After long toxic workdays, how would you start spending your weekend? Going to nearby clubs and bars? Drink liquors? Partying all night? Well, there’s a new way to spend your TGIF night out.

Discover Banchetto – an overnight food fiesta located along the roadsides of Metro Manila, commonly on Ortigas.



Banchetto is an Italian word which means “banquet” or “feast”. Don’t get the notion that it is an Italian restaurant. It is a street food fiesta with wide array of food choices in an extremely affordable price. The feast starts at dusk until dawn, around 4pm to 5am.

According to Banchetto’s official website, it is a project commissioned by the Ortigas Center Association (OCAI) and Rotary Club of Ortigas Center (RCOC) hoping to promote the Ortigas Center Tourism Council.

At weekdays, it is just a usual parking lot but not until Friday nights. Cars were replaced by food stalls, vendors and a crowd of food goers. Stalls were built up by mini tents, like on food bazaars, and a very few tables and chairs for the customers. Smoke and grills are everywhere because most foods are cooked on the spot. Just like the usual street food habit, turo-turo style and payment are based on cash.



At first, Banchetto’s initial target is the BPO employees and graveyard shift workers around Ortigas. However, as it gained popularity, it turns out they are not just serving call center agents but also regular food lovers, barkada night-outers and hungry insomniacs. Even foreigners can’t get enough of this new kind food experience.

This feast offers a lot of food varieties. You could even have a complete meal, from appetizer to main dish, side dish and desserts.
You will never run out of choices. There were classic home specialty foods, Pinoy and regional delicacies, Chinese and Japanese foods, fruits and veggies, and meat and seafoods.

From the usual street foods: barbecue, isaw, kwek-kwek, siomai, to pizza, tacos, monster burgers, kebab, shawarma and salads.

And of course, dessert for finale: cakes, cookies, cupcakes and other pastries to choose from. Fruits shakes are 100% freshly served.
What made it more exciting is people literally eat on along the streets. But still food doesn’t disappoint. Foods are carefully prepared and clean, high quality and delicious yet cheap and reasonable price. Vendors are also friendly and professional. And also because of its al fresco ambience, never forget to bring an umbrella. Also expect a shoulder-to-shoulder traffic due to its popularity. Vendors also cannot provide enough chairs and tables, most people sits along the stairs of PLDT building.

Location is very convenient for it just lies along the EDSA. Schedules and locations are subject to change. It is originally located at Emerald Ave, Ortigas, but now, they around the Metro Manila. So a tip before you go, make sure to check their website here. (www.banchettomanila.com)
Banchetto holds to its promise, ‘a cutting edge dining experience in a distinct ambiance’. Indeed, an extraordinary and awesome kind of street food experience around the Metro.