only ₱10 per piece, Eula’s crispy chicken feet are not just a hit on the tastebuds—they’re rich in collagen. Collagen helps with skin, joints, and bone health. This makes them not only a flavorful snack but also a nourishing option that contributes to overall wellness. Incorporating this street food into your diet offers a tasty way to enjoy some of the benefits of natural collagen.
Mary Joy, a beauty pageant contestant, even credits chicken feet as part of her skincare routine. “It’s one of my secrets before competing. Chicken feet help my skin glow because of the collagen,” she shares.
Why Filipinos Love Chicken Feet (a.k.a. Adidas)
Chicken feet, affectionately nicknamed “Adidas” because of their distinctive three-toed shape, have become an iconic part of Filipino street food culture. Widely available in palengkes (wet markets), barbecue stands, and bustling street corners, Adidas street food showcases Filipino ingenuity and resourcefulness by making the most out of every part of the chicken. This humble dish has been enjoyed for generations, loved for its unique texture and savory flavor.
However, one common challenge with chicken feet has always been the hard-to-eat bones, which can deter some from fully enjoying the snack. Enter Eula Paradero, a passionate Filipino entrepreneur who revolutionized this classic by creating a version of crispy chicken feet that eliminates the struggle of bones. Through innovative cooking techniques, Eula’s recipe transforms even the bones into a crunchy, edible treat—making her crispy chicken feet a game-changer in the street food scene.
Her version not only elevates the traditional Adidas street food experience but also highlights how creativity and perseverance can turn a simple dish into a thriving business opportunity. Thanks to Eula, more Filipinos and food lovers everywhere can savor this unique snack without worry, celebrating the best of Filipino street food culture with every bite.
Business Potential of Adidas Street Food
From a business perspective, Eula’s journey shows how a simple street food favorite can become a lucrative enterprise. Starting with minimal capital, she tapped into the demand for affordable and tasty snacks. The low-cost ingredients, straightforward preparation, and high popularity make crispy chicken feet an excellent choice for entrepreneurs looking to start or scale a food business. With the right marketing and quality control, this street food can generate steady income and grow into a thriving venture.
Thanks to innovators like Eula Paradero, Adidas street food continues to evolve, blending tradition and innovation while offering exciting opportunities for food lovers and entrepreneurs alike.
Business Lessons from Eula Paradero
Eula’s story offers inspiration to anyone starting from scratch:
- Start small: ₱500 was enough to begin.
- Perfect the product: She experimented until the bones were tender.
- Keep it affordable: ₱10 per piece makes it accessible.
- Understand the market: Eula’s crispy feet cater to both flavor and nutrition.
Growing the Crispy Craze
Word-of-mouth and loyal customers have helped Eula’s business grow. From her home kitchen to market stalls, her chicken feet continue to win hearts—and crunch cravings.
Whether you’re after a snack, pulutan, or beauty food, crispy chicken feet from Eula Paradero are worth the bite.
Final Crunch
Collagen-packed, budget-friendly, and proudly Filipino, Eula’s chicken feet prove that even the most unexpected dishes can lead to delicious success.
So next time you’re craving something crispy and proudly Pinoy, look no further than Eula Paradero’s crispy chicken feet—crunch with a punch!
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