[CLOSED] Mercado Spanish Food Market

Mercado may have jumped on the grain bowl trend just a few short months ago, but it has been steadily winning over the CBD crowd. Located just below Golden Shoe Food Centre, this joint is opened by the folks behind nose-to-tail Spanish restaurant Dehesa, so you know the meats will be seriously good. There are several combinations (Hola Bowls, $14.50) that come with pre-selected grains, protein and sides — perfect for unfussy diners. We especially enjoyed one of the Hola Bowls — the Cerdo Bowl, which features flavour-packed braised pork shoulder and unique sides of celeriac and pickled turnips. Otherwise, you can Create Your Own Bowl ($16.50) and choose a base, protein, a hot vegetable, two cold vegetables, one topping and one sauce. We recommend getting the Paella of the Day (it replaces your base and protein) that is cooked in the humongous pan — flavours change daily.
Avg Price: $20 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Julius Lim

Located just below the Golden Shoe hawker centre lies a diner that sells an excellent Spanish rice bowl. For $16.50, you get to create your own bowl which I got the vegetable paella, beef striploin, roasted sweet carrots, bell peppers, asparagus, almond toppings and a truffle hummus dip. A fast food that gets you to eat healthily.
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Mercado Spanish Food Market
Address: 50, Market Street, Singapore 048940

This one’s not much of a looker but it sure is one very satisfying Hola Bowl. 👍🏼
The pulled pork here is of the best I’ve had in a while: tender, super succulent and lip-smackingly seasoned (note that I may be a bit biased because I love sweet and smoked paprika).

I also loved the more unique sides this came with, especially the celeriac sliced into manageable cubes, pan-roasted with garlic, Italian parsley and rosemary till soft, creamy and left with the faintest hint of licorice. The pickled turnip sticks on the other hand provided a good textural contrast and a tangy relief from the creaminess of the celeriac and the richness of the pork.

Note that you’re not allowed to change any of the Hola Bowl ingredients (not even the grain — in this case, brown rice), which is why they have the Create Your Own Bowl ($16.50) option.

Located just below the perpetually buzzy Golden Shoe Food Centre, Mercado is the latest to jump on the grain bowl trend, but with a Spanish twist. They are open all day, which makes it the perfect place to kick back with some colleagues over a glass of Sangria ($8) after work. Mercado is by the folks behind the nose-to-tail restaurant Dehesa, so you know the meats are in good hands. You can choose to Create Your Own Bowl at $16.50, but there are several combinations (Hola Bowls, $14.50) that come with pre-selected grains, protein and sides, perfect for uninitiated diners. We especially enjoyed Cerdo Bowl, which features flavour-packed braised pork shoulder and their more unique side dishes of celeriac and pickled turnips!
Avg Price: $20 per person
Photo by Burppler Muriel A

Chef Jean-Philippe Patruno serves up quick, casual, hearty and affordable Spanish meals, in his new eatery at Golden Shoe Complex.

Featured:
- Chicken & Chorizo Paella
- Tender Pulled Pork
- Red Wine Braised Zucchini
- Purple Coleslaw
- Fregula Pasta Salad
- Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette

Super filling, great value for money!

Still in time for medium rare, moist and tender beef striploin by Chef Jean-Philippe Patruno.
Done Spanish style, this quick casual eatery is bustling at lunch, but closes early after dinner at 7:30pm on weekdays.