When traveling, the number question that comes to mind is: where should I eat? And there are a lot of things we consider when dining out but it all comes to this: where can I experience the best food without worrying about my budget?
During our Baguio City trip, with only Php 2000-3000 in hand, we went on a great hunt for restaurants where we can get the best of Baguio without slashing our wallets. Thanks to our friend Jam for recommending some places, our food trip was super worth it.
This post is just based on our personal experience during our trip. I cannot say that they’re best restaurants since we weren’t able to try everything but hey, this could give you an idea on where to eat. So let’s start!
Grumpy Joe
Location: Leonard Wood Rd, Baguio, Benguet | 0916 493 6879 | Facebook
If you want a complete meal, Grumpy Joe is the perfect place. We ordered the COMBO A (Chicken, Spaghetti, Fries and Pizza) Php 140. While we’re not totally crazy about their spaghetti, but their chicken and fries is something you should look forward to. The combo meals doesn’t come with drinks though. It’s actually surprising that the drinks were almost the same price as the meals but yeah, if you want a heavy meal and you’re on a tight budget then consider this place.
50’s Diner
Location: Gen. Luna Rd, Baguio, Benguet | 0916 659 5555
Speaking of heavy meal, there’s no other place that could beat 50’s Diner when it comes to big meals on a small budget. It’s a trademark already. Your Baguio experience wouldn’t be complete without trying this restaurant. With a classic American diner design, 50’s Diner is a throwback place. We went here for dinner so apologies because the photos were low quality (plus, it was neon pink light so it was really hard to take good photos).
We ordered the Pork Kebab (Php 120), Shrimps (Php 150) and Gangsta Gangsta (Php 155). The Gangsta Gangsta is the bomb for me. Pork chop, fried chicken, egg, chicken roll and rice, all for just Php 155. What could you ask for?
Tribal Christian Cafe
Location: 2nd Flr. Jabez Barbershop, Lower Mabini, Session Road, Baguio, Benguet | (074) 244 4083 | Facebook
This is a hidden gem right along Session road. If not for our friend, we wouldn’t even know this place exists. It’s located on the 2nd floor and truly, it’s a nice visit. It was raining very hard the day we went here so we stayed in the place for quite some time.
The place itself has a nice ambiance. It’s very close to nature. There’s an HUGE albino python on the counter area and an iguana beside it. Also, it’s cozy inside. There’s a mini library where you can read and they also have board games you could borrow. We played Snakes & Ladders (unfortunately, I lost) and it was just a fun day. We ordered their mango and guyabano shakes for Php 40 each. It’s made from real fruit and it’s really good.
Good Taste Cafe & Restaurant
Location: Carino St, Baguio, Benguet | (074) 444 2201
Good Taste is known for their affordable family sized meals. And our visit was ultra worth it. The menu is predominantly Chinese. We ordered the Pancit Canton (Php 150, good for 4), Sweet and Sour Pork (Php 165) and Fried Rice (Php 110, good for 3).
If you’re gonna visit the place be prepared as it can be a total chaos inside. While it has a large seating capacity, the amount of people that eats there can be overwhelming.
Safari Lodge
Location: Navy Base Rd, Baguio, Benguet | (074) 442-2419, +639167044697
This was also recommended by Jam and we were intrigued by her descriptions. Taxidermied animals. When we visited the place we were like “No. Just no. This place is expensive.”. Safari Lodge is a hotel but you can also just visit their restaurant. This is definitely our favorite place. We were shaking by the time we went inside because a place like this could be really expensive but we where surprised. The meals were just Php 150 less (I forgot the exact price, sorry!) and a pitcher of iced tea is around Php 80. Very cheap considering the place.
Note: when I posted this on Facebook, I was surprised by the mixed reactions I got, mostly negative. I’d like to believe that the taxidermied animals are legal including the large elephant in the center which the hotel staff mentioned to be real since the owner is known to be a huntsman. But yes, we’re against animal abuse but hey, let’s just appreciate it. It’s still a nice place with good food.
Zola Cafe
Location: 2nd Floor, Patria de Baguio Bldg, Session Rd, Baguio, Benguet | (074) 446 5610 | Facebook
Zola Cafe, just like Safari Lodge can also be intimidating because of its fancy interior but don’t fret. They have really affordable food. Went here before we ended our staycation in Baguio. It’s both a bar and a restaurant so expect a lot of smokers. While the windows are opened, I just hope that they had exhaust fans as well because it can be really irritating. We ordered their sisig and calamares (Php 100-150+) and it was super good especially the calamares.
Chubby Bib’s
Location: Leonard Wood Rd, Baguio, Benguet | 0906 437 5621 | Facebook
Chubby Bib’s is relatively small but it still managed to make the place cozy. The food is great and it’s really presentable. And the staff is really accommodating. Compared to the other places listed here, this one has the least amount of serving but it’s still good if you’re not a heavy eater and just want something different.
Streetfood
Of course, if you’re in a new place it’s best to try the streetfood! During the night market along Harrison Road, try the sisig and turo-turo. It’s really good.
The Baguio Food Experience
Baguio is indeed a food haven. Good food at a really affordable price. You’ll never run out of restaurants and cafes to try and I’m excited to go back and try more. Being our first out-of-town trip together, we learned to maximize our money. From cheap inns to food places, we made sure that we get the best out of our trip. And yes, at the end of the day, it will all come down to the experience we had.
Thank you for reading my Baguio City Guide and for being part of the adventure. Till the next one!
READ MORE: WHERE TO GO
Cheers~!
– Justin –
11 Comments. Leave new
Wait, seriously?? Php3,000? Wow, I can't leave Manila with that amount of money. Kudos to you for being so thrifty!
This is super timely, i'm going to save this. Seriously. We're going to Bagiuo on January with my BFF's family and I'm glad I came upon this list. We've always loved Bagiuo but I've never really gotten to eat at restos much except for the usual sizzling at Burnham and hotel food.
I've been to the 50s diner before. Nice place with good food! 🙂 When I go back to Baguio, I'll make a note to check out the rest of the places listed here.
Can't even choose which one is my favorite. All looks delicious. I guess you really enjoyed Baguio.
I like the food at 50s diner and good taste especially because of its affordability. Safari lodge has a really nice interior.
I hope I could visit Baguio like this and not just for work. I'll go back to your post once I'm ready to head Baguio on my own.
Tribal Christian Cafe and Safari Lodge look nice. The cushions on the tables of Tribal Christian Cafe looks cozy.The Safari Lodge looks so cool! I really like the interior designs.
Did you try all these when you went there? I'm going to Baguio this month so thanks for the guide!
Super late comment..just crossed your blog…whenever my husband and me in baguio we always go to roast chicken…order half chicken(150) 4 rice and softdrinks ok na hahahaha
Hala! friends pala kayo ni Tracy. I was revisiting your blog until I got here. She was my roommate in Mendiola. haha It is nice to know. Anyways, happy traveling!
Yes! She’s my best friend. hehehe