Mahogany Market - The famous Bulalo Market in Tagaytay

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Tagaytay is known as the Philippines’ “Second Summer Capital”. Next to the famous Baguio City in Cordillera. It is a component city in the province of Cavite. Indeed one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country with breathtaking scenery. The cooler climate provided by its high landscape elevation is also one of the reasons why tourists flock the place. Tagaytay has several vantage points overlooking Taal Lake and volcano offering one of the Philippines’ most iconic views. Furthermore, Tagaytay is also well-known for its delicious bulalo (beef shank soup) joints. Given its chilly climate, it’s effortless to see why this is a prominent comfort food there. One of the best places to find this is in the Mahogany Market. Here you can find stalls of fresh Batangas beef delivered fresh to the market. Moreover, there are bulalo eateries on second floor where you can treat yourself after shopping.

The Tagaytay City

Tagaytay City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Luzon. It has stunning scenery and a colder climate, much like the well-known Baguio City. Filipinos and tourists alike flock here to escape the warmer temperatures of Metro Manila. Furthermore, Tagaytay is relatively close to Manila, being only about 59 kilometers away, making it easily accessible to nearby cities. According to local legend, the name Tagaytay is derived from the words “taga,” which means “to cut,” and “itay,” which means “father.” According to rumor, a father and son were on a wild boar hunt when the animal they were attempting to pursue turned on them and attacked them. “Taga, itay!” exclaimed the son. ” was repeated several times and echoed through the ridge’s alleyways. His cries were heard by the residents and became the topic of conversation in the countryside for several days. Isn’t it a little gruesome?

The Bulalo

The Bulalo is a light-colored soup from the Philippines’ Southern Luzon that is made rich by cooking beef shanks. You’ll commonly find this in Batangas and Tagaytay, mainly in Mahogany Market. It is a Filipino soup dish made from beef leg bones and marrow that has been boiled for several hours. When you eat it, the ligaments and meat just fall apart. The soup contains a lot of oil melted from the fat covering the leg bones. It’s also a traditionally made in a large cauldron with a variety of vegetables. Leafy vegetables such as pechay or cabbage, corn, scallions, ginger, and fish sauce are examples. They can also be served with bread and lemon juice. During rainy chilly days in the Philippines, it is one dish that people crave to soothe them from the weather. It is also the go-to meal in colder parts of the Philippines.

How to eat the Bulalo?

Because the bone marrow is the main flavor of this food, you must know how to remove it. Wait until the brains of these bones have cooled before eating them. Take hold of the end of them and tilt it. Shake it vigorously until the brains emerge. To remove the brains, use a fork, spoon, or knife. When the nuts are gone, pour them over rice and eat the meat with water. Meats stuck to the bone can be cut with teeth or scoop with a spoon. This traditional food is best eaten with your bare hands. As most Filipinos like to do the kamayan style. It is Filipinos own traditional way of dining. Coming from the root word “kamay” (hand), kamayan is the act of eating using bare hands. As they said, the meals indeed tastes better when you eat them that way.

The Mahogany Market

The Mahogany Market is a famous meat market in Tagaytay, Cavite. It is known as a market that provides the freshest meats such as beef, (specially Bulalo meat) pork, and chicken. They also have farm-to-table fresh fruits and vegetables. Because the Mahogany Beef Market is famous for its bulalo, the second floor of the marketplace is home to a slew of food stalls or small eateries that specialize in the delicacy. They also have a slaughterhouse, so you can check if the beef is always fresh. Some eateries also serve other Filipino main dishes and side dishes to provide visitors with a more diverse dining experience. It’s a charming spot where you can hang out with your loved ones al fresco! It’s indeed a perfect place to buy wet and dry goods, souvenirs, and grab lunch or dinner afterwards. It is truly convenient, isn’t it?

Helpful informations and Tips

They open from 7AM – 8PM daily. However, if you like to get the best Bulalo Cuts, try visiting the, early around 5AM – 6PM.
Wear face masks
Bring vaccination card
Maintain 6-feet social distancing
Bring cash, they don’t accept credit cards payments

Recommendations

Moreover, check out these places and activities we curated for you before going to Tagaytay City.

How to get there

The directions to Mahogany Market would vary depending on the mode of transportation used.

Via Private Vehicle:

Take the SLEX (South Luzon Expressway) from Metro Manila and exit at Sta. Rosa.
Drive down Sta. Turn left on Rosa – Tagaytay Road, then right on Tagaytay – Calamba Road. When you reach Tagaytay Rotunda on the Tagaytay – Nasugbu Highway, turn right onto Mahogany Avenue. Finally, turn right at the Tagaytay Municipal Trial Court. Mahogany Beef Market is located behind the Tagaytay Hall of Justice and The MTC.

Via Bus

From Taft Ave, ride a night bus going to Starmall Alabang. Then ride another bus going to Tagaytay City. Ask the driver if he will pass by the Twin Lakes. If not, tell him to drop you off the nearest public transportation point going to Mahogany Avenue. Mahogany Beef Market is located behind the Tagaytay Hall of Justice and The MTC.

Via Train

Take a ride from any point of LRT Station going to Gil Puyat LRT station. Then ride a bus going to Tagaytay City. Ask the driver if he will pass by the Mahogany Avenue. If not, tell him to drop you off the nearest public transportation point going to Mahaogany Avenue. Mahogany Beef Market is located behind the Tagaytay Hall of Justice and The MTC.