Discovering Makati’s Flavorful Food Scene: Affordable Eats for Every Taste

Makati City is not only known for its towering skyscrapers and bustling business district but also for its vibrant and diverse food scene. While the city offers a wealth of high-end dining options, it’s equally famous for its affordable, mouth-watering eats that attract food lovers from all walks of life. This diverse food landscape makes Makati a true culinary destination, where anyone can savor delicious dishes without breaking the bank. From hidden street food gems that showcase authentic Filipino flavors to bustling food markets and cozy eateries serving international fare, Makati is full of culinary treasures that cater to every budget.

Whether you’re a student looking for budget-friendly meals, a traveler eager to experience authentic local dishes, or simply a resident looking to explore Makati’s culinary landscape without overspending, you’ll find something to delight your taste buds in this vibrant city. Makati’s affordable food scene offers the perfect blend of quality, flavor, and variety, ensuring that every meal feels like a treat, no matter the price. The city’s dining spots reflect the cultural diversity and creativity of its food vendors, making it a prime location to sample everything from traditional Filipino comfort food to fusion and international dishes.

This guide serves as a gateway to uncovering Makati’s best cheap eats, providing all the information you need to navigate the city’s affordable food offerings. Whether it’s a quick snack from a street vendor, a hearty meal at a local diner, or unique bites from a food market stall, Makati promises a rich and enjoyable culinary journey without the high price tag.

Why Explore Cheap Eats in Makati?

The affordable food scene in Makati isn’t just about saving money—it’s also a great way to experience authentic Filipino cuisine and discover the flavors locals love. Budget-friendly spots offer the chance to savor a variety of dishes, from traditional Filipino favorites to Asian street food and international flavors. These affordable places offer generous portions and unique culinary experiences, making Makati’s cheap eats a must-try for any food lover.

Neighborhoods and Areas to Explore for Cheap Eats in Makati

Knowing where to go is half the battle when looking for cheap eats. Here’s a rundown of some key areas within Makati where you’ll find budget-friendly dining spots:

1. Poblacion – Known as Makati’s nightlife and food haven, Poblacion is packed with both trendy restaurants and hole-in-the-wall eateries. This area is ideal for food lovers who want to explore a diverse selection of affordable options, from Filipino comfort food to international bites.
2. Legazpi Village and Salcedo Village – While known for corporate offices and upscale spots, these neighborhoods offer budget-friendly food stalls, markets, and casual dining spots, especially during weekday lunchtimes.
3. Makati Avenue and Kalayaan Avenue – This bustling strip features a mix of local eateries, street food vendors, and budget restaurants, making it an excellent area to find delicious meals at affordable prices.
4. Food Courts and Markets – Food courts in malls like Greenbelt, Glorietta, and Century City Mall, as well as outdoor food markets like the Salcedo Saturday Market, offer plenty of wallet-friendly options.

Top Cheap Eats in Makati

1. Sisig sa Rada

• Location: Rada Street, Legazpi Village
• Specialty: Pork Sisig
• Price Range: PHP 60–100 ($1–$2)
• Why You’ll Love It: Sisig sa Rada is a legendary food stall in Makati, serving classic pork sisig that’s crispy, flavorful, and budget-friendly. Locals rave about this spot, where the sisig is cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of spice and crunch. For those unfamiliar, sisig is a Filipino dish made from chopped pig’s face, seasoned and sizzled on a hot plate—perfectly delicious and affordable.

2. Goto Monster

• Location: Kamagong Street, San Antonio Village
• Specialty: Goto (Filipino rice porridge) and Tokwa’t Baboy (tofu and pork)
• Price Range: PHP 45–85 ($0.80–$1.50)
• Why You’ll Love It: Goto Monster offers comforting Filipino rice porridge that’s warm, filling, and flavorful. Topped with garlic, chives, and sometimes egg, this goto is perfect for a budget-friendly breakfast or late-night snack. Their Tokwa’t Baboy, a combination of tofu and pork in vinegar sauce, complements the goto beautifully and is a local favorite.

3. Rufo’s Famous Tapa

• Location: Makati Avenue
• Specialty: Tapsilog (Filipino beef tapa with rice and egg)
• Price Range: PHP 100–120 ($1.80–$2.20)
• Why You’ll Love It: Known for its “saucy” take on tapa, Rufo’s is a Filipino favorite for quick, cheap meals. Their tapsilog consists of tender beef tapa with a savory sauce, paired with garlic rice and a fried egg. It’s a comforting meal that’s affordable and available 24/7, making it ideal for any time of day.

4. Mang Inasal

• Location: Various locations, including Greenbelt and Ayala Malls
• Specialty: Chicken Inasal (grilled chicken)
• Price Range: PHP 100–150 ($1.80–$2.80) with unlimited rice
• Why You’ll Love It: A beloved local chain, Mang Inasal serves authentic chicken inasal with a unique flavor that comes from a marinade of calamansi, pepper, vinegar, and annatto. The best part? Mang Inasal offers unlimited rice with most meals, making it an excellent choice for big appetites on a budget.

5. Jollijeeps (Street Food Carts)

• Location: Found throughout Makati, especially in Legazpi and Salcedo Village
• Specialty: Variety of Filipino dishes (fried chicken, lumpia, adobo)
• Price Range: PHP 40–70 ($0.70–$1.30)
• Why You’ll Love It: Jollijeeps are small food carts that line the streets in Makati, particularly in business areas. They serve quick and delicious Filipino dishes at incredibly low prices. Perfect for lunch on the go, Jollijeeps offer everything from classic fried chicken to lumpia (Filipino spring rolls) and adobo (marinated meat stew).

6. El Chupacabra

• Location: Felipe Street, Poblacion
• Specialty: Mexican street food (tacos, burritos)
• Price Range: PHP 60–120 ($1–$2.20) per taco
• Why You’ll Love It: El Chupacabra offers a taste of Mexico in the heart of Makati with its authentic street-style tacos. It’s popular for both locals and expats, with budget-friendly tacos that feature fillings like pork, beef, and chicken. With a lively ambiance and plenty of flavor, this spot is perfect for cheap eats with a kick.

7. Bacolod Chicken House

• Location: Jupiter Street, Bel-Air
• Specialty: Chicken Inasal and Spareribs
• Price Range: PHP 100–180 ($1.80–$3.30)
• Why You’ll Love It: Known for its traditional Visayan grilled chicken (chicken inasal), Bacolod Chicken House offers flavorful and affordable Filipino comfort food. Served with garlic rice and vinegar dipping sauce, the chicken here is juicy and tender—a true classic for budget-conscious diners.

8. Kanto Freestyle Breakfast

• Location: Poblacion and other branches
• Specialty: All-day Filipino breakfast
• Price Range: PHP 95–150 ($1.70–$2.80)
• Why You’ll Love It: Kanto Freestyle Breakfast is famous for its affordable all-day breakfast, offering Filipino classics like tapsilog, longsilog (sausage with egg and rice), and more. Each dish is presented beautifully, giving a high-quality feel at a low price, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

9. Beni’s Falafel

• Location: P. Burgos Street, Poblacion
• Specialty: Falafel wraps and platters
• Price Range: PHP 100–150 ($1.80–$2.80)
• Why You’ll Love It: This humble Mediterranean eatery serves some of the best falafel in the city. With hearty wraps, platters, and flavorful sides, Beni’s Falafel is a go-to spot for a filling, affordable meal with Middle Eastern flair.

10. Salcedo Saturday Market

• Location: Jaime C. Velasquez Park, Salcedo Village
• Specialty: Wide variety of Filipino and international street food
• Price Range: PHP 50–200 ($1–$3.60)
• Why You’ll Love It: Salcedo Market is a weekly event where vendors gather to sell everything from Filipino snacks to international dishes. It’s a fantastic place to sample various affordable bites, from grilled skewers and empanadas to Japanese takoyaki. With a diverse selection of foods at reasonable prices, the market is a food lover’s paradise.

Tips for Finding Cheap Eats in Makati

1. Check Food Courts in Malls – Malls like Greenbelt, Glorietta, and Landmark have food courts that offer a variety of cheap eats, including Filipino dishes and international fare.
2. Look Out for Jollijeeps – Jollijeeps (local food stalls) are popular for quick, inexpensive Filipino meals. They’re a favorite for locals working in Makati’s business districts.
3. Explore Poblacion – Known for its eclectic vibe, Poblacion is filled with hidden gems, offering everything from street food to international cuisine at affordable prices.
4. Visit Weekend Markets – Weekend markets like the Salcedo Saturday Market and Legazpi Sunday Market offer an array of budget-friendly food options. You’ll find both local and international dishes, and it’s a great way to explore new flavors.
5. Try Small Eateries and Carinderias – These local diners serve home-cooked meals at very affordable prices. Popular carinderias can be found throughout Makati and offer dishes like adobo, sinigang, and kare-kare for under PHP 100.
6. Follow Local Food Pages – Food blogs and social media pages often post about cheap eats, new food stalls, and hidden gems. These resources can be a great way to stay updated on where to find budget-friendly food in Makati.

Conclusion: Savoring Affordable Flavors in Makati

Cheap eats in Makati offer not only a way to save money but also a chance to dive into the local food culture. From traditional Filipino dishes to international flavors, Makati is a treasure trove for food enthusiasts on a budget. Whether you’re a local resident, a traveler exploring Metro Manila, or a student looking to enjoy good food without the high cost, Makati’s cheap eats scene provides a world of flavors without compromising on taste or quality.

This guide to cheap eats in Makati showcases the city’s vibrant, diverse, and accessible food culture. So go ahead, explore Makati’s affordable dining options, and indulge in the many culinary delights that this bustling city has to offer!