Baguio Eats: Chaya Contemporary Japanese Cuisine

It was past two in the afternoon when we finally arrived in Baguio City after driving for about 5 hours, thanks to the newly-opened and free of charge (still on soft opening then) Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway that connects Central to Northern Luzon and significantly cuts down the travel time from Manila for about 30%.

After checking-in at Jack's Grand View Hotel, we went out to look for a place to eat. We had breakfast on the road courtesy of Coffee Bean but our tummies were looking for something heavier than Bagels and Croissants. Then I recalled bookmarking some restaurants I wanted for us to try on our short stay in the city on my phone.

First stop was Chaya Japanese Restaurant, the best in the whole of Baguio so I've heard.

The restaurant is basically a home that was converted into one of the most-visited restaurants in the city. We actually had a hard time looking for it since Globe's connection was so slow that we can barely get a decent update on my phone's map. Just as we were about to give up, we saw the logo hanging amongst the trees on our second attempt driving thru Legarda Road.

On the table

The place was packed mostly with tourists that we waited for forty minutes or so before a table became available. We chose to dine al fresco to really feel the Baguio breeze I've been hearing on the news since the holidays.

Our late lunch started with this complimentary Tuna appetizer and some pickled papaya.

Then our orders started coming out one by one as if teasing our eyes with the gorgeous presentation and our even more growling stomachs.

Futo Maki (Half) - Php220.00

Any Japanese meal of ours in not complete without a plate of Futo Maki on the table. Good thing we only ordered half since they were very generous with their servings!

Temaki Sushi - Php600.00

The much-raved Temaki Sushi instantly became the star of the table the moment it was laid in front of us. With huge slices of fresh Salmon and Tuna Sashimi, Crabsticks, Egg (Tamago) and Cucumber, you'll definitely enjoy rolling and inventing your own sushi!

Hiyashi Chuka - Php300.00

Last to arrive was my Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Noodles with Fresh Vegetables and Pork Chashu) in a huge plate that I had doubts if we can finish all our orders! But as expected, a good 30 minutes passed and everything was wiped down to the last piece. 

Yes, we're really a great tandem when it comes to Japanese food!

As soon as we got the bill, the staff gave us this complimentary Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream with Red Beans for dessert. I was already shivering from the cold weather since I left my jacket in the car but it was too good to pass!

My motto for this year: The perfect vacation always starts with good planning and delicious food!

~o~o~o~

Chaya Restaurant

72 Legarda Road, Baguio City
Benguet, Philippines

Tel.: (6374) 424-4726