(Closed) Mercado Spanish Food Market – Colourful Spanish Rice Bowls Amidst The Dull CBD

Two-weeks old Mercado Spanish Food Market has hit the CBD with a splash of colours, lifting up the dull and stressful working atmosphere. Head there for a quick breakfast with their cold-pressed juices that are limited in stock as they get the bottles fresh daily. You can choose to have a healthy lunch at Mercado as well – with its plethora of attractive food items you can feast your eyes on. You can also unwind after a hard day’s work pairing your Spanish rice bowls with Chef-Owner Jean-Philippe Patruno’s (fondly known as JP) own concoction of Sangria Punch!

Mercado is a Spanish word for “market” so the interiors of this restaurant is designed to align to the traditional markets in Spain. The food display counters boast vibrant colours of daily fresh and cooked ingredients, all tinged with the typical Spanish flavours of smokey paprika, hot chilli peppers, saffron, garlic and other assorted herbs and spices. Mercado stands out for us due to its cuisine-specific rice bowls as compared to other healthy rice bowl places where items are somewhat similar. It’s really easy to order so read on for our “step-by-step” guide.

Step 1 – Choose one base. There is the option of paella, coucous and some other bases. Paella flavours change everyday and Mercado offers squid ink paella, mixed meat paella and seafood paella.

Step 2 – Choose one protein. Meats will change on a daily basis but the only constant item is their beef meatballs.

Step 3 – Choose one hot vegetable.

Step 4 – Choose two cold vegetables.

Step 5 – Choose one topping (raisins, walnuts etc.) and one sauce (spicy tomato, garlic aioli, Asian dressing, ginger mayonnaise etc.)

The mixed meat paella very filling, it finishes with a tinge of spiciness. Chef JP is very generous with the amount of meat in the paella and we managed to devour huge chunks of tender, well-marinated chicken meat. We also enjoyed the meatballs, which consisted of a juicy interior that gives a burst of flavours with every bite. At $16.50, you get to create your own bowl of happiness! For those on the go, you can simply take any of Mercado’s ready-made Hola bowls, freshly curated on the day, priced at $14.50.

Note: This is an invited tasting.