Wandering through neighborhoods should be at the top of a traveler’s to-do list whenever they are in a new area. Recently, my brother and I were in the Kapitolyo region of Metro Manila burning some time before lunch when we came across a street sign for a new food park. After living in Austin, Texas for a couple of years, I am a huge proponent of food parks and trucks and the wonders they bring to any city. We followed the arrow and made our way to what looked like a really small space from the outside, but quite the opposite after we walked in.

Hello Gastro Park Kapitolyo! There was a central dining area and vendors surrounding it in a U-shape. Scanning the area, there were vendors of various cuisines with names like Japbox, Wok and Sweet Nothing. I found the general design of the vendors colorful and uncomplicated, which was perfect because I don’t come to food parks to feel sophisticated and wear a 3-piece suit. Instead, I want to put on my favorite Fred Flintstone outfit and chow down without any utensils! Wonderful first impression. Great job Gastro Park!

As I made my way around, I had so much trouble deciding what I wanted to snack on. Remember, this was pre-lunch appetizer as we had lunch plans nearby which made the indecision even more unnerving. There was a stall peddling donut burgers, which pulled at my heartstrings, a vendor with liquid nitrogen ice cream, one called Bagneto (a clever pun inspired by an X-Men villain) and even a jeepney slinging sandwiches with iconic Filipino fare, such as chicken adobo, as filling.

Ratings Scale

✪ Spit It Out Immediately

✪✪ It Could Be Worse

✪✪✪ Not The Worst Thing You’ve Tried

✪✪✪✪ Loosen Your Pants

✪✪✪✪✪ Give Up Your First Born For This

(Exchange rate as of February 13, 2016)

Decisions had to be made and we ended up trying:

Chicken Curry Quesadilla
PHP 150 (US$3.16)
Vendor: The Masala Bar

Rating: ✪✪✪✪✪
Give Up Your First Born For This
I was floored at how good this was! The tortilla it was on was soft and warm with wonderful consistency and tasty chicken curry filling.

Pork Belly & Chicken Fillet Yakitori
PHP 40 each (US$0.84)
Vendor: Niku-Q

Rating: ✪✪✪✪
Loosen Your Pants
These were both expertly cooked with a great sauce. I could easily wolf down 30 more sticks.

Fresh Brewed Green Apple Tea
PHP 40 (US$0.84) (16oz)
Vendor: Sweet Nothing

Rating: ✪✪✪✪ Loosen Your Pants

Fresh > Concentrate. No exceptions. Sweet Nothing did a wonderful job with this refreshing beverage which was a joy to drink.