MAKATI CITY — Tucked inside The Grid Food Market at Power Plant Mall, Stall 18 has become a quiet pilgrimage site for seafood lovers in Makati. Bun Appetit began as a weekend stall at the Salcedo Saturday Market before eventually establishing a permanent home in Rockwell, and it has since built a reputation for bringing a distinct New England-style seafood experience to the city. The concept is the work of husband-and-wife team Lawrence Cua and Iya Jimenez, who set out to fill a gap in the local dining scene. What started as a humble sandwich stand has evolved into one of the food hall’s most recognizable destinations.
The Rolls That Built the Reputation
The menu is anchored by a trio of seafood rolls: lobster, crab, and shrimp. Each one arrives on a soft, buttery bun that cradles generous portions of seafood, dressed with a sauce that complements rather than overwhelms. The lobster roll is the flagship, prized for its tender, fresh meat and the balance between bread, filling, and sauce. The shrimp roll offers a more accessible entry point, with a satisfying crunch and a buttery finish that keeps diners coming back. For those seeking something richer, the crab roll delivers real crabmeat in every bite, pairing well with the kitchen’s garlic noodles and clam chowder. The kitchen has also expanded its range to include grilled cheese variations, including a scallop grilled cheese that has earned its own following.
A Seafood Shack Spirit in a Food Hall Setting
Bun Appetit captures the casual, hand-held spirit of a coastal seafood shack without leaving the city. The stall’s format encourages quick, satisfying meals, whether you are grabbing a sandwich between errands or settling in for a leisurely lunch with friends. The garlic noodles and Mexican corn have become popular companions to the rolls, rounding out a meal that feels both indulgent and uncomplicated. For Makati residents and visitors navigating the city’s dense dining landscape, Bun Appetit offers something increasingly rare: a focused menu executed with consistency and a clear sense of identity.
Planning Your Visit
Bun Appetit is located at Stall 18, The Grid Food Market, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Makati City. The stall operates from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM from Monday to Thursday, extends to 10:30 PM on Fridays, opens at 10:00 AM on Saturdays until 10:30 PM, and runs from 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM on Sundays. For inquiries, the team can be reached at 0939 906 2035, and the menu is available online through their pickup portal. Whether you are a longtime fan of the Salcedo Market days or a first-timer curious about the city’s best lobster roll, the Rockwell stall offers a reliable and rewarding stop.
