No trip is complete without trying out a locale’s food. Baguio has many restaurants and cafes that offer local but also international cuisine. I was also pleasantly surprised to find several book shops and a library to explore. Hope these feed your bellies and minds. Yumunums incoming!
Farmer’s Daughter Restaurant
Left: Kinuday jen baboy; top right: Pao-pako salad; bottom right: Sendad jen baha
Photos by barqs94
Address: CHHG+XHP Tam-awan Village, Long Long Benguet Rd
Opening hours:
Monday, 10 AM to 4:30 PM
Tuesday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 5:00 PM
If you want to try authentic Cordilleran food, hop on over to Farmer’s Daughter. A few minutes’ walk away from Tam-Awan Village and Irogot Stone Kingdom, this homey restaurant is a welcomed pitstop after some walking in the nearby attractions. We tried the smoked pork Kinuday Jen Baboy, fresh fern Pao-Pako Salad, and the comforting beef soup Sendad Jen Baha. There is a queue before being seated, but totally worth the wait.
Mt. Cloud Bookshop and Hot Cat Specialty Coffee
Photos by me and barqs94
Address: 1 Yangco Rd. cor. Brent Rd.
Opening hours:
Mt. Cloud: Monday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Hot Cat: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM
Mt. Cloud is a magical place. It’s always a treat visiting this little (now not so little) bookshop. With over 3000 titles on display, this 15-year old bookstore rose from its humble beginnings, proudly representing wisdom of diverse authors including, of course, from the Cordillera and Ilocano regions. Be sure to catch any of their community events when you’re in the city. Tick off from your TBR list while sipping a cup (or two!) from their cafe, Hot Cat.
Joseph’s
Top right: Eggs Florentine; middle left: Salmon Tartare; middle right: Pork Roulade; bottom left: Chicken Francese; bottom right: Strawberries & Cream Crepes (above), Strawberry Almond Tart (bottom)
Photos by barqs94
Address: Brgy. Teacher’s Camp, Laperal White House, 14 Leonard Wood Rd
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 11 AM to 10 PM
This was not in our itinerary but we’re glad we found it along our way from Mt. Cloud to the Botanical Garden. This historical century-old house of the Laperals add an interesting story to this French fine dining restaurant. Servings are generous, so come here with an empty stomach and an open mind.
Lofobooks and Oh My Gulay
Address: La Azotea Building, Session Rd
Opening hours:
Lofobooks: Monday to Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM
Oh My Gulay:
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 11 AM to 7 PM
Friday to Sunday, 11 AM to 8 PM
Closed on Tuesday
I love discovering interesting spaces. We were headed up to Oh My Gulay, a vegetarian restaurant by National Artist Kidlat Tahimik, and stumbled upon Lofobooks, another local bookstore on the ground floor of the unassuming La Azotea building on busy Session Road. Got myself a fun blind date with a book with all these goodies. We capped the night with a light dinner at the top floor with the lights of the city.
Baguio City Public Library
Photos by me and barqs94
Address: Jose Abad Santos Dr
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 7 PM
Closed on Sunday
Nearby the famous Burnham Park sits another book haven, the Baguio City Public Library. Spend an hour (or more!) in this quiet corner filled with books of different genres for all ages. We especially loved the children’s section with its colorful chairs and tables and wonderful kids’ literature.
What do you think?
That ends our short and sweet Panagbenga trip.
What was your favorite place? Let me know in the comments 🙂
Remember. Reminisce. Reflect.
Salamisim out.
salamisim 