Recently we ventured out on our ‘Exploring the Markets’ Adventure once again. I had been talking to one of my Filipino friends about markets and she mentioned the Cubao Farmers Market that was large and meant to be quite good. I got online and did some research.
The Cubao markets are one of the oldest markets in Manila. It is housed in a building that is apparently (no solid evidence here sorry) one of the first shopping malls. The building underwent a renovation when the Metro Rail System was put through during the 1990’s, turning it into a great two story open space perfect for a market setup. From my understanding, this is a farm direct market and it is in the heart of Metro Manila which makes it easily accessible to the public.
The Cubao Farmers Market
On arrival we walked in through one of the entrances and down a corridor. We were met as expected with the pungent stench of raw meat sitting in humid heat. It was like a rabid beast laid waiting for its next victim. Energy building as it got the scent of its oncoming prey. As we ventured deeper into its lair, out it leapt and engulfed us with a force that made me draw in a deep breath and physically stop and step back. I needed a moment to reorient myself. Onwards we walked, the children holding their noses. Despite the smell which is unavoidable, the meat looked fresh. At the other side of the ground floor was the seafood and I was amazed that this putrid stench that was consuming every sensory receptor in my body stopped suddenly and we
It’s very relaxed here
were met with the cool scent of the ocean. The seafood section was surprisingly fresh. I had read that it was yet I expected that pungent fishy smell to take over and fight with the putrid meat smell for our lives. Not so. Nothing really but the scent of the sea which indicates fresh seafood. Piles of lovely green mussels, scallops, fish, clams, crayfish. SB who loves his seafood was in heaven.
Watching Hopia get made
Walking down the street on our way to find a taxi home, we found a little bakery selling a traditional Pinoy pastry called Hopia. We watched with interest as thebaker was taking freshly cooked pastries out of their moulds. I brought a box of Mongo (Mung Bean Paste) Hopia which were still warm and we headed home. BB really loved eating these. We were pretty happy with our new discovery and are excited to plan regular trips back to this market to get our fresh produce.
8 Comments
Oh that looks like so much fun. The pictures are amazing. The top picture of the market place I thought to myself when I saw the eggs especially how much work went into making it look so charming. The second picture reminded me of Mexico at siesta time with those 2 men laying about. And your 3rd picture makes me want to try one of those yummy looking desserts! Love the story:)
Thanks for stopping by Sheryl, I do think about the effort that goes into those eggs too, and the piles of rice! It all looks so neat. I'm glad you enjoyed my post.
The variety of putrid stenches are one of the most fascinating things about foreign lands!
Agreed! It's quite mind blowing really!
[…] we got to try a few different flavours. Now, I am not a fan of Hopia, we got it that time at the Cubao Farmers Market. Outside there was a shop that was making it fresh. I was fascinated with the cooking process but […]
[…] have written previously about the Cubao Farmers Market which is in our opinion, the best wet market around. This is where we shop for our fresh fruit and […]
I saw pics of the Cubao Farmers Market and I noticed one thing. Most of the seafood and meat are not iced or chilled in some way. Cross contamination and bacteria can spread like wildfire and make people sick or even worse. I’ll pass.
Hi Jimmy, thanks for stopping by. Actually, we found the seafood at Cubao to be well chilled and contained, it is some of the freshest we have seen. However we personally do not buy meat from wet markets here. As you say, the lack of care taken with keeping the meat fresh is minimal. But the fresh fruit and veg is kept at a solid distance and there is a great range, and we wash everything before using it. Honestly, I don’t have a huge interest myself in travelling miles to a wet market when the prices are virtually the same at the supermarket, my husband, on the other hand, loves going to the markets for our fruit and veg.