Melo Villareal
Everyone knows that we Pinoys just love going to the mall. How could we not? It’s a place where you can get your shopping done, have an abundance of food choices, and be among friends and family. But sometimes, you’ve just got to shake things up. Weekend markets have all that and more! (Fresh air, anyone?) Take a look at our list of Top 5 weekend markets around Metro Manila.
Take note that this list is in no particular order because we have a weekend market for every type of person!
Pinoy Kakanin and Fruits (photo by Dahon via Flickr)
#5 – Legazpi Market
Out of all the weekend markets in the list, the one in Legazpi Park in Makati is the smallest may actually be the biggest and most of the merchants are offering quality products. Introverts will appreciate the homely vibe as the market only has a select few vendors who sell artisanal goods. While it’s true you can’t find everything you want under the sun, you’re sure to find at least one dish that’ll leave you wanting more!
Greenfield Weekend Market (photo by Jade via Flickr)
#4 – Greenfield Weekend Market
Parents, this is the weekend market that your kids will love! Located in the Greenfield District in Mandaluyong, the market has tons of space for you and hundreds of other families. This open-air market is very family-friendly and it’s not unusual to see kids running around and having fun while they join in on group activities. While the children are busy, parents can be seen enjoying the fresh food that the vendors cook on the spot. Don’t have a family yet? Don’t worry; no one will judge you if you eat for more than two!
Salcedo Weekend Market (photo by Kath Haboc-Lee via Flickr)
#3 – Salcedo Market
The Salcedo Market is one of the few places where the Makati Central Business District is alive and busy during weekends. It’s one of the longest-running weekend markets and it’s still there for a reason. With a long list of vendors, it’s considered as one of the biggest weekend markets in the Philippines. Feel like you’re traveling the world due to the wide range of international dishes and food ingredients for sale.
Organic Eggs at AANI Weekend Market (photo courtesy of www.aaniphil.net)
#2 – Agra-Aqua Network International (AANI) Market
If you’re looking for the glitz and glamour of the other weekend markets, you won’t find it at the Agra-Aqua Network International (AANI) Market in Taguig. Is that a point against it? Of course not! What it lacks for in “style”, it makes up for in cheap finds and farm-fresh food. This is definitely for the aspiring chef and the picky foodie.
While it looks like a typical provincial market, it has more than meets the eye. Check out the dry goods section, the wet market, the garden section and the produce area and you won’t be disappointed.
Noemi, AJ, me and Kian Kazemi at Mercato Centrale
#1 – Midnight Mercato
Chances are if you’re a fan of weekend markets then you should have been to at least one of markets under the Mercato Centrale group. If you haven’t, what are you waiting for? We chose the Midnight Mercato in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig as it offers the best in artisan street food that we’ve tried so far.
With strict hygiene standards and ample seating, you won’t even think to connect Midnight Mercato with what you usually imagine when you think of ‘street food’. It’s not just for the adventurous; all foodies are welcome!
