Press Release

By Ydelvess Morales – When it comes to food in Baguio, you will surely be full and satisfied. There are many food spots and restaurants scattered around the city which can cater to different tastes. But if you find yourself craving and wanting to try Baguio’s local dishes, there are even more places for you to go! There are varieties of local foods such as Strawberry dishes (one of them being the Strawberry Sinigang), the Cordilleran Blood Sausage or Pinuneg, Sundo’t Kulangot, and a lot more. 

For a heavy and hearty meal to start your day with, Goodtaste Restaurant is one of the best options. It is famous not only for locals but also for tourists who line up to have a seat and dine in. We also have Luisa’s Cafe and Restaurant located at Session Road, which is one of the oldest restaurants in the city. This resto is where locals go for an ambiance of home and nostalgia. Another local eatery can be found along the street of Baguio Public Market. Inatep Restaurant, one of the hidden gems in the city, serves large portions at a reasonable price. Aside from these places, there are other choices such as Oh My Gulay and Farmer’s Daughter Restaurant, not to mention the food stalls and fast food chains located at malls and along Session and Harrison Road. 

And since you’re in Baguio, you might as well try their local dishes. First is the well-known Pinikpikan. It is prepared using a stick and beating a chicken to death before cooking it. This method gives the chicken some bruises, giving the dish texture. Pinikpikan originated from a ritual process done when the tribe asks their ancestors to grant what they have asked for. Second is the Etag, an efficient meat preservation technique by the Ifugaos. This procedure is done by drying or smoking the meat under the sun. If it is done correctly, the meat can last for months. Third, and probably the most famous among other tourists or non-locals, is dog meat. It is particularly popular among men who eat it with alcoholic beverages. Since Baguio is a city with high temperatures, the locals need to heat their bodies. And sometimes, dog meat is their way to go. It may be a little hard to find restaurants that serve these local dishes, but there are some if you look hard enough. 

After having these savory meals, you may want to relax and sip a hot cup of coffee while staring at a beautiful view of the mountains. If you’re looking for a pre-made cup of coffee served to you, there are lots of cafes around the city. Some famous places are Cafe By The Ruins, Patch Cafe, and many more which are especially loved by students and workers who need coffee to get through the day or customers looking for a place to chill. On the other hand, Baguio City is also known for their high-quality coffee beans. Passing by a store who sells freshly roasted coffee beans will surely turn your head at its enticing aroma. You won’t even have to try hard to find these stalls, because they are located at malls, the market, and even along Session Road. 

One of these coffee stores is Garcia’s Premium Coffee located at Baguio City Market. They sell different flavors of coffee beans such as Barako, Benguet Blend, Kalinga Medium, Sagada Medium, and more. Additionally, customers are given the option to have the employees ground their coffee beans. Another known stall that sells these is Kape Umali. Aside from having five different branches within the city, they also sell their products to consumers online which helps them have a wider reach of customers. 

Lastly, Baguio offers a wide variety of pasalubong that you can take home. There are many stores selling these treats in the market, in malls, and even along Marcos highway. One of the most loved and famous pasalubong is Baguio’s strawberry (although the produce for this fruit mostly comes from La Trinidad). There are also sweet Strawberry and Ube jams, Peanut brittle, Lengua de gato, and even fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Aside from the arts & craft and famous tourist spots, Baguio City offers a broad range of food and delicacies. From heavy breakfasts, to savory meals, flavorful cups of coffee, and sweet pasalubongs, you can satisfy your cravings and still want more.