Nestled in the north, way up in the envelopes of the Cordillera Mountain and Ilocos ranges, is the small town of Sagada. Despite being highly popularized as the proverbial place where “broken hearts go,” Sagada is also a hive for various food spots, beaming with various delectable picks that can be taken as ambrosia for the happy-hearted backpacker.

Sagada Lemon Pie House

A popular pick for locals and travellers alike, one’s Sagada experience wouldn’t be complete without Sagada Lemon Pie House’s offering of their house specialty—lemon pie, of course. Owned by Joseph and Katrina Daoas, with the original recipe from Joseph’s Ilokana mother Elena, the pie house, situated at Atey, Daoangan, Sagada, is a bustling restaurant filled with travellers from all corners of the globe. With a very laid back and relaxed atmosphere and low tables reminiscent of a Japanese-style kind of dining at the frontal part, the restaurant provides a space for comfort and casual conversation for its visitors.

   

The freshly baked lemon pies matches the hype it’s known for. At first bite, an immediate surge of citrus complements the almost chalk-like texture of the crust. A serving of house-brewed coffee enhances the lemon pie experience with its fresh bitterness, accentuating the fruity aftertaste of the pastry. Although the menu items are limited, with a variation of omelette and chicken rice meals, the egg and lemon pies are the restaurant’s best sellers.

However, one might find difficulty in getting the right timing for a slice of the pies. There might be instances the pies will be unavailable due to high customer demands, often being sold out by lunchtime; good thing it’s worth the hassle.

Yoghurt House

Located in South Road, Sagada’s Yoghurt House immediately welcomes its visitors with a cozy, home-like atmosphere. Although the restaurant has a limited seating capacity to accommodate its diners especially during peak hours, the place is still perfect to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring the town.

   

As its name implies, the visit to the famous restaurant demands one to experience their offerings of yoghurt. With different toppings such as chocolate chip, strawberries, and even locally produced honey, each order assures an explosion of flavor unique to the freshly produced yoghurt because of its sensational smoothness and tangy finish.

Beyond their signature yoghurt offerings are other delectables that visitors can choose from. A top contender from the restaurant’s menu is the Chicken with Potato Rosti. The crunchy exterior of the potatoes makes a pleasant surprise, following the creamy inside that accentuates the saltiness of the roasted chicken. In addition, the sausage platter did not disappoint with its mildly spicy flavor, perfect to accompany anyone in Sagada’s cold weather.

Cafe Bodega at Rock Inn and Cafe

Once a warehouse on the lush compound known as Rock Farm in Staunton Road, owner Fely Omengan opened Cafe Bodega’s doors to guests in 2005 as a casual fine dining restaurant rooted in the unique cooing traditions of Sagada. Upon entering the cafe, one will be welcomed to the sight of a rustic charm and ambiance, with windows that overlook the orchard’s prolific greens, accompanied by the polite and accommodating staff.

    

Cafe Bodega takes pride in its version of a local delicacy called pinikpikan. Native to the Cordilleras, the chicken dish prepared in its traditional, ritualistic manner wherein the chicken is hazed with an aim to break its bones and be tenderized. With its pepper and ginger flavours that is warm and friendly to the palate, the dish is truly unique to Sagada’s atmosphere.

Another notable dish for lunch and dinner was the Chilly Jakero Cuts. With its thin and tender beef tips, those who prefer a little bit more of spice in their food will surely be delighted.

Overall, the menu stands out because of the bountiful selections to choose from; such as their own twists to traditional Filipino breakfasts like beef tapa and longganisa. Most of the dishes are served with Sagada’s signature rice, which is locally grown by farmers, as well as a pot of house honey from the province to satisfy the morning sweet tooth.

Sagada Brew

Known for its piquant food and amazing coffee, Nita Claravall’s Sagada Brew is a comforting homage for the traveller in the cold town. With brews made from Sagada coffee beans harvested locally, the cafe offers a variety of espressos and coffees. Their takes on staple caffeine classics such as the Café Latte and French Pressed offer a warm embrace to combat the chilly weather, but it’s the Peppermint Mocha Latte that is a must try with its mildly foamy sweetness partnered with a mellow and minty finish.

   

Moreover, the place is flocked with people because of their sumptuous lava cake, perfectly paired with any coffee order. This pastry centerpiece puts the cafe in the radar with its richness in chocolate but with just the right sweetness, delighting the palate with layers of cookie-like textures doused with syrup and comforting warmth.

This summer, take the time to flee the mundane routines of the city life and enjoy unpolluted air, scenic mornings, and a reset from the status quo at Sagada. Rather than flock to the tropics and sand as the usual vacation grind goes, why not take a step in a different direction and escape to Sagada’s northern comfort?

Photos by Sace Natividad