Baguio, known as the City of Pines, offers more than just its cool weather and beautiful scenery. It’s a treasure trove of unique and mouthwatering food found in the Cordillera region. Leave behind the typical tourist spots; it’s time to discover authentic cuisine that reflects the stories of the mountains and the people who live there. This article invites you on an exciting journey through Baguio, showcasing its rich collection of indigenous delicacies.
What to Eat First: Must-Try Cordilleran Dishes
To kick off your food adventure, you absolutely need to try Pinikpikan. This is not your average chicken soup. The way it’s prepared is distinct; the chicken is gently beaten before it is cooked, which is thought to improve its flavor. Now, don’t be alarmed! This method is humane and part of a cultural tradition. It is usually served in a rich and flavorful broth along with vegetables such as sayote (chayote squash) and other local greens. The smoky taste is what makes it a standout dish in Baguio’s cuisine. When you go out to eat, be ready to pay between PHP 300-500 (around USD 5-9) for a serving.
Next on the list is Kinilaw na Isda, which might look familiar if you enjoy seafood dishes. While the term “kinilaw,” or ceviche, exists across the Philippines, Baguio specifically uses freshwater fish sourced from the area. This dish is generally marinated in vinegar, onions, ginger, and chili, giving it a zesty, fresh taste. It’s a great choice as a starter or even a light meal. Depending on the type of fish, you can expect to pay between PHP 200-400 (about USD 3.5-7).
Another local specialty to savor is Etag. This is pork that has been salted, cured, and often sun-dried; you can think of it as the Cordilleran twist on bacon, but with a stronger salty and fermented flavor. Etag is typically used to enrich various dishes, including Pinikpikan, or added to stews for that extra kick. You can purchase it at the local market or specialty shops, typically costing around PHP 500-800 (USD 9-14) per kilo, with price varying based on quality.
Don’t forget to try Inlagim. It’s a delightful pork stew featuring ginger, garlic, and vibrant local vegetables. Simple yet incredibly comforting, it warms you up on Baguio’s chilly nights. You can expect the price to be around PHP 250-400 (USD 4.5-7) for a serving.
If you’re in the mood for a delightful street treat, look no further than Camote Cue. This popular snack consists of sweet potatoes that are deep-fried and coated in a glaze of caramelized sugar—sweet, sticky, and utterly addictive! You can grab one for about PHP 20-30 (USD 0.35-0.53) each from street vendors around the city.
Where to Eat: Recommended Restaurants and Eateries
Finding authentic Cordilleran cuisine is like an adventure in itself. To help you navigate your dining options, here are a few recommended places:
Hill Station is renowned for its range of dishes, which often include Cordilleran specials. Although it leans towards the pricier side, the splash of culture along with a lovely ambiance makes it worth every added peso. Plan to spend around PHP 800-1500 (USD 14-27) per person for a full meal with drinks.
Another great spot is the Farmer’s Daughter Restaurant. This eatery is celebrated for its traditional Ifugao dishes, rendering a complete experience of local flavors. While the menu might seem overwhelming at first, don’t hesitate to ask the friendly staff for a few recommendations! Dine in a setting that mimics a traditional Ifugao house and expect to pay around PHP 400-800 (USD 7-14) per person.
The Baguio City Public Market shouldn’t be overlooked! While it may appear unassuming, you’ll discover a plethora of small eateries serving authentic and mouthwatering local dishes at a budget-friendly cost. This local favorite is where Baguio’s residents dine, so it’s as real as it gets! A meal can cost anywhere from PHP 150-300 (USD 2.65-5.31), depending on your choice.
If those suggestions don’t satisfy your cravings, take a stroll down Session Road or Legarda Road to hunt for hidden gems. Keep an eye out for places filled with people; a packed restaurant is usually a good sign that the food is delicious and reasonably priced.
A Taste of Home: Cooking Cordilleran Dishes Yourself
Would you like to take a taste of Baguio back home with you? Why not try your hand at making some Cordilleran dishes? Here’s a simple recipe for Pinikpikan that you can easily whip up at home:
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken
etag (cured pork), sliced
sayote (chayote squash), sliced
onion, chopped
ginger, sliced
salt and pepper to taste
water
Instructions:
1. To start, bruise or gently beat the chicken as this is commonly done to enhance the flavor.
2. In a large pot, combine the chicken, etag, sayote, onion, and ginger.
3. Next, cover the ingredients with water.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables have softened.
5. Finally, season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
All of these ingredients can be found at the Baguio City Public Market, and feel free to ask the vendors for tips on how to prepare the dishes. They are usually friendly and more than willing to share their insights.
Making Pinikpikan at home can be deeply satisfying! Sharing it with friends and family back home allows for an authentic taste of Baguio to be passed along.
Beyond Food: Exploring Baguio’s Culture
While the food is a major reason to visit Baguio, experiencing the region’s rich culture is equally important. Here are several activities to immerse yourself in:
Visit the Tam-Awan Village. This artist village is home to traditional Ifugao houses and displays a variety of local art. What better way to learn about the history and culture of the Cordillera region? An entrance fee of about PHP 60 (USD 1) for students and PHP 100 (USD 1.77) for adults is charged.
Explore the Baguio City Public Market again. Beyond just being a place to grab groceries, this market embodies the vibrant spirit of daily life in Baguio. Don’t forget to hunt for local handicrafts, textiles, and other unique products here.
Attend a local festival. If your timing is right, you may experience one of Baguio’s famous festivals like the Panagbenga (Flower Festival), celebrated in February. It’s an exciting time to witness colorful traditions and festivities of the region. Embrace the culture wholeheartedly! Don’t hesitate to engage with the locals and inquire about their traditions; their stories will enhance your overall experience.
Budgeting Your Baguio Food Trip
A food trip in Baguio can fit both affordable and luxurious budgets. Here’s a rough estimate for what you might spend on a 3-day food trip:
Transportation: Around PHP 1,000 – 2,000 (USD 18-35) for bus fares, taxis, or jeepneys.
Accommodation: Expect to spend between PHP 1,500 – 6,000 (USD 27-106), depending on your choice of lodging.
Food: Budget about PHP 3,000 – 6,000 (USD 53-106) for a mix of restaurant meals and street food delights.
Activities/Entrance Fees: Allocate around PHP 500 – 1,000 (USD 9-18) for visiting popular attractions like Tam-Awan Village.
Souvenirs: Set aside PHP 500 – 1,000 (USD 9-18) for optional mementos.
Total Estimated Cost: This brings your grand total to about PHP 6,500 – 11,000 (USD 115-195).
These figures are just estimates. You can certainly trim down your expenses by opting for budget accommodations, focusing mainly on street food, or minimizing ticketed activities.
Tips for a Smooth Trip
Pack for cold weather: Even in the dry season, Baguio’s nights can be quite chilly. Be sure to pack a warm jacket, sweater, or scarf.
Be prepared for rain: Do not forget, Baguio is known for its unpredictable weather. Bringing an umbrella or raincoat could save you from getting drenched unexpectedly.
Learn a few basic Tagalog phrases: While many people in Baguio speak English, knowing simple phrases will certainly help you navigate better. Phrases like “Magkano po?” (How much?) and “Salamat po” (Thank you) will be useful.
Bargain respectfully: When shopping at the public market, haggling is perfectly acceptable, but make sure to do it with respect.
Try local transportation: Make use of jeepneys; they’re not only affordable but quite a fun way to explore the town. Just ask a local for guidance on the routes you need.
Be mindful of the culture: The Cordillera region has a vibrant and unique culture. It’s essential to be respectful of local customs and practices.
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Baguio for a food trip?
A visit to Baguio is enjoyable any time of the year! But the dry season, which lasts from November to May, is usually the best option as it avoids heavy rains. If you want to partake in the lively Panagbenga Festival, plan to be there in February.
Is it safe to eat street food in Baguio?
Generally speaking, yes, it is safe. However, it helps to choose vendors with clean stalls and freshly cooked food, ideally those with a long line of customers. Stalls busy with patrons often indicate that the food is not only tasty but also safe to eat.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options in Cordilleran cuisine?
Though Cordilleran meals are widely meat-centric, you can still find some vegetarian options. Dishes like “Ginisang Sayote” (sautéed chayote squash) are preferable. You can also ask restaurants to prepare vegetarian variations of some of their dishes.
How can I get to Baguio from Manila?
Bus travel is the most common option. Many companies run daily routes from Manila, and the journey typically takes about 4 to 6 hours. Driving is another alternative, taking a similar time but subject to traffic conditions. It’s wise to book your bus tickets early to snag your desired seats.
What are some other popular things to do in Baguio besides eating?
Of course! Besides indulging in food, you can explore local highlights such as Burnham Park, Mines View Park, Camp John Hay, the Botanical Garden, and the Philippine Military Academy.
How expensive is a trip to Baguio?
The cost varies based on your travel style. A solo traveler might budget over PHP 6000 for a three-day adventure, factoring in meals, accommodations, and activities. Expenses can often be reduced when shared among a group.
