Baba Rashid's Sate-han

Mercato Centrale is a weekend market that houses more than 100 various kinds of stalls selling assorted types of food, drinks, and trinkets. It has become popular among people who are looking for a unique eating experience in a reasonable fare and convenient location.

In July, we opened our very first business venture called Baba Rashid's Sate-han in Mercato Centrale. Our menu consists of different kinds of sate, namely chicken, beef, mutton and tripe, paired with our own concoction of Peanut sauce and/or Sambal Tumis (In Malay, "sambal" means spicy condiment, while "tumis" means cooked).

I know you want me

Chicken, beef and tripe sate with our signature Peanut Sauce, topped on Ketupat (puso) rice

Just recently, we added 2 new items - Beef Samosa and Nasi Goreng. Beef Samosa is an Indian-style turnover with beef filling, and Nasi Goreng is Malaysian-style fried rice. 

Nasi Goreng is perfect with sate

Chef Rashid at work

People who pass by our stall sometimes mistake us as Malaysians or Indonesians because of our offerings, but truth is, I haven't even been to Malaysia. But Rashid has stayed there for a month to learn the cuisine and bring it back to his homeland. He is very fascinated with Malaysian cuisine, because it is after all, part of our heritage as Filipinos. I like how he explained to me his love for South East Asian cuisine. He said that Filipinos are so busy looking at the West and imitating their ways when our own neighbors have something better to offer - a flavor that's so distinct and familiar, with ingredients that's available even in our own backyards. I agree with him completely and wish that many Filipinos think the same way.

So, shall I see you in Mercato Centrale one of these days?

* Baba Rashid's Sate-han is open every Friday and Saturday from 10pm to 3am.