There’s something very primal about eating meat-on-a-stick and that’s what makes it fun. Apart from the taste, it’s also the eating experience that defines the food and that’s what I like about street food. In the Philippines, there are a lot of barbecue stalls that peddle all kinds of grilled meat. Other countries have different versions but the concept remains the same.
In the Mercato weekend markets, Giga-Bite has combined the best of the Philippines and Middle Eastern/Mediterranean street fare. This food stall offers barbecue, isaw (intestines), and kebab. The stall’s name gives a clue on the serving size of each order. What makes this a must-try is the secret blend of barbecue sauce that has all the flavors going on—sweet, salty, and tangy with a hint of spice. Probably the only other thing you’ll need is a cup of steamed rice to make it a complete meal.
Flavors of Mercato Series 2:
- CHEF BAB’S SISIG: “A lot of restaurants and bars serve sisig but only Chef Bab of @MercatoCentrale can offer eight variants at one time!”
- JUANA BOWL: U.S. Rib-Eye Steak and Norwegian Pink Salmon @MercatoCentrale
- TACLINGS: Bite-Sized Tacos Hit @MercatoCentrale
- B. WINGS: The Home of the Black Mamba @Mercato Centrale
- LU CHI: From Siomai to Shabu-Shabu @MercatoCentrale Midnight Snack
- GIGA-BITE: One-Stop Shop for Barbecue and Kebab @IsaKebab @MercatoCentrale
For the more adventurous eater, there’d the chicken or pork isaw, which actually tastes more appetizing than it sounds. The chicken has a curvy, tube-like appearance while the pork is cut up into bite-size pieces, and both cost P35 each. I prefer the swine-on-a-stick but that’s just me. Better to sample both and taste for yourself.
Other items on the simple menu are the chicken or beef kebab, which comes in a more chunky version. Proprietor, Isa Cruz, confesses, “I love to eat Persian food.” Maybe that’s the reason why she didn’t scrimp on the flavors and portions. Each stick has hefty serving of meat chunks, veggies and corn—all the food groups are represented here. To add another layer of flavor, the kebab is served with some sour cream, and it only costs P100 per stick.
Isa has been in the business since 2005 but she used to be a practicing architect before she discovered the world of bazaars. She is now doing this full time and is happy with it. She feels satisfied whenever she prepares the food and gets to sell everything. Sometimes, her kids help her out in the weekend markets, an experience she enjoys.
Check out Giga-Bite and let it be your one-stop shop when you want to satisfy your hunger pangs for barbecue and kebab.
GIGABITE
Mobile number: (+63 915) 461-1766
Email: isaobispo@yahoo.com
Twitter: @isakebab
Available at Midnight Mercato, Mezza Norte and Levante:
MIDNIGHT MERCATO
Address: Corner of 34th & 8th avenue (near MC Home Depot), BGC , Taguig
Telephone number: (02) 812-0102
Mobile number: (+63 917) 840-1152
Email: admin@mercatocentrale.ph or mercatocentraleph@gmail.com
Operating hours: Every Friday and Saturday, 10pm-3am
MEZZA NORTE
Address: Trinoma’s Mindanao open parking lot, corner of Mindanao and North Ave., Quezon City
Telephone number: (02) 812-0102
Mobile number: (+63 917) 840-1152
Email: admin@mercatonorth.com
Operating hours: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 4pm-3am
LEVANTE
Address: Eastwood Citywalk 2 (in front of Café Bene and CBTL, near the cinema)
Telephone number: (02) 812-0102
Mobile number: (+63 917) 840-1152
Email: admin@levanteeastwood.com
Operating hours: Every Friday, 6pm-3am
Flavors of Mercato Series 1:
- CARLO’S KITCHEN: It’s Crunchy Belly Time!
- CUISINIERS: Have you tried the Best BBQ Pork Skewers in Manila?
- MERRY MOO: One of the Best Artisan Ice Creams in Manila!
- WRAP BATTLE: The Pita Wrap of the Filipinos
- JOHNNY STEAMS: Yankee Burger – Peanut Butter, Crispy Bacon, Oozing Mozzarella Cheese
- OLVERA’S: Authentic Home Cooked Mexican Cuisine
- AUNTIE MAY’s: U.S Beef Tapa, Angus Beef Salpicao and Home Cooked Meals-on-the-GO
- RICE POTS: The Real Fried Rice Stuff!
- MACHEESEMO: Cheese Stuffed Burgers!
- BUMBLE TEA: The Milk Tea Buzz
- NEW YORK MINUTE: Freshly Made Paninis
- @HEY_FISHY_FISHY: Fish & Chips with San Miguel Pale Pilsen Beer Batter
Flavors of Mercato Series 2:
- CHEF BAB’S SISIG: “A lot of restaurants and bars serve sisig but only Chef Bab of @MercatoCentrale can offer eight variants at one time!”
- JUANA BOWL: U.S. Rib-Eye Steak and Norwegian Pink Salmon @MercatoCentrale
- TACLINGS: Bite-Sized Tacos Hit @MercatoCentrale
- B. WINGS: The Home of the Black Mamba @Mercato Centrale
- LU CHI: From Siomai to Shabu-Shabu @MercatoCentrale Midnight Snack
- GIGA-BITE: One-Stop Shop for Barbecue and Kebab @IsaKebab @MercatoCentrale
Live an Awesome Life,
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
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If you have tips on awesome food and travel destinations, please email me at anton@diaz.ph.
P.S. Would you like to become the next big food entrepreneur at Mercato Centrale group of markets? Please get in touch with us at (+63 917) 840-1152 or (+632) 812-0102.
