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What is Salcedo Weekend Market Makati?
Mexican Cuisine at Salcedo Market
One of my faves at Salcedo Weekend Market is the Mexican food from Cochi Loco. The chef, originally from Mexico, brings authentic recipes right to Makati. He is no newcomer to SE Asia as he originally came here more than 20 years ago. He’s worked in several SE Asian countries and has called the Philippines home for over 12 years now. He started Cochi Loco as a weekend stall here at the Salcedo weekend market and now has locations in BGC and Boracay.
I had Cochi Loco’s beef birria tacos made with handmade corn tortillas and they are out of this world good. The ingredients were simple, fresh, and full of flavor. And to have authentic Mexican food in the heart of Metro Manila is no easy task. I would highly suggest making this your first stop in the Salcedo weekend market. If for no other reason that to say hi Chef Johnny as he is decked in out in his luchador mask
The video at Salcedo Weekend Market:
Filipino Favorites at Salcedo Market
You can’t visit Salcedo Weekend Market without trying some Filipino classics. First up, the lechon wraps. Lechon is a whole pig roasted over an open flame until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. It’s an iconic dish in Filipino cuisine, known for its rich flavor. At the market, the lechon is served wrapped with vegetables and a bit of hoisin sauce.
The BBQ Stalls
One of the first things you’ll notice at Salcedo Weekend Market is the long line of BBQ stalls. The air is thick with the smoke of the grills, and the aroma is irresistible. They’re cooking up everything from exotic Filipino meats like isaw (grilled chicken intestines), tenga (pig ears), and betamax (coagulated chicken blood) to more familiar BBQ pork and chicken. I tried their grilled longganisa(Filipino sausages) and grilled chicken. Nothing beats freshly grilled meat.
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Moroccan Dishes at Salcedo Market
For me, one of the unexpected surprises at Salcedo Weekend Market was the Moroccan food. The standout dish here was the chicken and olive tagine served with saffron rice. Tagine is a traditional North African slow cooked stew, usually prepared in a clay pot. The chicken was cooked until it was fall apart tender, and the olives added just the right amount of salty savouriness. The rich blend of cumin, coriander, and paprika give it a warm, comforting flavor that instantly took me back to my time in Morocco.
The young Moroccan woman operating the stall was an absolute pleasure to be around, although I felt a little bad that all of my talk of my time in Morocco made her a bit homesick. I won’t say that the Moroccan food here is the equivalent of eating in Morocco, it’s not even close. I will say that, given the ingredients she has available to her, she has done her country proud in replicating the dishes from her childhood.
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Cantonese Food at Salcedo Market
Cantonese food at Salcedo Weekend Market adds some variety to the day. Here I tried a combo Char Siew and Siu yuk rice meal. Char Siew is barbecued pork with a sweet, caramelized glaze that gives each slice a distinct, smoky flavor. The meat has a nice balance of tenderness and chewiness, and while it isn’t quite like the versions I’ve had in Malaysia, it’s definitely worth a try.
Siu Yuk is all about crispy pork belly. The vendor here gets it right with crispy skin that has great crunchiness, layered with juicy, fatty meat underneath. It might not be the same as what you find in Malaysia or Hong Kong, but for a quick market bite, it works. If you want a taste of Cantonese barbecue, this stall is a solid pick.
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Sweets and Refreshments at Salcedo Market
I can’t resist the desserts and drinks at Salcedo Weekend Market. The Buko Pandan drink is refreshing and it’s always just what I need after all the savory food. Made with coconut and pandan, it has a creamy texture with just the right sweetness.
For dessert, grab a cinnamon roll topped with caramel and pecans. It is rich and sweet without being overwhelming. The pecans add a nice crunch, and the caramel will make you want to slap your mama. I’m kidding, don’t slap your mama. But It’s hard to say no to a warm, sticky cinnamon roll, and this one definitely hits it out of the park.
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More Food Options at Salcedo Market
While I haven’t tried them personally, Salcedo Weekend Market has plenty of other dishes that are worth mentioning. Other popular choices include Paella Negra with squid ink and Paella Valenciana with prawns, clams, vegetables, and chorizo.
Another well-known stall is Ikomai and Tochi Desserts. They serve kushikatsu or deep fried skewers with options like pork, chicken, and okra. The market also has Caribbean dishes, like jerk chicken and curried goat, which add a different twist to the food scene. For more local taste, there’s also ngohiong, a street food resembling lumpiang shanghai from Cebu.
The market is truly diverse, and quite the contrast from the Typical Filipino BBQ/street food joints you find. While there is nothing quite like experiencing the Philippines street food scene in all of its raw glory, Salcedo weekend market is a nice change of pace. Think of it as a more glorified and proper version of the Filipino Street food scene
Cost and Value at Salcedo Market
Okay, let’s call a spade a spade here. By Filipino standards Salcedo is not “cheap”. However, if you’re a westerner visiting Manila, it is extremely affordable. Considering I essentially eat for a living, I am able to eat a lot on a visit. Most people however will order less than half of what I order on a single visit to Salcedo weekend market.
For perspective, I usually spend around $25USD per visit. A typical street food joint in Manila, like a BBQ or Pares house, would cost about one-third of that for the same amount of food. That said, it’s all relative when you’re a tourist. What’s really striking, though, is seeing so many Filipino families enjoying meals here, a reflection of the growing middle class compared to just a few years ago.
I have also seen other YouTuber’s claim they have eaten there for $10. If they did, they only had a rambutan and buko(coconut) juice, because there is no way you are getting much of anything for $10 there
Frequently Asked Questions:
Salcedo Weekend Market is open every Saturday from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Jaime C. Velasquez Park in Makati.
Yes! Salcedo Weekend Market is pet-friendly, with a dedicated dog park where your furry friends can play while you explore the market.
Most stalls accept cash, but some vendors may accept credit cards or GCash for payments. It’s always a good idea to bring cash just in case.
Absolutely. Many stalls offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, such as vegetable-based paella or mini vegetarian sandwiches.
Budget around $25 USD (1500 pesos) for a heavy sampling of various dishes. You can spend less if you stick to only a few small options, where $10 (550 pesos) would be enough.
The market is named after its location in Salcedo Village, Makati, and runs exclusively on Saturdays, hence the name.
Salcedo Weekend Market Conclusion
Salcedo Weekend Market is a must visit spot in Makati for anyone who loves food and unique finds. Whether you are here for Filipino classics, international flavors, or just the atmosphere, there is something for everyone. This market offers a glimpse into the diverse and evolving food scene in Manila.
Ready to experience Salcedo for yourself? Bookmark this guide and hit the market early to beat the crowd. Share your top finds and tag Pure Detour to let me know what made your visit unforgettable.
