What’s one of the best things to do when you’re somewhere cold? Eat, of course! It’s no doubt our favorite activity when we head to the Summer Capital of the North. While we have yet to sample all of the city’s offerings, there are a few restaurants in Baguio that we intend to visit again and again. Here they are (plus one we hope to try real soon).
Som Tam
Som Tam Thai Restaurant was a new discovery for us when we went to Baguio for our daughter’s birthday early this year. We wanted vegetables and something spicy for my husband so we decided on Thai food. We couldn’t locate it on Google Maps at first but spotted it when we already decided to go somewhere else.
We’re glad we took a detour because it’s one of the best (my husband actually argues it is the best) Thai restaurant we’ve tried so far. We had the beef curry and crab fried rice with a vegetable dish on the side and everything was scrumptious. There truly are moments where I’ll just remember what we had there and wish we were back to indulge.
| Address | 21 Ecco Building #144, Baguio, Benguet |
| Contact number | (074) 637 3862 |
| Operating hours | 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. |
| Website | facebook.com/somtamph |
Cafe by the Ruins
I’m sure you’ve heard of this place before. Cafe by the Ruins is one of the more popular cafes slash restaurants in Baguio. We weren’t sure what to expect when we first tried it a few years ago but we were definitely happy after we visited — two times. Yup, we came in for lunch and came back for dinner. That’s how good everything is at this place.
We weren’t able to go back during our most recent trip because we thought it was closed when it wasn’t. But we’re definitely making time for it when we return and will try their Bagnet Sinigang, Dinuguan with Puto and more.
| Address | 25 Shuntug Rd, Baguio, Benguet |
| Contact number | (074) 442 4010 |
| Operating hours | 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
| Website | facebook.com/cafebytheruins |
Good Taste
Good Taste is one of the iconic, must-visit restaurants in Baguio. We had a great experience when we went there a few years ago. While the serving time was a bit slow, the food more than made up for it.
We loved everything we had — from the chopsuey to the crispy pata. We’ve been hearing sad stories about how the food quality and the service is declining, but we hope they work on turning things around. We’d love to visit again when it’s safer to dine indoors!
| Address | Otek St, Baguio, Benguet |
| Contact number | 0926 095 7940 |
| Operating hours | 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Website | facebook.com/gtrotekbaguiocity |
Canto
Canto Bogchi Joint was an on-a-whim pick for us. We were super hungry after visiting the Ben Cab Museum and everything was packed. Well, they were packed too but we decided to take a chance and we were glad we did.
Their food is fresh and amply satisfying. We’ll definitely make a stop again to try their burgers and salads.
| Address | 25 Kisad Rd, Baguio, 2600 Benguet |
| Contact number | 0917 899 9954 |
| Operating hours | 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. |
| Website | facebook.com/cantobogchijoint |
Chaya
One of the restaurants in Baguio that we wanted to try was Chaya. Our daughter loves Japanese food and requested it for her birthday. We had our eye on this place but didn’t know that we had to reserve a slot because they get packed pretty quickly. My husband asked his Baguio-native friend if the food’s good here and he gave his stamp of approval.
We’re looking forward to sipping and slurping their ramen and enjoying their crunchy katsu.
| Address | 72 Legarda Rd, Baguio, Benguet |
| Contact number | (074) 424 4726 |
| Operating hours | 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
| Website | facebook.com/chayalegarda |
Which of these restaurants in Baguio have you tried and which ones not mentioned here do you plan on trying?
If you’re planning a trip soon, make sure you have your travel requirements to enter Baguio ready.