Ready for a yummy adventure? Baguio City isn’t just about cool weather and beautiful views; it’s also a fantastic place to eat! This guide will show you some of the best foods and places to try in Baguio, making your trip a delicious one.
Session Road Snacks and Meals
Let’s start on Session Road, which is like the heart of Baguio. You’ll find lots of restaurants and snack places here. One great option is to grab a quick bite at one of the many street food stalls. You can find things like grilled corn, kakanin (Filipino rice cakes), and even fresh strawberries with condensed milk (a Baguio must-try!). For a more proper meal, there are plenty of restaurants offering everything from Filipino classics to international dishes.
For a taste of comfort food, you might want to check out a restaurant serving bulalo, a hearty beef marrow stew. It’s perfect for a cold Baguio evening! Or if you want something sweet, look for the local bakeries selling freshly baked raisin bread or ensaymada (sweet bread topped with cheese and sugar).
Strawberry Farms of La Trinidad: Beyond the Pick-Your-Own Experience
Just a short drive from Baguio is La Trinidad, famous for its strawberry farms. While picking your own strawberries is a fun activity, don’t forget to try the strawberry-flavored treats! You can find strawberry taho (a soft tofu dessert), strawberry ice cream, strawberry jam, and even strawberry wine. It’s a strawberry lover’s paradise!
The strawberry farms offer more than just strawberries. You can also find fresh vegetables and other local produce. Many farms have stalls selling cooked food, so you can enjoy a simple meal while taking in the beautiful scenery. It’s a great way to support the local farmers and enjoy fresh, delicious food.
Baguio Public Market: A Foodie’s Treasure Trove
The Baguio Public Market is a must-visit for any food lover. It’s a huge, bustling market where you can find everything from fresh vegetables and fruits to local delicacies and souvenirs. It can be overwhelming, but that’s part of the fun!
One of the things you should definitely try is the Baguio longganisa, a local sausage with a sweet and garlicky flavor. You can find it grilled or cooked in different dishes. The market also has a wide variety of dried fish and other seafood, as well as local coffee and tea. Don’t be afraid to try new things and haggle for a good price!
Cafe Hopping: Coffee and Comfort
Baguio has a thriving café culture, with many cozy and unique coffee shops. It is known as a popular third wave coffee destination in the Philippines. Many cafes feature locally-sourced coffee beans. (https://tourism.gov.ph/regions/CAR)
These cafes aren’t just about coffee; they also offer delicious pastries, sandwiches, and other snacks. Many have a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for reading a book or catching up with friends. Try to find a café with a view or a cozy fireplace for the ultimate Baguio experience.
Good Shepherd Convent: Pasalubong Shopping
No trip to Baguio is complete without a visit to the Good Shepherd Convent. It has become synonymous with Baguio souvenirs, specifically their famous ube jam. This sweet, purple yam jam is a must-buy for anyone visiting Baguio. Besides ube jam, they also sell other delicious treats like strawberry jam, peanut brittle, and lengua de gato (cat’s tongue cookies).
Buying from Good Shepherd helps support their charitable missions. It’s a great way to get delicious souvenirs and support a good cause at the same time.
Restaurants with a View: Dining in Style
Baguio offers several restaurants with stunning views of the mountains and city. These restaurants are perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. Imagine enjoying delicious food while watching the sunset over the mountains! Some popular restaurants with a view include:
- Hill Station: Located in Casa Vallejo, this restaurant offers a blend of Asian and European flavors in a historic setting.
- Farmer’s Daughter Restaurant: Serves authentic Cordilleran cuisine.
- Le Chef at The Manor: This upscale restaurant offers fine dining with an overlooking view.
Reservations are often recommended, especially during peak season.
Budget-Friendly Finds: Eating Well Without Breaking the Bank
Eating in Baguio doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of budget-friendly options available. The public market is a great place to find affordable food, and many of the smaller restaurants and eateries offer delicious meals at reasonable prices.
Look for carinderias (small, local eateries) serving Filipino dishes. You can often get a hearty meal for under 100 pesos. Also, don’t forget to try the street food! Grilled corn, fishballs, and other snacks are a cheap and tasty way to fill up.
Authentic Cordilleran Cuisine: A Taste of the Highlands
Baguio is a great place to try authentic Cordilleran cuisine. This unique cuisine features ingredients and dishes from the Cordillera region. Some popular dishes include:
- Pinikpikan: A chicken dish prepared in a unique way involving lightly beating the chicken to tenderize it and enhance the flavor.
- Etag: Smoked and salted pork, often used to flavor other dishes.
- Binungor: A dish cooked in bamboo.
Check out restaurants that specialize in Cordilleran cuisine to experience these unique flavors.
Night Market Grub: A Late-Night Adventure
If you’re a night owl, don’t miss the Baguio Night Market. It is not only a place to find great deals on clothes and accessories but also a fantastic place to sample street food. You can find all sorts of delicious snacks and meals at the night market, from grilled meats and seafood to noodles and desserts.
The Baguio Night Market is open every night, weather permitting, from 9 PM to 2 AM on Harrison Road.TripAdvisor Reviews are worth checking out!
It’s a great way to experience the local culture and enjoy some tasty food at the same time. Be prepared for crowds and be sure to bring cash.
Avoiding Food Poisoning: Tips for a Safe Food Trip
While Baguio is generally a safe place to eat, it’s always important to take precautions to avoid food poisoning. Here are some tips:
- Eat at reputable restaurants and eateries.
- Choose food that is freshly cooked and served hot.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked food.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before eating.
- Drink bottled water or boiled water.
By following these simple tips, you can minimize your risk of food poisoning and enjoy a safe and delicious food trip.
A Taste of France in Baguio: Secret Garden
Secret Garden is just one of the French spots in Baguio City. Some people call it a ‘hidden gem’ because it looks like a garden. It’s a perfect hideaway to enjoy quality time over French pastry, wines, and cheeses.
Planning Your Food Itinerary: A Sample Schedule
To help you plan your food trip, here’s a sample itinerary:
Day 1:
Morning: Visit the Strawberry Farms in La Trinidad and try strawberry taho.
Afternoon: Explore the Baguio Public Market and try Baguio longganisa.
Evening: Dine at Hill Station for dinner with a view.
Day 2:
Morning: Have coffee and pastries at a local café.
Afternoon: Visit Good Shepherd Convent for ube jam and other souvenirs.
Evening: Explore the Baguio Night Market and try different street foods.
Of course, you can customize this itinerary to fit your own preferences and interests. The most important thing is to have fun and try new things!
Specialty Restaurants: Beyond the Basics
Baguio also has specialty restaurants catering to specific tastes. For example, if you’re craving Korean food, you can find several Korean restaurants serving authentic dishes. There are also restaurants specializing in Italian, Japanese, Chinese, and other international cuisines.
Do some research online to find restaurants that match your interests. You can also ask locals for recommendations. They’ll often be able to point you to hidden gems that you wouldn’t find on your own.
Street Food Staples: Must-Try Snacks
No Baguio food trip is complete without trying the street food staples. Besides grilled corn and fishballs, you can also find:
- Turon: Sweet banana spring rolls.
- Banana cue: Deep-fried bananas coated in caramelized sugar.
- Camote cue: Sweet potato version of banana cue.
These snacks are cheap, delicious, and readily available throughout the city.
Seasonal Delights: Foods to Look for at Certain Times of Year
Baguio’s culinary scene also has some seasonal delights. During the colder months, you might find more vendors selling hot soups and stews. During the summer, you’ll find more fresh fruits and vegetables available at the market.
Keep an eye out for these seasonal specialties and try them while you can. They’re a great way to experience the changing flavors of Baguio.
Beverage Bonanza: More Than Just Coffee
While Baguio is known for its coffee, there are also other beverages worth trying. Local fruit shakes are a refreshing option, especially during the warmer months. You can find shakes made with strawberries, blueberries, and other local fruits.
Baguio also has a growing craft beer scene. Several bars and restaurants offer locally brewed beers. If you’re a beer lover, be sure to check them out.
Snack Attacks: Quick Bites for on-the-Go
If you’re short on time, there are plenty of quick bites you can grab on the go. Bakeries offer a variety of pastries and breads, perfect for a quick snack. You can also find sandwiches, empanadas, and other savory treats at convenience stores and food stalls.
These quick bites are a great way to keep your energy up while exploring the city.
Ube Overload: The Purple Yam Obsession
As mentioned earlier, ube (purple yam) is a Baguio specialty. Besides ube jam, you can also find ube ice cream, ube cake, ube bread, and even ube coffee! If you’re an ube lover, Baguio is the place to be.
Be sure to try different ube treats and find your favorite. You might just become obsessed with this purple yam!
Finding the Best Restaurants: Tips and Tricks
With so many restaurants to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some tips for finding the best restaurants in Baguio:
- Read online reviews on sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp.
- Ask locals for recommendations.
- Look for restaurants that are popular with locals.
- Trust your instincts. If a restaurant looks clean and inviting, it’s probably a good choice.
Most importantly don’t limit yourself; stay open to try new things and places that seem interesting.
Documenting Your Food Trip: Instagram Worthy Spots
Don’t forget to document your food trip with photos! Baguio has plenty of Instagram-worthy spots, both in terms of food and scenery. Take photos of your dishes, the restaurants you visit, and the beautiful views of the city.
Share your photos on social media and inspire others to embark on their own Baguio food adventure. Use relevant hashtags like BaguioFoodTrip, BaguioCity, and Philippines.
FAQ Section
What is Baguio’s most famous food?
Baguio is known for several foods, but the most famous is probably ube jam from Good Shepherd Convent. Other popular foods include strawberries (and strawberry-flavored treats), Baguio longganisa, and fresh vegetables.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options available in Baguio?
Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan options available in Baguio, mostly in specialty restaurants. With the rise of health consciousness, some restaurants are also offering modifications to the classics.
How much should I budget for food in Baguio?
Your food budget will depend on your eating habits and preferences. If you’re on a tight budget, you can easily eat well for 500-800 pesos per day by eating at carinderias and trying street food. If you prefer to dine at restaurants, you should budget at least 1000-1500 pesos per day.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Baguio?
It’s generally recommended to drink bottled water or boiled water in Baguio to avoid any potential health problems. Although the city’s water supply is treated, contaminated pipes are a common problem.
What are some good pasalubong (souvenirs) to buy in Baguio?
Besides ube jam, some other popular pasalubong to buy in Baguio include strawberry jam, peanut brittle, lengua de gato, dried flowers, wood carvings, and local coffee.
When is the best time to visit Baguio for a food trip?
Baguio is a great place to visit year-round but for the freshest strawberries, visit during the dry season from November to May. The Panagbenga Festival in February is also a popular time to visit, but be prepared for crowds.
Should I reserve a table in restaurants?
Yes, it is recommended that you book in advance for restaurants.
References
Department of Tourism – Philippines
TripAdvisor
Ready to Eat Your Way Through Baguio?
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Baguio food trip today! With its cool climate, beautiful scenery, and delicious food, Baguio is the perfect destination for a memorable culinary adventure. And don’t forget to bring your appetite!
