Food Trip in Baguio

GalaTayo PickRizal Park / City Hall areaCafé by the Ruins1–1.5 hrs·₱400/head

The breakfast Baguio regulars keep coming back for! Cafe by the Ruins opened in 1988, started by a group of Baguio artists and writers including National Artist BenCab, among the ruins of a house bombed in World War II. The result: a leafy, open dining room with stone walls, plants and local art, right across from City Hall. The menu is pure Cordillera comfort. Order Ernie's camote bread, Baguio bagnet, house-cured tapa and a cup of their cinnamon-and-cardamom Ruins Coffee. Come for breakfast on a cold morning and you'll see why it's a ritual for so many visitors.

GalaTayo PickBurnham / Harrison RoadBaguio Night Market1–2 hrs·₱100/head

Thrift hunters, assemble! Every night, Harrison Road beside Burnham Park closes to cars and turns into a long strip of tents selling thrifted jackets, coats, jeans, bags and shoes at bargain prices. Dig through the racks for that perfect vintage find, haggle nicely, then refuel with cheap street food: grilled skewers, fishballs, Korean snacks and hot soup in the cold mountain air. It is crowded and chaotic in the best way, a favorite of students and friend groups. Come early in the night for first pick and thinner crowds.

GalaTayo PickNo car neededMines ViewGood Shepherd Convent30 min–1 hr·₱200/head

The food-gift stop you can't skip! The Religious of the Good Shepherd make the famous Mountain Maid ube jam, plus strawberry jam, peanut brittle, lengua de gato and choco crinkles. Every purchase helps fund education for youth from the Cordilleras. Ube jam is limited to two bottles per person and sells out, so come early on a weekday. Enjoy the view from the deck, then walk down to Mines View Park.

GalaTayo PickUpper Session RoadHill Station1.5–2 hrs·₱700/head

Cold nights, a cozy log-cabin vibe and a great dinner: that's Hill Station! It sits inside the heritage Casa Vallejo below SM City Baguio and is led by owner Mitos Benitez-Yñiguez, whose menu blends flavors from Asia's hill stations with Old World Europe. Order the rack of lamb, lengua estofado or gambas, then end with canonigo. The warm wood interiors make it a favorite date spot. Book ahead for weekend dinners.

GalaTayo PickSession RoadOh My Gulay1–1.5 hrs·₱300/head

Climb up: the view and the vibe are worth it! Oh My Gulay is a whimsical vegetarian restaurant on the top floor of the La Azotea building on Session Road, run by National Artist Kidlat Tahimik. Climb the stairs into a maze of art installations, little bridges, plants and recycled wood, then order playfully named dishes like Anak ng Putanesca and Tandang Sora eggplant parmigiana. Even meat lovers come for the food, the art and the city view. Come for a late lunch or early dinner on a weekday.

GalaTayo PickNo car neededCentral Business DistrictSession Road1–3 hrs·Free entry

Baguio's main street, and the best one to walk! Session Road runs 1.7 km uphill through the heart of downtown, from the Burnham Park side up toward SM Baguio, with the steps to Baguio Cathedral along the way. Both sides are packed with old-school bakeshops, cafes, restaurants, bookshops and souvenir stores, so it's the easiest place to spend a cool afternoon. During Panagbenga in February, it turns into Session Road in Bloom. Come late afternoon to evening.

No car neededCentral Business DistrictBaguio City Public Market1–2 hrs·₱100/head

Want the real Baguio? Head to the market! The Baguio City Public Market is a sprawling, busy maze where locals shop for highland vegetables, fresh strawberries, cut flowers, longganisa and mountain coffee, plus woven fabrics, beads and wood carvings from around the Cordillera. It is the best place for budget take-home treats like strawberry jam, peanut brittle, ube jam and walis tambo (brooms), usually cheaper than tourist shops. Wander the aisles, haggle politely and grab a quick, cheap meal at the small eateries inside. Go early in the morning when the produce is freshest and the aisles are still breathable.

Assumption RoadIli-Likha Artist Village1 to 2 hrs·Free entry

Baguio's most magical food-and-art hideout! Ili-Likha is a maze of treehouse-like rooms built from salvaged wood, roots, bottles and mosaic, stacked up a hillside just off Session Road. Wander the winding stairs past art pieces, craft stalls and tiny eateries, then grab a seat wherever the view looks best. It's the creative village linked to National Artist Kidlat Tahimik, and walking in is free. Go hungry and take your time: every corner is a different little world!