the seasoned first timer: September 2022

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Baguio's Best: Chaya x Lemon and Olives

Its been a while since we last drove up to Baguio and this time around, we had a toddler in tow to consider when looking for a hotel to stay in and restaurants to try. Our first choice was The Manor but it was full so we stayed in the nearby Le Monet Hotel. It was my first time to book there and it was disappointing given that the room we stayed in was not maintained properly (holes in the bedding, carpet stains, etc.) and there was no air-conditioning! I know Baguio's weather is cooler compared to Manila but it can also get pretty hot especially during day time so I can't imagine how it is during summer time - good thing we were there on a gloomy August weekend.

We had a chance to go back to Chaya, our no. 1 favorite restaurant in Baguio!

Location is still the same but they now offer a bigger dining area compared to our last visit a few years back. Menu also became quite extensive but still delicious, affordable, and served in generous servings. We were so happy to be back in Chaya! Even our daughter loved the food that we ordered for her - kani and tamago sushi.

Spicy Tuna Salad - Php320 (half serving)

Chirashi - Php490.00

~o~o~o~

Chaya Restaurant

72 Legarda Road, Baguio City
Benguet, Philippines

Tel.: (6374) 424-4726

Pita and Hummus - Php130.00

Now, this restaurant is our new discovery being on the list of highly recommended restaurants to try when in Baguio. Though Lemon and Olives has been around since 2017, this was our first time here and I must say that the food, the ambiance, and the service were impressive. Staff were courteous and friendly and the food were superb! I wanted to try a few more other dishes but servings were big enough for sharing so maybe next time.

If only Lemon and Olives is an hour drive, we'd probably dine here every week! I can imagine spending our lazy Sunday lunches here with our daughter who's a sweetheart and tries everything Mama and Dada puts in her plate. We definitely have a foodie in the making!