If you’re a tourist in Manila, wet markets probably won’t be topping your list of places to visit any time soon. For those who want to go off the beaten path, however, such establishments offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, and catch a glimpse of the local way of life.

I got to do just that when my in-laws went shopping for dinner ingredients at Farmer’s Market at Araneta City. Centrally located in the heart of Cubao, this is where Manilenos shop for fresh produce, from fruits and vegetables to seafood and meat.

Farmer’s Market is one of the largest public markets in the city. Opened in 1975, it spans some 12,000 square metres of space and houses over 50 vendors. Despite its age, it is well maintained and clean, regularly receiving awards from the government for hygiene and upkeep. Stores are neatly divided according to sections, with the vegetable, fruits, and dry goods shops at the front, and the seafood and meat section at the back.

Many shops are named after their proprietors, so you get names like “Helen”, “Juliet’s”, “Jenny’s”, or “Danny & Celia’s”. So even though the market sees hundreds, if not thousands, of customers daily, there’s still a communal, personal touch. I can imagine buying from the same shop for years, and telling people “I’m just popping over to Jenny’s to get some ingredients!”

Cutest shopkeeper ever, 10/10 would psspsspss.

Also fitting that it was seated on a box with a cat on it, and has a similar pattern to the illustration!

The meat section. Since our visit was over Christmas / New Year’s, some of the vendors had decorated their stalls with parols illuminated by neon lights.

All sorts of seafood on ice! There is also a section with live fish kept in fresh water tanks.

While vendors have their own weighing scales, customers can choose to double check the weight of their produce at these common-use scales. This is something unique which I have not seen in wet markets in Malaysia.

An ingredient not commonly seen in Malaysian wet markets is fresh tuna. Since the Philippines is a major exporter of tuna, it’s much easier to procure at local markets. We got some sliced and enjoyed it as sashimi at home!

Even if you’re not buying stuff to cook, Farmer’s Market in Cubao is a good place to visit if you prefer something off the beaten path, beyond the sterile business districts or glitzy shopping malls. This is where daily life happens in Manila – bustling, chaotic, and characterful.

Getting There

Farmer’s Market is located within EDSA and close to the MRT-3 and LRT-2 stations. It is also within walking distance to many other Cubao landmarks, such as Gateway Mall, Smart Araneta Colisium, Arenata City Cyberpark, SM Cubao, and the Aurora Tower.