Introduction
Makati, the center of business and shopping in the Philippines, is lined with sophisticated skyscrapers. However, for travelers, a common dilemma is, ‘Where and what kind of souvenirs should I buy?’ Many find it challenging to ‘find truly Filipino souvenirs.’
This time, from numerous shopping malls and markets, we’ve carefully selected three must-visit souvenir spots in Makati for travelers. From select shops offering classic crafts and goods, to massive supermarkets brimming with local flavor and perfect for bulk souvenirs, and even deep-dive weekend markets that locals rave about—we bring you authentic information that will surely make you want to visit.
Kultura Filipino
📍 Address: 1223 Palm Dr, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
If you’re looking for Filipino souvenirs, ‘Kultura Filipino’ is an absolute must-visit. Located inside large malls like SM Makati, it’s the ultimate and classic select shop gathering Filipino crafts and specialty products.
Inside the very spacious and clean store, you’ll find a wide array of products, from classic dried mangoes and ‘Michelle’s Homemade Golden Sana Banana Chips’ (a popular item many travelers specifically seek out) to cacao and local coffee. The biggest charm is that many popular items that are hard to find in regular supermarkets can often be found here in one go.
Furthermore, beyond food items, there’s a rich selection of ‘proper souvenirs’ like traditional Barong attire, pearl accessories, woven bags, and hand-carved wooden crafts. In recent years, they’ve also offered personalization services such as leather stamping for leather goods, which is a delightful bonus for creating special, personalized gifts. Even for travelers short on time, the reassurance of ‘you’ll definitely find something good here’ is immense.
The Landmark Makati
📍 Address: 6751 Makati Ave, Ayala Center, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
If you want to experience a local vibe and an overwhelming selection of goods, head to ‘The Landmark Makati.’ Compared to nearby SM and Ayala Malls, it offers slightly more budget-friendly prices, and its massive basement supermarket is a ‘treasure trove for bulk souvenirs’ for travelers.
The sheer size of the grocery section is astonishing, with mountains of snacks and breads made with UBE (purple yam), unique Filipino tropical fruit juices, and local sweets. Cut fruits are also available, making it perfect for stocking up during your hotel stay.
And definitely check out the daily necessities and cosmetics section! You’ll find an incredibly wide range of Colgate toothpastes with unique international flavors not commonly seen in Japan, papaya soaps with irresistible tropical scents, and even individually packaged hair care oils (like ellips) convenient for travel. If you want to stock up on inexpensive yet practical souvenirs for colleagues and friends, this supermarket will be your best ally.
Salcedo Saturday Market
📍 Address: Jaime C. Velasquez Park, H26F+56Q Salcedo Village, Tordesillas St. Cor Toledo St., Salcedo Village, Makati, 1227 Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines
If you’re a traveler staying in Makati on a weekend, you absolutely must wake up early and visit the ‘Salcedo Saturday Market.’ Held every Saturday morning (from around 6 AM until early afternoon) in a lush park at the heart of Makati’s business district, it’s a vibrant outdoor market.
The main attraction is a myriad of food stalls featuring international cuisines. From juicy Filipino lechon (whole roasted pig) to Thai pad Thai, authentic BBQ skewers, and sweets – an astonishing array of ‘B-grade’ gourmet foods are gathered here. Locals and expats enjoy snacking, and visitors can soak in the positive local energy, perhaps enjoying a picnic on the park’s lawn.
From a souvenir hunting perspective, this market is quite unique. While not abundant in quantity, you can encounter ‘craft-style items’ not found in mass-produced goods, such as organic soaps, locally sourced honey, wooden tableware, and handmade crafts. Prices are set slightly higher (tourist prices) targeting foreigners and local affluent residents, but it’s an exquisite leisure spot where you can simultaneously enjoy a festive atmosphere, a delicious breakfast, and a once-in-a-lifetime souvenir hunt.
[Column] Don’t Fail! Insider Tips and Cautions for Souvenir Shopping in Makati
Finally, here are some small tips for smoothly purchasing souvenirs in Makati.
1. Be Careful When Bringing Home Strongly Scented Items
Many travelers purchase classic ‘papaya soap’ or fabric softeners at supermarkets like The Landmark, but Filipino daily necessities generally have very strong scents. Tragedies often occur where the scent transfers to food items (like cookies and dried fruit) inside suitcases, so we strongly recommend bringing sealed bags like Ziploc from Japan and packing them completely separately.
2. Find Your ‘Favorite’ Banana Chips
Banana chips, the absolute ace of Filipino souvenirs, vary surprisingly in texture and taste depending on the manufacturer—from ‘thin and crispy’ to ‘thick and crunchy,’ ‘mildly sweet,’ or ‘rich in honey.’ If you have time, a smart traveler’s hack is to buy several small bags at The Landmark supermarket, try them at your hotel to find your favorite, and then buy in bulk at Kultura or another supermarket.
3. Toilet and Cash Situation at Markets
When heading to outdoor events like the Salcedo Saturday Market, be sure to prepare plenty of small denominations of cash (pesos). Also, local public toilets are often paid (around 5 pesos), and it’s difficult to expect the same quality of hygiene as in Japan, so it’s safer to use the facilities at your hotel or a nearby cafe beforehand.
