Mercato Centrale @ BGC

Yesterday we went to Bonifacio Global City to check out the latest weekend market in town - Mercato Centrale. 

It is located on the corner of 9th and 30th Street, near One Serendra and Bonifacio High Street and is housed in a big white tent (airconditioned) with smaller tents beside it. This is organized by Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet fame where they showcase vendors offering homemade dishes, organic fruits and vegetables, and other similar products.

We arrived at around 11:00 am and there were already lots of people so it was kind of hard to get around since the tents are not that big. People were literally rubbing elbows. We also failed to get decent food shots from the stalls primarily because nakakahiya (lalo na kung hindi ka bibili hahaha). 

More concessionaires outside

(spot Ann Curtis in this photo :p)

BF tried out the Duck Fried Rice with Duck Topping

I think this is Php250.00

He said it was really good and tasty.

I had the Angus Beef Tapa (the Ultimate Food Discovery & overall winner of the Ultimate Taste Test 4.0) from Jam Foods & Co.

This is very good even without sauce. It's also very affordable (Php120.00) and the serving is just right. The meat is tender and tasty so I think it's wise that they paired it with plain rice so you get to taste the meat. 

You can also choose to have it as cheesesteak.

There's also a live band for entertainment

BF also tried Chef Claude Tayag's Bale Dutung.

People were lining up for their Pan de Bagnet (Php150.00) and Lechon Tortilla (Php100.00)

The sinful Pan de Bagnet

We also spotted several celebrities and TV personalities enjoying the Sunday market like Marc Nelson, Rovilson Fernandez, Pia Arcangel, Karen Davila, and Ann Curtis. Of course there's Anton Diaz and his wife Rachel and RJ Ledesma who are the organizers.

I've only been to the Salcedo Weekend Market so I can't compare which is bigger of the three (Mercato, Salcedo, & Legazpi). But I can say that Salcedo is not as cramped as Mercato probably because they have a separate tent where people can eat. Also note that most of the vendors inside the tent are selling desserts/sweets and/or fresh produce save for Bale Dutung. 

I was overwhelmed by the variety of foods available (and free taste!) I had a hard time choosing. We were also pressed with time since it's only open until 12:00 noon so I didn't have the luxury of time to contemplate.

There's still so many to try so we're definitely coming back. :D

Mercato Centrale
Corner of 30th Avenue and 9th Street
Bonifacio Global City
Open every Saturday and Sunday (6:00 am to 12:00 noon)