When we arrived in Moalboal, our plan was to stay for ten days to learn scuba diving and edit videos for our YouTube channel. What we didn’t expect was to find a foodie’s dream come true—El Mercado de Moalboal, a vibrant market bustling with diverse food options and welcoming vibes. Open from 7 AM to 11 PM daily, this market quickly became a cornerstone of our stay.
The Market Experience: Good Food, Great Prices, Unmatched Variety
In most remote or rural areas, you face the classic “pick two” dilemma: good food, affordable prices, or fast service. Imagine our surprise when El Mercado de Moalboal delivered all three—delicious, reasonably priced food served quickly and with genuine smiles. With 31 restaurants and one lively bar, there’s no shortage of choices, and the average meal costs 200–400 PHP per person.
Whether you’re a foodie, a budget-conscious traveler, or someone who enjoys sampling local and international flavors, this market has something for everyone. From authentic Filipino dishes to Neapolitan pizzas, Hawaiian poke bowls, and Vietnamese pho, the variety is surprising.
Our Favorites: Highlights from the Market
We tried something new most days, and here are a few of our top picks based on the menus and offerings we explored:
Filippo Pizza: Authentic Neapolitan Pizza
This was hands down my favorite (Dave). Advertised as authentic Neapolitan pizza, Filippo Pizza exceeded expectations. I particularly loved the pepperoni pizza but held the black olives—a personal tweak that hit the spot. It was so good, I didn’t even try any other flavors. Once I came back for the third day in a row, the workers started giving me extra pepperoni and free parmesan for no charge. The Margherita (280 PHP) and Quattro Stagioni (350 PHP) are also excellent options, as recommended by some friends we made from Germany. They really enjoyed these flavors, praising the fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and topping choices. Their crust—light and perfectly charred—makes this some of the best pizza we’ve ever had, rivaling even popular spots in Italy.
Alpha’s Saucy Chicken: Filipino Comfort Food
Alpha’s Saucy Chicken serves up hearty Filipino meals like Chicken Inasal (250 PHP) and creamy dishes like Chicken with Mushrooms and Mashed Potatoes (280 PHP). Their pasta offerings, including Pesto and Soya Garlic, start at just 160 PHP, and you can customize with mashed potatoes or rice for an additional 100 PHP.
Wrap It Up: Fresh and Flavorful Wraps
For something light but filling, Wrap It Up offers wraps with a twist. The Chicken Satay Wrap (275 PHP) and the vegetarian-friendly Falafel Wrap (265 PHP) are served with fresh ingredients and sauces. Add-ons like French Fries (150 PHP) or Falafel Balls (175 PHP) make for a satisfying meal.
Nikos Souvlaki: Greek Delights
If you’re craving Mediterranean cuisine, Nikos Souvlaki is your go-to. Their Souvlaki Platters (320–540 PHP) include a mix of grilled chicken, pork, and kebab sticks served with pita bread and salad. The Falafel Pita Wrap (165 PHP) is another great vegetarian option.
Poke Bowls: Hawaii in a Bowl
For something fresh and healthy, Poke Bowls offer a range of options like the Chicken Bowl (325 PHP), Tuna Bowl (300 PHP), and Lemon Herb Salmon Bowl (365 PHP). You can build your own bowl with fresh vegetables, fruits, and protein, making it perfect for post-dive meals.
Sausages of the Galaxy
This quirky spot serves creative sausage-based dishes. Their Thor Sausage Meal (295 PHP) includes a flavorful sausage in a soft bun with toppings like mustard, pickles, and crispy onion, served with fries and a drink. For a lighter option, try the Breakfast Bangers (200 PHP), paired with eggs and toast.
Pho & Di: Vietnamese Comfort
Pho lovers will adore Pho & Di, which offers classics like Lemongrass Pork (295 PHP) and their signature Vietnamese Pho (295 PHP). The Summer Rolls (265 PHP) and Cold Noodle Bowl (250 PHP) are refreshing options for a light yet satisfying meal.
Fresh Shakes and Juices
Don’t forget to grab a refreshing drink from Fresh Shakes and Juices stall. Jess and I make it a habit to get large shakes here regularly—Jess loves the Watermelon Shake, while I always go for the Strawberry, Mango, Banana Shake. Options also include Mango Pineapple Banana Juice (110 PHP for medium) and Banana Chocolate Shake (120 PHP). These are perfect for cooling off after a hot day exploring Moalboal.
Thai Me
For a taste of authentic Thai cuisine, Thai Me is a must-visit spot in El Mercado de Moalboal. From classic Thai curries to flavorful noodle dishes, this stall delivers on taste and quality. Their menu highlights include the Thai Green Chicken Curry (265 PHP), Chicken Pad Thai (265 PHP)—a crowd favorite—and the refreshing Thai Glass Noodles Salad (285 PHP).
If you're in the mood for something hearty, try the Chicken Pad Thai (265 PHP) or the zesty Tom Yum (275 PHP), both bursting with the bold flavors Thailand is known for. Jess especially loved the Chicken Pad Thai, enjoying it at least a half dozen times during our ten-day stay in Moalboal. For vegetarians, the Vegetable Curry (225 PHP) and Papaya Salad (175 PHP) are excellent options, perfectly balancing spice, sweetness, and freshness.
The Bar: Nightly Fun and Affordable Drinks
El Mercado’s bar is a lively spot that offers a “buy one, get one” deal every night, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of diving or adventuring. Whether you prefer cocktails, cheap local beer, or mocktails, there’s something for everyone. Most weekends, the bar comes alive with live music or karaoke nights, adding to the festive atmosphere and making it a go-to spot for evening entertainment.
Why El Mercado Stands Out
- Unbeatable Variety: From local Filipino dishes to international cuisines, there’s something for everyone.
- Affordability: With meals priced between 200–400 PHP, dining here feels like a steal.
- Convenient Hours: Open from 7 AM to 11 PM, it’s always there when you need it. However, while the market technically opens at 7 AM, not all food options are available at that time. We recommend waiting until at least 9 AM for more variety, and even at noon, some stalls may still not be open.
- Friendly Atmosphere: The lively vibe and warm hospitality make every visit enjoyable.
Wrapping Up
El Mercado de Moalboal is more than just a place to eat—it’s an experience. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, the market offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse cuisines at affordable prices in a vibrant, welcoming setting.
Our ten days in Moalboal turned into a much more affordable culinary adventure thanks to this gem. If you’re planning a trip to Moalboal, be sure to add El Mercado to your itinerary—you won’t regret it.
Member comments