An array of some must-try foods in Tagaytay, Philippines

8 Must-Try Foods in Tagaytay And Where to Eat Them

Last Updated on November 17, 2023

Find yourself wandering in the ridges of Tagaytay City? Then better enjoy some of the grubs there before you leave! As one of the most popular tourist destination spots in the Philippines, the city not only boasts of its Taal lake and volcano but its terrific chains of restaurants as well. But with so many food choices there, you might have a hard time getting started. So we’ve listed some of the most famous food in Tagaytay and where to eat them in the best restaurants.

1. Raisin Bread

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bag of Beans (OFFICIAL) (@bagofbeans_tagaytay) on

Bag of Beans is a chain of restaurants in Tagaytay City that dishes out breakfast and other delicious meals to a wide range of customers, from Vireya Tagaytay Highlands home dwellers to visiting tourists. However, they’re best known for their signature raisin bread. Loaded with fat raisins and peppered with a bit of cinnamon, Bag of Beans serves these freshly baked pastry rolls daily. Every bite of it is genuinely an excellent gastronomical experience! Plus, the bread stays soft even after saving it for a couple of days, so you can buy some to enjoy later. For best results, try it with Bag of Beans’ hot chocolate.

Where to eat Raisin Bread in Tagaytay

Raisin bread is a type of bread that is made with raisins and sometimes other dried fruits. It is typically sweetened with sugar and can be flavored with spices such as cinnamon. Raisin bread is a popular choice for breakfast or as a snack, and it is often served toasted or as French toast.

There are several places in Tagaytay where you can enjoy raisin bread. Some options include:

  1. Bag of Beans: a café and restaurant chain that serves a variety of baked goods, including raisin bread.
  2. The Buzzz Café: a café located in Tagaytay that offers a variety of pastries, including raisin bread.
  3. Josephine Restaurant: a popular spot for Filipino dishes, located near the main highway in Tagaytay. They also offer a variety of baked goods, including raisin bread.
  4. Café Antonio: a café and restaurant in Tagaytay that serves a variety of baked goods, including raisin bread.
  5. Mahogany Market: a food market in Tagaytay that offers a variety of stalls serving local delicacies, including baked goods such as raisin bread.

Raisin bread can also be found at many bakeries and grocery stores in Tagaytay. It is a popular choice for those looking for a sweet and satisfying snack or breakfast option.

2. Cheese Hopia

The signature cheese hopia from Sonya’s Garden can be bought from their Panaderia, a bakeshop located in the heart of the bed-and-breakfast venue. A personal favorite among locals and tourists alike, the flower-shaped pastry comes baked with parmesan cheese, making it a chewy and delectable delicacy. If you’re a bread and cheese lover, then this is a sublime encounter you shouldn’t miss! Here’s a suggestion to enjoy it further: toast the hopia at home until the sides are slightly browned and the cheese melted. You’ll feel the flavors exploding in your mouth!

Where to eat Cheese Hopia in Tagaytay

Cheese hopia is a type of Filipino pastry filled with a mixture of cheese and sweet bean paste. It is a popular snack or dessert in the Philippines, and it is often sold at street stalls or in bakeries.

There are several places in Tagaytay where you can enjoy cheese hopia. Some options include:

  1. Baker’s Hill: a popular bakery in Tagaytay that offers a variety of pastries, including cheese hopia.
  2. Chocolicious: a café and chocolate shop in Tagaytay that offers a variety of baked goods, including cheese hopia.
  3. The Buzzz Café: a café located in Tagaytay that offers a variety of pastries, including cheese hopia.
  4. Mahogany Market: a food market in Tagaytay that offers a variety of stalls serving local delicacies, including cheese hopia.
  5. Merienda by Tin: a café and restaurant in Tagaytay that serves a variety of Filipino dishes and desserts, including cheese hopia.

Cheese hopia can also be found at many bakeries and grocery stores in Tagaytay. It is a popular choice for those looking for a sweet and savory snack.

3. Buko Tarts

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida de Mark George Lagoda (@marcohorhe) el

One last pastry you shouldn’t miss while in Tagaytay is Rowena’s buko tarts. Each mini-pie comes full of sliced coconuts and topped with buttery sugar bits. It will definitely make your visit to Tagaytay worthwhile. And for best results, have a cup of Rowena’s coffee blends. Rowena’s is located on one of the most popular routes from Manila to Tagaytay; just look for the pink-and-white striped house along the way.

Where to eat Buko Tarts in Tagaytay

Buko tarts are a type of Filipino pastry made with a crust filled with a mixture of coconut meat and sweetened condensed milk. They are a popular dessert in the Philippines and are often sold at street stalls or in bakeries.

There are several places in Tagaytay where you can enjoy buko tarts. Some options include:

  1. Baker’s Hill: a popular bakery in Tagaytay that offers a variety of pastries, including buko tarts.
  2. Chocolicious: a café and chocolate shop in Tagaytay that offers a variety of baked goods, including buko tarts.
  3. The Buzzz Café: a café located in Tagaytay that offers a variety of pastries, including buko tarts.
  4. Mahogany Market: a food market in Tagaytay that offers a variety of stalls serving local delicacies, including buko tarts.
  5. Merienda by Tin: a café and restaurant in Tagaytay that serves a variety of Filipino dishes and desserts, including buko tarts.

Buko tarts can also be found at many bakeries and grocery stores in Tagaytay. They are a popular choice for those looking for a sweet and refreshing dessert.

4. Bulalo

Of course, your Tagaytay adventure wouldn’t be complete if you don’t have a bowl of bulalo, one of the most famous foods in Tagaytay. Bulalo is one of the filipino foods you can’t miss when visiting the Philippines. Now there are lots of restaurants in the ridge where you can get this dish, but Leslie’s is the best. Their meat is more tender, their soup refillable and mixed just right, and the vegetable toppings are A-okay. Oh, and don’t forget to add the soy and fish sauce, calamansi, and chili for extra flavor! Plus, Leslie’s venue exudes a unique ambiance which, combined with the Tagaytay weather, makes eating bulalo there all the more enjoyable.

Where to eat Bulalo in Tagaytay

Bulalo is a popular Filipino dish made with beef shank and bone marrow. It is a hearty soup that is usually served with corn and greens. The beef is simmered in a flavorful broth made with beef stock, onions, and garlic until tender, and then the bone marrow is added to the soup. The resulting dish is rich, savory, and filling.

There are many places in Tagaytay where you can enjoy bulalo. Some popular spots include:

  1. Leslie’s: a well-known restaurant in Tagaytay that serves a variety of Filipino dishes, including bulalo.
  2. Josephine Restaurant: a popular spot for bulalo and other Filipino dishes, located near the main highway in Tagaytay.
  3. Bag of Beans: a café and restaurant chain that serves a variety of Filipino dishes, including bulalo.
  4. Mahogany Market: a food market in Tagaytay that offers a variety of stalls serving local delicacies, including bulalo.
  5. Balay Dako: a restaurant in Tagaytay known for its delicious bulalo, as well as its picturesque views of Taal Lake.

It’s worth noting that bulalo is a time-consuming dish to prepare, as the beef needs to be simmered for several hours to achieve the desired tenderness. As a result, it is often more expensive than other Filipino dishes. However, it is a popular choice for special occasions and is worth trying if you’re a fan of hearty soups.

5. Champorado (Tsokolateria)

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida de Happy Ongpauco-Tiu (@happyongpauco_tiu) el

In spite of its cold weather (or perhaps because of it), Tagaytay is a terrific spot to enjoy chocolates. And where better to have it than in Tagaytay’s Tsokolateria! Aside from offering a stunning view of the Taal volcano and lake, the establishment also lays out a cadre of cocoa-inspired dishes to choose from. But one of their best meals if their signature champorado. Served at just the right temperature, the chocolate-and-rice classic comes thick and creamy. It’s also sided with a handful of fish chips and chicharon to complement the stew’s chocolatey goodness with its own salty flavor.

Where to enjoy Champorado in Tagaytay

From charming cafes with stunning views to renowned establishments, each destination offers a unique twist to this Filipino classic. Join us as we explore five places that elevate Champorado from a simple comfort food to an unforgettable gastronomic experience in the heart of Tagaytay.

  1. Tsokolateria: Tsokolateria, nestled in the heart of Tagaytay, not only offers a breathtaking view of the Taal volcano and lake but also serves up a thick and creamy Champorado, enriched with a robust cocoa flavor and delightful local toppings.
  2. Bag of Beans: A well-known chain in Tagaytay, Bag of Beans serves a comforting Champorado alongside its signature baked goods, providing a cozy atmosphere for visitors to enjoy this Filipino classic.
  3. Antonio’s Breakfast: Antonio’s Breakfast, part of the renowned Antonio’s Group, takes the Champorado experience to a luxurious level, combining exquisite flavors and presentation in a setting that exudes elegance.
  4. The Breakfast Club at Tagaytay Highlands: The Breakfast Club, situated in the picturesque Tagaytay Highlands, serves up a delectable Champorado with a side of breathtaking views, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and scenery.
  5. Balay Dako: Balay Dako, a restaurant known for its authentic Filipino dishes, offers a Champorado that reflects the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines, providing a warm and inviting environment for guests to relish this traditional treat.

6. Angel Cookies (Pink Sisters’ Convent)

Aside from answered “super” prayers, the Convent of the Pink Sisters also offers local and visiting guests their signature Angel Cookies. They are baked using leftover scraps from Holy Eucharist waffles (Yeah, you read that bit right!). In fact, the cookies still show the tiny pieces of the thin white bread used for communion purposes. But don’t let the idea of eating leavings deter you from buying a truckload of them! The cookies come crispy and vanilla-smelling; there’s even a label at the canister that says, “Baked by praying hands.” Plus, they really make great snacks for when you’re taking a stroll in Tagaytay.

Where to enjoy Angel Cookies in Tagaytay

Indulge in the heavenly sweetness of Angel Cookies as we navigate through Tagaytay’s culinary landscape. Here are five delightful places where you can savor these divine treats:

  1. Pink Sisters’ Convent: The source of these heavenly cookies, the Pink Sisters’ Convent, not only offers a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere but also provides an opportunity to enjoy freshly baked Angel Cookies crafted with care by the praying hands of the sisters.
  2. Bag of Beans: A well-known chain in Tagaytay, Bag of Beans extends its delightful repertoire to include Angel Cookies. Nestled in a cozy setting, it’s the perfect spot to pair these crispy and vanilla-scented treats with a cup of their signature coffee.
  3. Antonio’s Fine Dining: Elevate your Angel Cookies experience at Antonio’s Fine Dining, where the luxurious ambiance complements the exquisite flavors of these cookies, showcasing a perfect blend of crispiness and vanilla aroma.
  4. Rowena’s: Famous for its buko tarts, Rowena’s is also a haven for those seeking Angel Cookies in Tagaytay. Satisfy your sweet cravings with these crispy delights, perhaps alongside their signature coffee blends for an added layer of enjoyment.
  5. Chocolicious: Known for its delectable chocolates and pastries, Chocolicious in Tagaytay presents Angel Cookies as a delightful addition to its menu. Experience the crispy goodness and enticing vanilla fragrance in this charming café and chocolate shop.

Embark on a delightful journey to these five establishments, where Angel Cookies transform from mere treats into a heavenly experience for your taste buds.

7. Chicken Satay (Cafe Voi La)

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida de ídα cαtíndíg, REB (@ida.potpot) el

With Asian arts and ornaments littering the place, Cafe Voi La gives off a very oriental ambiance that makes the restaurant a must-visit when you’re in Tagaytay. Now one of their best-selling dishes is their Chicken Satay. Served with a bowl of turmeric rice, and a side dish of peanut sauce and Achar, the chicken is smoky, tender, and tasty with every bite. It will leave you gasping for more.

Where to enjoy Chicken Satay in Tagaytay

Get ready to savor the tantalizing flavors of Chicken Satay as we guide you through five top spots in Tagaytay where you can enjoy this smoky and tender dish:

  1. Cafe Voi La: Immerse yourself in the oriental ambiance of Cafe Voi La, where their Chicken Satay takes center stage. Served with a bowl of fragrant turmeric rice and accompanied by a side of peanut sauce and Achar, every bite promises a delightful fusion of smokiness and tenderness.
  2. The Breakfast Club at Tagaytay Highlands: Elevating the dining experience at Tagaytay Highlands, The Breakfast Club offers a delectable Chicken Satay that perfectly complements the breathtaking views. Enjoy the succulent flavors amidst the serene and picturesque surroundings.
  3. Bag of Beans: Beyond its renowned baked goods, Bag of Beans adds a savory touch with its flavorful Chicken Satay. Nestled in the heart of Tagaytay, this charming spot provides a cozy setting to relish the smokiness and tenderness of this Asian-inspired dish.
  4. Antonio’s Breakfast: Antonio’s Breakfast, known for its luxurious culinary offerings, presents a Chicken Satay that mirrors the restaurant’s commitment to excellence. Indulge in a sophisticated dining experience while savoring the smoky and succulent notes of this dish.
  5. Chopstop: For a casual yet satisfying experience, head to Chopstop in Tagaytay, where their Chicken Satay offers a delightful combination of flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Chopstop provides a laid-back setting to enjoy this savory delight.

Embark on a culinary journey to these five establishments, where Chicken Satay becomes a highlight, promising a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

8. Pineapples (They’re Everywhere in Tagaytay)

Lastly, don’t leave Tagaytay without having one (or ten) of their pineapples. Due to the fertile volcanic silts in the ridge, the pineapples and other crops that grow there have a higher grade than in most other areas in the Philippines. You’ll never find pineapples as cheap and as fresh near Manila elsewhere.

So there you go! You might know other delicacies aside from the ones mentioned above, but all the same, you should try them out if you want your visit in Tagaytay to be memorable.

Where to enjoy Pineapples in Tagaytay

Delight in the tropical sweetness of pineapples as we guide you to five wonderful places in Tagaytay where you can relish this fresh and flavorful fruit:

  1. Tagaytay Public Market: Begin your pineapple exploration at the Tagaytay Public Market, where local vendors showcase the region’s freshest produce. Immerse yourself in the vibrant market atmosphere and choose from a variety of pineapples, known for their exceptional quality and freshness.
  2. Mahogany Market: Mahogany Market is a haven for food enthusiasts, and amidst its bustling stalls, you’ll find an array of fresh pineapples. The fertile volcanic soil in Tagaytay imparts a unique sweetness to the fruit, making Mahogany Market an ideal spot to grab a few pineapples as souvenirs or for immediate enjoyment.
  3. Rowena’s: Renowned for its buko tarts, Rowena’s is also a destination for pineapple lovers. Experience the juicy and refreshing goodness of locally sourced pineapples, a perfect complement to the delightful array of pastries available at this popular stop.
  4. Fruit Stalls along the Ridge: While exploring the scenic ridges of Tagaytay, keep an eye out for fruit stalls along the way. These makeshift stalls often offer fresh pineapples along with other locally grown fruits, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of Tagaytay while taking in the breathtaking views.
  5. Local Cafés and Restaurants: Many local cafes and restaurants in Tagaytay incorporate fresh pineapples into their dishes and beverages. From fruity desserts to refreshing drinks, explore the diverse culinary landscape of Tagaytay to discover creative and delicious ways in which pineapples are incorporated into the local cuisine.

Embark on a tropical journey through Tagaytay, where the freshness and sweetness of pineapples are celebrated in various forms. Whether you prefer them fresh from the market or integrated into culinary creations, Tagaytay offers a pineapple experience that is both delightful and refreshing.

Got any suggestions on other must-try foods in Tagaytay? Share them with us in the comments section below!

Some other Filipino foods you may also like

4 Filipino Foods You Can’t Miss When Visiting The Philippines

3 Best Foods To Try In Bicol, Philipines

5 Restaurants To Taste Manila’s Culinary Diversity

6 Traditional Filipino Dishes You Will Love

8 Street Eats Of Manila You Will Love

About Angelo Castelda

Angelo Castelda works as a contributor for a news magazine in Singapore. He has a refined interest in food and beverages and loves to seek varieties of food experiences around the world.

Check Also

Discover What to Eat and Drink in Chicago

Discover What to Eat and Drink in Chicago

Last Updated on January 30, 2024 Curious about Chicago’s culinary scene? You are in the …

Culinary Marvels in Tuscany

Culinary Marvels in Tuscany

Last Updated on February 23, 2024 Tuscany, a mesmerizing region nestled in central Italy, beckons …

Culinary Journey through Antigua, Guatemala's Food Capital

Culinary Journey through Antigua, Guatemala’s Food Capital

Last Updated on January 9, 2024 Looking for a culinary journey through Antigua? Unveiling the …