Market Basket Alabang: Modern Dampa in the South

I was born in the North but I grew up in the South. Festival mall in Alabang is not new to me and it’s one of my go-to mall here. I’m glad that they are continuously renovating and adding more establishments to give comfort and convenience to the growing Southerners’ population. Sooner or later, we don’t need to visit Makati or Ortigas because we have everything we need here in the South.

Comfortability and convenience is one of the things I consider every time we shop or dine, that’s what I learned from my husband.  If budget is not a problem, it’s better to choose establishments that give such especially if you have kids in tow.

I love seafoods and I’ve been to dampa a few times before. The usual dampa is a place where there is a mini market where you need to roam around and do the grocery then you’ll choose a restaurant to cook the dish for you.

With this hot weather and if you have kids or seniors with you, choosing the usual dampa to dine perhaps will be your last option. I was glad I learned about the Market Basket in Riverpark at Festival Mall. Here, you’ll get fresh seafoods, choose how many kilos you want and they will cook it in your preferred dish.

Market basket view from Festival Mall (Parkway/Savemore exit)

Although I’m frequent in Festival mall, the only store I have visited in Riverpark was the coffee shop whenever I’m with my college friends.

Market Basket view from Riverpark, Asian Hospital or Filinvest toll exit.

I visited this so called “modern dampa” the other day and boy I went home with a huge smile on my face and big happy tummy after.

Here are the dishes that were served to our group:

SALAD 

Thai Pomelo Salad P325

This is good for 3-5 persons depending on their appetite. I enjoyed this salad so much that I want to make one at the house soon.

Fruits and Nuts Salad P295

STARTERS

Crispy Parmesan Tacos P345

It’s my first time to try a crispy Parmesan and I was surprised that it tasted good. It’s kinda expensive for just 2 piece but if you are curious, then I suggest that you try it.

Fish Ceviche P225

Ceviche is typically made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, such as lemon or lime. It is one of the fave Pinoy dish (especially sa mga nag-iinom). Market Basket ceviche is different because it’s on top of a crispy wanton wrapper. It’s not my fave, but worth trying.

Lechon Kawali Sisig P295

This is one of my fave dishes. It consists of oven-roasted pork belly, onions and mayo. It taste good even without the egg on it.

Ensaladang gulay at mangga P165

The bagoong that comes with this dish is what makes this offering another fave of mine. They said that the bagoong used is made by them, I wish they will sell it separately soon.

MAIN DISH

Seafood Hotpot P780

I was expecting a soup kind for this dish because of the word “hotpot”, but I was surprised to see that they used oriental sriracha sauce for this. It consists of squid, mussels, shrimp, clams, fish and tofu.

Sinigang na Salmon Head P140/100grm, Salmon Belly P150/100gm

Chili Crab

This chili crab is quite different from Singapore’s version of chili crab. I was afraid to try it at first because I am not into spicy dishes, but surprisingly it’s not that spicy. Maybe because they only used chili flakes with it. I think this is one of the new offerings of Market Basket because it’s not yet included in their menu.

Another favorite of mine. I like the creamy sauce that comes with it. I will definitely order this dish when we visit this restaurant again.

Lapu Lapu Escabeche

Shrimp and Steak with potato wedges and Asparagus

Seafood Thermidore

I fell in love with this dish too. I did not get the price, it looks expensive but this is worth a try. You won’t regret ordering it.

RICE

Crab Fat Rice P260

Tinapa Rice P165

I love the taste of this rice. Ito yung masasabi mong kanin lang, buhay ka na.

DESSERTS

Skillet S’mores P280

I’m pretty sure my boys will love this dessert. It’s torched marshmallows on top, with melted chocolate inside and graham crackers.

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake P165

This dessert is not too sweet and has a smooth texture. Another must try when you visit this place.

Lemon Meringue Pie P200

Nilupak Roulade P150

Sizzling Fruit and Ice Cream P165

DRINKS

I forgot the names of these drinks except for the Pina Collada in the center. I’ll bring my college friends, amigas and kumares here to try these drinks with them soon.

French Press Coffee P90

After eating all the dishes mentioned above, I ordered this coffee. It tasted good and it’s only P90 plus it comes with 2 pieces homemade cookies (forgot to take a picture). Sobrang sulit!

INTERIOR

Market Basket has a cozy interior and it’s well lit.

They even have this private space that you can reserve for private meetings or special occasion with no additional cost.  I’m planning to spend my mom’s birthday here soon.

I can’t wait to bring my family here soon for them to also experience and taste the good food Market Basket has to offer. If you are near the area or looking for a nice place to bring your family, why not pay Market Basket a visit and try their dishes. Tell me what you think?

MARKET BASKET
Unit C3, River Park, Festival Mall Alabang
Operating Hours: 10.00am to 11.00pm
Facebook: MarketBasketPH
Twitter: @MarketBasketPH
Instagram: @MarketBasketPH