Pampanga is probably the province with the most number of food parks, having 6 food parks fully operational and 4 more set to open within the year. But let’s talk about the one that started it all – Moderno Food Park. This badminton court turned food park was the very first food park to open in Pampanga.
Moderno is owned and operated by a millennial entrepreneur, Nicole 'Nico' Aquino, who has always been fond of converted warehouses and buildings. Her biggest inspirations are Christchurch, New Zealand’s Re:START Mall, and Maginhawa Village in Manila. Nico decided to open Moderno last October 2016, and little did she know that she started something that would later on become huge in her hometown. Months after the debut of Moderno, quite a few more food parks opened in key spots in Pampanga.
Moderno Food Park has been featured in several TV shows and also graced the pages of magazines; Nico also participated in this year’s World Street Food Congress as part of the panel, alongside two renowned Kapampangan chefs, Chef Sau Del Rosario and Chef Claude Tayag.
Moderno Food Park has 19 food stalls and also houses 2 air-conditioned arts and crafts rooms that can also be rented out for special events. Here’s what you can expect when you visit Moderno Food Park:
1. Yellow Street
For anything cheesy, head straight to Yellow Street!
2. Gohan Sushi Bar
Legit Japanese nibbles brought to us by Gohan Sushi Bar!
3. Pipeline Co.
Drinking made extra fun and sassy by Pipeline Co.! Aside from their signature Poptails & Cocktails, they also have a wide selection of beers – local, international, and craft.
4. Urban Crunch
Known for serving various bagnet dishes, Urban Crunch recently earned Tasters Choice Award – 1st Runner Up in the recently concluded inaugural Pampanga Taste Fest and was part of our “8 Must-Try Restaurants for an Ultimate Pampanga Food Trip” list.
5. Hanami Japanese Food
Thank God for affordable and tasty ramen and katsu from Hanami!
6. Racks & Ribs
Craving fancy slow-cooked ribs and other grilled meats? Racks & Ribs is here to save the day.
7. Seafood Platter
Fresh and scrumptious seafood for all the seafood lovers out there!
8. Fat Mama
Love lipsmacking wings? Get’ em at Fat Mama!
9. Fiamatta Pizza Bar
Fiamatta Pizza Bar serves brick-oven pizza made from scratch. They let you make your own pizza, too!
10. Meat Fuel
Fuel up, carnivores! This food stall's for you.
11. Tokyo Tempura
Gone are the days when you have to go to fancy Japanese restaurants just to eat tempura. Tokyo Tempura made this favorite Japanese grub accessible and affordable!
12. Benjamin’s Tacos + Quesadilla
Benjamin’s Tacos + Quesadilla started as a humble neighborhood café in Lubao. People from other parts of Pampanga would drive all the way to Lubao because they’re known to serve yummy Mexican dishes in big portions.
13. Sunny Side Up
Craving for our favorite bae, bae-con? Head on over to Sunny Side Up for some bacon goodness. They serve all-day breakfast meals and deliciously unique desserts!
14. Coco’s Chicken Shack
Hankering for chicken? No problem! Just look for Coco’s Chicken Shack and you’re good to go.
15. The Daily Detox
Burn calories of all the food you’ve tried out faster with the help of these healthy and refreshing juices infused with lemons, cucumbers, and oranges!
16. Mila’s Pub
Mila’s Pub is an offshoot brand from the family behind Pampanga’s well-known Mila’s Sisig and Tokwa’t Baboy. Their crunchy sisig is perhaps part of every foodie’s bucket list. Their Paco Salad is also not a must-not-miss!
[Photo by Ber Garcia]
[Photo by Ber Garcia]
17. Steak N’ Bake
Calling all steak lovers! There’s a spot specially for you, and with grub that's easy on the wallet, too. Tip: Order their Country Fried Steak. You’re welcome.
[Photo by Ber Garcia]
18. Simply Viet Kitchen and Asian Fusion
Try out simply delicious and inexpensive Vietnamese food available at Simply Viet!
19. Tazza Uno Cafe
Coffee, anyone? Get your caffeine fix at Tazza Uno!
Aside from an impressive lineup of food and drinks, Moderno has Acoustic Nights featuring talented local artists, and occasional arts and crafts workshops such as painting and calligraphy. When asked of future plans for Moderno, Nico said she would like to hold weekend bazaars and other events.
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Moderno Food Park is located beside Smash Power Badminton Center, MacArthur Highway, Telabastagan, San Fernando, Pampanga. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 4pm to midnight. Like Moderno Food Park on Facebook and follow on Instagram (modernofoodpark).
