Baguio City is a delightful place, known for its cool climate and beautiful scenery. It’s not just a location for tourists; it’s also a paradise for food enthusiasts. If you are a food lover, a trip to Baguio is an exciting adventure filled with fresh local produce and special dishes that you won’t find anywhere else.
Strawberries and Strawberry-Based Treats
A visit to Baguio is incomplete without tasting its famous strawberries. These sweet berries are available in many markets, and you can find them in various desserts and snacks. When in Baguio, make sure to indulge in some strawberry treats such as:
- Strawberry Taho: This is a warm, sweet snack consisting of soft tofu, little tapioca pearls, and delicious strawberry syrup.
- Strawberry Ice Cream: Perfect for those warm days, this creamy ice cream is a refreshing treat.
- Strawberry Jam and Preserves: These are great to buy as souvenirs to take back home.
- Strawberry Shortcake: Fluffy cake layered with fresh strawberries and cream makes a delightful dessert.
Where to Find Them:
- Strawberry Farms near La Trinidad: Several farms allow visitors to pick their strawberries, which makes for great fun.
- Public Market: Here, you will find a wide variety of fresh strawberries and strawberry products.
- Session Road Cafes and Souvenir Shops: These places often have ready-made strawberry treats available for enjoyment.
Peanut Brittle
Peanut brittle is a crunchy delight unique to Baguio. Made from sugar and peanuts, this sweet treat is easy to pack and great to share as a pasalubong (souvenir). There are also variations with sesame seeds or cashew nuts for added flavor.
Where to Find Them:
- Public Market: You’ll discover numerous vendors selling different flavors of peanut brittle here.
- Souvenir Shops: Many shops sell neatly packaged peanut brittle for easy travel.
- Grocery Stores: Local supermarkets often stock popular brands of peanut brittle, making them easy to find.
Sizzling Plate Dinners
The chilly Baguio weather makes warm meals a delightful choice. Sizzling Plate Dinners are famous for being served on hot cast iron plates that keep your food warm longer. Some favorite options include:
- Sizzling Sisig: This dish is made from chopped pork face and ears mixed with spices and onions, sometimes topped with a raw egg.
- Sizzling Beef Steak: This features thin slices of beef simmered in a savory sauce.
- Sizzling Tofu: A tasty vegetarian option featuring cubes of tofu paired with vegetables in a savory sauce.
Where to Find Them:
- Various Restaurants on Session Road: You can enjoy sizzling plates at many restaurants along this busy street.
- Local Eateries: Smaller dining spots often have their own versions, which may be more affordable.
- Food Courts inside Malls: For a quick meal, the food courts offer convenient options for sizzling plates.
Ube Jam
Ube jam, or purple yam jam, is a popular sweet treat that is both creamy and delicious. It’s prepared using boiled and mashed ube, coconut milk, sugar, and butter. This colorful jam can also be used in many baked goods like bread and cakes.
Where to Find Them:
- Good Shepherd Convent: Many people favor this place for ube jam because part of the profits supports their charitable activities.
- Public Market: Here, you can find many brands and homemade ube jams available.
- Souvenir Shops: For easy transport, packaged ube jam is commonly found in many shops.
Taho
Taho is a warm, sweet delicacy that is great for cold mornings in Baguio. It consists of soft tofu, tiny tapioca pearls, and sweet syrup. Taho vendors can often be seen walking around with carts, calling out “Taho!” to attract customers.
Where to Find Them:
- Street Vendors: Throughout the streets, you can find vendors selling their warm taho.
- Public Market: Some vendors at the market also have taho for sale.
- A Few Cafes: Certain cafes might offer taho during breakfast hours, adding a unique twist to their menu.
Vegetable Dishes
The fertile land surrounding Baguio provides an abundance of fresh vegetables. Many local restaurants take pride in serving dishes that highlight these fresh ingredients. Some popular vegetable dishes include:
- Pinakbet: This is a local vegetable stew consisting of eggplant, okra, string beans, squash, and bitter melon, usually cooked with pork or dried fish.
- Chop Suey: A stir-fried vegetable mix that often includes carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, and cauliflower.
- Salad with Local Greens: These salads showcase the freshness of local greens, usually drizzled with homemade vinaigrette.
- Vegetable Lumpia: These are fried rolls filled with a mix of vegetables, making for a delightful snack.
Where to Find Them:
- Local Restaurants: Many restaurants focus on using local ingredients, especially in their vegetable dishes.
- Public Market Eateries: Smaller dining spots inside the market often have simple yet tasty vegetable options available.
- Hotels: Many hotels typically include a range of vegetable dishes on their menu, catering to guests seeking healthy options.
Miki
Miki is a delicious noodle soup that is popular in Baguio. Often made with pork and eggs, it features a rich and savory broth that warms you up, especially on chilly days.
Where to Find Them:
- Session Road Restaurants: Several small restaurants along this road offer tasty miki.
- Local Eateries: Budget-friendly diners often have miki as a popular option on their menu.
Longganisa
You’ll discover Baguio’s special version of longganisa, which is a flavorful sweet and savory sausage. Often served for breakfast, this dish adds a beautiful taste to any meal.
Where to Find Them:
- Public Market: Fresh, uncooked longganisa can easily be found here, ready for cooking.
- Grocery Stores: Look for packaged versions at local supermarkets if you want to take some home.
- Breakfast Spots: Many breakfast restaurants serve delicious cooked longganisa, perfect for starting your day on a tasty note.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it best to visit Baguio during the harvest season for fresh strawberries?
Absolutely! The harvest season runs from November to May, making this the ideal time to find strawberries at their freshest and most flavorful. The prices are generally lower during this time as well.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options available in Baguio?
Yes! Many restaurants in Baguio serve plant-based dishes. You can enjoy options like pinakbet, chop suey, and various tofu meals, which are widely offered.
Are there any food souvenirs that are unique to Baguio?
Definitely! Take home Ube Jam, Peanut Brittle, Strawberry Preserves, or even local coffee beans, as these make for unique and tasty souvenirs.
Are there any tips for bargaining food prices at the market?
You can politely ask for a better price, but remember that many vendors depend on these sales for their income. Approach negotiations with a friendly attitude; often, they will offer you a better deal.
Are there any specific payment methods in Baguio?
Cash is the preferred method for most vendors, especially in public markets and small shops. Some of the larger establishments and malls accept credit cards, but it’s wise to carry cash for smaller vendors.
References
- Philippine Statistics Authority. (various publications).
- Department of Tourism. (various publications).
- Guidebooks and local travel brochures on Baguio City.
If you love food, adventure, and beautiful surroundings, Baguio City is calling your name! Get ready to explore local flavors and bring home some delicious memories. Make sure to dive into the eating experience, try everything you can, and, most importantly, enjoy every bite. Happy eating!
