Makati Finds

Let me start this month by sharing some shopping secrets I've been keeping. I keep these info not because I hoard (well, sometimes. Haha!), but because I'm scared that I might be stalked via triangulation. Haha! Enough of the paranoia, I'm here today to share some love -- rare ingredients in this urban lifestyle, and WHERE to find them!

1. QUINOA - as I mentioned here, Healthy Options (any branch, not just in Makati). 

2. KALE - Rustan's Supermarket Alphaland. Though they always have just one pack or NONE. If it's the latter -- it's because I hoarded it. hahaha *devil laugh*. Price: Php 120 per bag of 200g.

3. HIMALAYAN PINK SEA SALT - Rustan's Supermarket Alphaland. But let me clarify: I haven't purchased this yet, and I probably won't in the near future. For me -- even if they say it's healthier -- pink salt is still salt, packed with sodium. But I find this worth sharing since I've heard of recipes (like this) in which sea salt helps achieve a grainy and salty dessert topping.

4. RED RADISHES - Rustan's Supermarket Alphaland, Santi's Deli, Salcedo Market (Saturdays), Legaspi Market (Sundays)

5. FRESH (and cheap) HOMEMADE KIMCHI - Kang's Grocery (Valero Street), Teppen Grocery (Pasong tamo cor Rufino). Price: Php 140-160 per large microwavable container.

6. JAPANESE KEWPIE MAYONNAISE - New Hatchin (Sacred Heart street), Landmark supermarket, Little Tokyo (Grocery Stores)

7. Other Japanese cuisine condiments - New Hatchin (Sacred Heart street), Little Tokyo (Grocery Stores)

8. KESONG PUTI - Shopwise Makati, Salcedo Market (Saturdays), Legaspi Market (Sundays)

9. CLOVES and other INDIAN SPICES - The Taj (Bagtikan Street)

10. Quality ANGUS BEEF - Santi's Deli, Sinan's Butchery (Both along Yakal Street). Price: Php 400-P2000 per kilo, depends on the beef part. Ground Angus beef: P300+ per kilo.

11. Quality WAGYU BEEF - Kitayama Meatshop (Chino Roces Ave.), Rustan's Supermarket Alphaland

12. LAMB MEAT - Sinan's Butchery (Yakal Street)

13. ORGANIC DRESSED CHICKEN - Sinan's Butchery (Yakal Street)

14. DELI SAUSAGES -  Santi's Deli (Yakal Street), Earle's Deli (The Columns Ayala). Price: P30-50 per 100g, depends on the sausage type. One sausage can weigh 100-150g each.

15. HOMEMADE LECHE FLAN - Jollijeep across Tropical Hut Makati Med/Buendia. For only P50 per lyanera! I assure you, it's REALLY REALLY ADDICTING!

16. MELONA ICE CREAM - Kang's (Valero Street), Sinangag Express (Malugay Street), Dong Won (Jupiter Street), Rustan's Supermarket Ayala. Price: Php 35-50 each.

17. FRESH BLUEBERRIES - Rustan's Supermarket Ayala. Php 300-400 (or more) per small pack, approximately 3/4 cup. I know! Too expensive!

18. IMPORTED CHEESES -  Santi's Deli, Brera Deli  (Both along Yakal Street). Brera is my favorite. Price: Php 60-200 per 100g.

19. FRESH COCONUTS - it's everywhere in carts/kariton!!! The one in front of Makati Fire Station is perhaps the one nearest CBD. You can bring your own pitcher for the juice, and ask the vendor to scoop out the meat. Since we buy a liter daily (about 2-3 coconuts), we have an unli supply of coconut meat at home as well. We don't eat them right away - We store them in the freezer for future smoothies! Price: Php 25-30 per coconut. 

20. SHREDDED COCONUT - Pio del Pilar wet market, Tejeros wet market, Shopwise Makati. Price: Php 25-30 per coconut. 

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Hope this helps! happy cooking, yuppies! :)