Foodies on the Go: Food Truck craze hits Metro Manila

They conquered the south with Mercato Centrale—a flourishing night market in Bonifacio Global City featuring the best food items of the south, which is the perfect destination for post-clubbing nourishment.

They invaded the north with Mezza Norte—a burgeoning weekend market along West Avenue, Quezon City, featuring food merchants of the north and their signature goodies.

They also took over the Mandaluyong Business District with Manda Centrale—a food night market bazaar where night owls and call center employees can flock to even at the wee hours of the night.

The same organizers (food and travel blogger Anton Diaz and TV personality RJ Ledesma) decided to up the ante by putting wheels on food and came up with Cucina Andare: “the first food truck market and bazaar in the Philippines.”

Located in Glorietta Park, Makati City (in front of Glorietta 3, Landmark, and Makati Shangri-la Hotel), the enterprise was inspired by the booming food truck businesses in the West, like ‘Din Din A Go Go’ in Los Angeles and ‘Off the Grid’ food truck markets in San Francisco.

On its opening on December 2012, the organizers also launched the Food Truck Association of the Philippines in hopes of encouraging more people to join the industry and keeping the charm of food trucks alive.

So, what’s waiting for you at Cucina Andare?

Just a look around the vicinity will flood your senses with scrumptious scents and unbelievable visions of food—from gourmet to traditional to downright strange! Cucina Andare aims to enlarge the market of the favorite Mercato Centrale vendors and expose more audience to awesome home-based food businesses in and around Makati. Live acoustic performances can also be enjoyed by patrons.

From appetizers to main course to desserts and even your drink, Cucina Andare is complete— all you need to do is walk around.

Here are some of the food trucks who started 2013 and Cucina Andare with a YUM!

Shawarma Rice Plate

Shawarma Bros

From your traditional Shawarma to the “Filipinized” Shawarma Rice Plate (beef, chicken, and other awesome options) to Naan Pockets filled with veggies and meat, these college friends surely know how to move Shawarma around.

Spicy Ramen

Food Truck by Chef Broosy

This is where you wanna go after partying at ICON or HIVE or just after spending a long day in the office. Chef Broosy’s hearty Ramen and Chicken Pops will liven up any tired soul.

Soft Tacos

Mexikombi

If you’re craving for a Mexican meal on-the-go, then grab a burrito from Mexikombi. Named after Mexico (or perhaps Mexican food?) and their food truck (a Volkswagen Kombi), Mexikombi serves Mexican delights like Beef/Chicken Burrito, Nachos, and their Soft Tacos.

Guac Truck

Officially introduced to the public at Mercato Centrale, The Guac Team decided to venture on to new territories. Armed with their bestselling burrito bowl, they will surely steal your heart and give you a hearty meal in return.

Turkey Pepper Steak

Hungry Rover

Once again, collegiate friendships give birth to an awesome source of great food. The Hungry Rover is the brainchild of UST students. Together, they bring the public their bestsellers like US Beef Tapa with Hot Chili Rice, Pork BBQ, and Chicken BBQ.

Sultana Pork Wrap

Q Kebab

Turkish Doner Kebabs. How can anyone go wrong with those three words? Shawarma may be abundant in Cucina Andare, but Q Kebab definitely holds its own against fellow food truckers. Trust us when we say that their Premium Beef Shawarma and Sultana Pork Wrap are  must-tries.

Mio Gelati

Once you’ve had your fill of savory appetizers and main course(s), do head on to this pretty little truck and enjoy a scoop or two of the creamiest Gelato this side of town. Awarded as the second best tasting concoction at Ultimate Taste Test 7.0, everyone should definitely try their refreshingly delectable flavors.

Breakfast Cheese Steak

Cheese Steak Shop Manila

The authentic Philly cheesesteak shop in Manila has invaded Cucina Andare and we’re glad they did! More people should check out their classic Philly cheesesteak and breakfast cheesesteak.

Ylaya Nutri Bar

One might think that a food truck bazaar ain’t no place for healthy food, but think again! Ylaya Nutri Bar boasts of 100% nutritious culinary options like their Sauger—a sausage with coco relish, cheddar cheese, and Ylaya original sauce—all sandwiched between a Moringa (Malunggay) bun.

The food truck population (and popularity) is growing tremendously, making Cucina Andare a weekend destination for yuppies, groups of friends, and even entire families.

Cucina Andare opens at 4PM until 3AM from Fridays to Sundays.