If the bustling market scene is a mirror of our society and culture, then there is much hope for our country. The steady stream of people, shopping bags in tow seem to be endless. If indeed our economy and buying power is constantly heading south, you’d never guess it basing on the market crowd. It may be that the less we have to spare, whatever little we have we spend on food.

Among the countless stalls of fresh seafood and meats in Suki Market are two stalls which stand out. These stalls sell cooked food made from the freshest ingredients which are of course, just beside and around them. These stalls started out as “paluto” stalls meaning they will cook whatever raw ingredients you give them, however you want it cooked, for a fee. As their reputations for good food grew, the “paluto” service was eventually replaced by hot ready-to-eat dishes. The stall owners found that most customers usually ordered the same dishes and so they cooked the most popularly ordered food daily, ready to go.

There are dozens of dishes to choose from but as in the “paluto” days, there are limited sauces and ways of cooking. Sweet and sour, halabos, ginataan, tausi sauce, and hot and spicy are the most popular ways you can have your food. Here are some simple recipes you can do at home with only a few ingredients readily available at your favorite palengke.

Soothing Tahong Soup
Spicy Clams with Black Bean Sauce
Ginataang Tilapia
Orange Beef