'Pop Talk' review: Delicious Baguio carinderias

Known as the ‘Summer Capital of the Philippines,’ Baguio is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Last week, Kuya Tonipet Gaba and Boobay reviewed three Baguio eateries that offer good food for those on a budget.

Guest reviewers including Executive Chef of City Light Hotel, Chef Ryan Santos; Abdul Gabbar, a foreign exchange student from Dubai, and Boobay’s college barkada: Jeff Oya-oy and Dianne Empizo joined the “Pop Talk” team to taste test the food! Here’s what they found:

Wency’s Restaurant
Budget: P60-120 per meal
The owner of Wency’s used to be a manager of a Korean restaurant. When she opened her own place, she decided to recreate the Korean flavor at Pinoy-friendly prices. Their specialties are japchae (slightly sweet stir-fried noodles) and samgyupsal (grilled pork belly). A set of side dishes, called banchan, are served during the meal.

This isn’t the most authentic Korean restaurant in the area, but for low price, it manages to capture the flavor of Korean food. “Considering the price,” said Chef Ryan, “nakuha naman nila yung lasa ng Korean food.” [9/9 Pop Points]

How to get there: You can take a Trancoville jeep from any point in Baguio City. It will pass in front of Wency’s Restaurant.

Kyle’s Canteen
Budget: P18-40 per meal
Rice for P8, ulam for P10—it doesn’t get any cheaper than Kyle’s Canteen! This rundown-looking carinderia serves Ilocano comfort food for those on a budget. In fact, no full meal costs more than P40.

It’s popular among workers in the area, some of whom even pack their own rice for a hardcore budget experience. But if you’re looking for comfort or an especially appetizing ambiance, this may not be the place for you. [6/9 Pop Points]

How to get there: Kyle’s Canteen is located at Upper Engineer’s Hill, behind the DILG regional building.

Happy Tummy Restaurant
Budget: starts at P150 per meal
Looking for authentic Thai food? Look no further than Happy Tummy, which serves tom yum (a sour, creamy seafood stew), pad thai (rice noodles in peanut sauce) and Thai fried rice.

The restaurant itself is roomy and bright. Dining here is easy on the wallet, the eyes, and, as the name declares—the tummy. Chef Ryan says he’s been there several times, and the restaurant has yet to disappoint.

Of the three diners we tried, Happy Tummy had the highest prices. However, all three reviewers agreed that the taste and ambiance was worth the price. [9/9 Pop Points]

How to get there: Happy Tummy is located along Romulo Drive inside a food compound called Ketchup Food Community.

–Cristina Tantengco/PF, GMA News