Go loco over the flavors of Baguio!

After driving three to four hours up north, biyahero, we know that you always deserve the “best” food in the chilly city of Baguio! So here are the restaurants and bars that you can try when you are in the “Summer Capital of the Philippines.”

Breakfast by the ruins

 
A hearty breakfast awaits you at Café by the Ruins. This 1988 cafeteria once announced that they will close for good, but thanks to the number of patrons from Manila who travelled north just to eat here for the last time, the owners decided to keep the restaurant and let people enjoy their fresh home-baked breads.
 

Feel like an Ilustrado as you drink their Rizal’s tsokolate-e while pairing it with Quezo de Bola Ensaymada. Also add to your order list their Lon-Si-Log, a famous Filipino meal that comprises of marinated pork cubes with fried rice and egg.



Cannot stand the cold weather? Have their chocolate rice porridge. For heavy meals try their lamb kebab with organic brown rice, and sinigang na lechon. They also serve unusual refreshments like cold hibiscus tea and tamarind juice.
 
Café by the Ruins is the remains of the mansion of former Governor Phelps Whitmarsh. The two-storey restaurant is furnished with hardwood and paintings of local artists. Sometimes, the café features various local musicians, and holds art exhibits. Like them on Facebook to keep you updated. Café by the Ruins is open from 7 AM to 9 PM.
 

Price: P150 to P500 per meal

Address: 25 Shuntug Road, Baguio City
 

A foodie community fit for your brunch

 

Ketchup Food Community is the perfect place for curious taste buds because here, there are five restaurants to choose from with different cuisines to offer. You can also expect restaurants to serve the freshest ingredients. Like what Drew Arellano said, “You can never go wrong with Baguio’s greens.”  The restaurants operate from 10 AM to 9 PM.
 

Up for some home-cooked Thai food for brunch? Choose Happy Tummy. Its laidback ambiance is perfect for chats with your family or hubby over a delicious pad Thai or tom yum soup.  Also try their steamed fish fillet, and chicken curry with Thai rice.
 


If you opt for gourmet breakfast, there is Green Pepper. This restaurant is located at a rather secluded area at the Ketchup community. The walls are designed with a landscape mural. Their dishes are a fusion of American, European, and Asian cuisines. You can choose from a variety of European breakfasts such as eggs benedict, French toast with honey and vanilla ice cream, and Cordi-Bacon n’ eggs or local smoked bacon, steamed rice, and Pinoy ensalada. For brunch, you can try their gourmet pork grills, roasted chicken drizzled with strawberry sauce, and fresh vegetable salad with vinaigrette dressing.


 
Dig in to Rancho Norte’s Filipino dishes. This restaurant is perfect for balikbayans and foreign tourists. Here, you can be adventurous with your palate as you try their unusual tapas. You can choose from a variety of meat:  horse, deer, and wild boar.
 

And “where there is fat, there is flavor,” try their lechon sisig and pinakbet with bagnet. Since we are here in Baguio, it is also a must to taste their fresh strawberry smoothie.
 

While you are at the Ketchup Food Community, try spicing up your lunch at the Rumah Sate. Expect Indo-Malaysian dishes here. There is a different ambiance in this restaurant because of its Hindu-inspired interiors and music.
 

What are the dishes to try? Drew tasted the group satay, laksa, and mie goreng.

Craving for American comfort food? Head to Canto! It offers mouthwatering American dishes such as the tender baby back ribs with creamy mashed potato and fresh Cascade salad, juicy quarter pounder burgers, and veggie pizzas.
 
 

Price: P100 to P500 for two to three persons

Address: Romulo Drive, Brgy. Lualhati, Baguio City
 

As the evening arrives or the owl calls at night


Oh My Gulay Artist Café
Never leave Baguio City without trying the healthy dishes of Oh My Gulay Artist Café, an oasis built amidst the bustling city of pines. The food is complemented by the artsy place - it houses the works of local artist Victor Oyteza also  known as Kidlat Tahimik. O.M.G. is perfect for a chill-out night for lovebirds, barkadas, and families. There are also interesting souvenirs that you can buy for pasalubong such as native bags, shirts, and handmade accessories.
 

Expect fresh greens here. Surprisingly, the taste of their veggie dishes also suits meat lovers’ palates. One of the dishes that you should try is the lumpia salad or crispy tofu rolls topped on a bed of fresh mixed greens and tossed in honey mustard dressing. KKK sliders is also a must try. It consists of two vegetable burgers with a choice of tempura or chef’s mayo sauce. Pancit gulay or egg noodles with fresh vegetables sautéed in garlic is another savory dish.  Oh My Gulay is open from 11 AM to 8 PM.
 

Price: P120 to P500 good for two persons

Address: 5th floor, La Azotea Building, 108 Session Road, Baguio City
 


Jim’s Retro Diner

Expect the interior to be similar to old-fashioned diners. Jim’s offers large pizzas and burgers that can be shared by four to five persons. Dare to finish two large pizzas (pesto and ham and cheese flavors) and a huge burger with your friends. You will surely leave the diner with bloated tummies and with take home goodies. Jim’s is open from 10 AM to 12 AM.
 
Price: P100 to P500 for two to three persons

Address: La Azotea Building, 108 Session Road, Baguio City
 

108 Session Road Café
Missing Manila’s gig nights? Then head over to Session 108. Drew with the crew had local ice cold beers and sisig. This place is your usual acoustic night where you can request songs and jam with the local musicians. Enjoy drinking your beer at this laidback bar.  108 Session Road Cafe is open from 5 PM to 1 AM.
 

Price: Bar chows range from P100 to P200 good for two persons

Address: La Azotea Building, 108 Session Road, Baguio City
 


Street food at the Harrison Road

Grab some street food such as fried or grilled squid and corn before strolling along Harrison Road. Vendors begin to fix their stalls by 9 PM when it starts to get crowded.
 

Harrison Road is an ukay-ukay hub near Burnham Park. Here you can find great deals of branded outdoor apparels, signature clothes, cellphone accessories and bags. It is also a walking distance away from Bookends, where you can buy quality books for as low as P25.
 
While having a cozy vacation in Baguio this holiday season, do not just focus on its beautiful sights and chilly weather. Also enjoy the various taste and flavors it can offer.
 
For more biyahero tips visit “Biyahe ni Drew” on Facebook and Twitter.

--- Cielo Flores/ARP/BMS