Baguio City, Philippines – As a cafe-hopper, checking out cafes (and restos) has been an integral part of my wandering soul. I say that living in Baguio fulfills this penchant of mine. I just love the idea of being surprised by my personal discoveries.

Visitors coming to Baguio City do not only look forward to seeing the city’s popular landmarks and sights. A good number of these people would say that a Baguio trip isn’t complete without indulging on a cup of coffee at their favorite Baguio staple cafe and restos.

You see, Baguio’s coffee and food culture has been growing through the years. They come in different sizes, form and ambiance – from a humble roadside or corner nook to a quietly tucked, quaint space to a spot with veranda or a terrace overlooking pine trees and mountains — all of which have distinct charm and aesthetics fit for the “gram”.

Baguio’s ever relaxing cool climate makes it an all-year round coffee weather (June to November as the rainy, cold months and from December to March as the cold cold months as temperature could drop to as low as 10 deg C). Add to this the fact that the Cordillera Region is home to a good number of coffee farm that grows primarily Arabica beans.

So it isn’t really surprising that these factors led to a distinct, vibrant and thriving coffee shop culture in Baguio. Cafes here have become bolder and mire experimental working on specialty brews and more.

Baguio takes pride of it’s homegrown cafes. Some of them has become so popular to both locals and visitors that sometimes, they’ve become too “noisy and busy” for us who like some peace and quiet while we read a book or some “me” time. So here is my personal list of Baguio City cafes that I find underrated… less popular but offers the same good ambiance and comforting drinks. Perhaps, they just need a little more affection and attention (or maybe not so I still can have these places to myself hahaha) from among cafe hoppers.

Kapetirya by BCAA (Barista Coffee Academy of Asia). Upper Session Road DPS Brgy. Park, Baguio City.

Frequently overshadowed by a neighboring resto (that is to me an overrated one in the city), Kapetirya is a cafe that deserves more diners because of the delicious array of specialty coffee options. I really wish more people would discover this coffee spot and experience it as they have a lot of good things to offer. Plus, one will get to taste what “local” really means with their locally sourced coffee beans and Cordillera fusion dishes.

This coffeeshop is a collaboration between the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Barista & Coffee Academy of Asia (BCAA). They aim at advocating for Philippine specialty coffee and at the same time promoting and creating its artistry. The cafe itself is home to various beans originating from all around the Philippines. Aside from those grown in the Cordillera region, one can also try brews from coffee-rich areas in Mindanao such as Bukidnon.

Hotcat Specialty Coffee: 1 Yangco Road, Corner Brent Road, Baguio City, Philippines.

Located just below Mt. Cloud Book Shop across Brent International School, Hot Cat Specialty Coffee is probably one of my personal favorite cafes in the city. Seemingly tucked amongst tall, slender Baguio pine trees, It’s a warm and welcoming nook where customers can enjoy local specialty coffee coming from nearby Benguet towns of Itogon and Atok. They also have beans roasted by El Union, a popular cafe in San Juan, La Union.

Being surrounded by pine trees and that unsullied, crisp, cool Baguio air, coming here with your favorite book (or friend) will surely make your coffee experience relaxing. My go to deinks are their chai tea, Spanish latte, homemade cheesecake, their super good cubano sandwich w/ spicy dragonfruit sauce, and my bias, HotCat’s moussaka! Would you believe that they serve this Greek food and it’s extra delicious!

Taza Coffee by Kayu: Taza Coffee by Kayu is one of those pleasant spots to go to for their tasty and pocket-friendly offerings.

Taza’s menu features an array of coffee blends and non-caffeinated drink options, wide selection of dishes from delicious ramen to all-day breakfast meals and more.

Aside from the good food, another perk is that almost everything on the menu is affordable and really worth the price. That’s not very surprising as it’s location is very near 3 academic institutions in the city thus it has become a frequented hangout spot for university students.

Studio Cafe: 2nd floor Antipolo Building, Session Road, Baguio City.

Studio Cade, as its name implies us actually a cafe if a known photo studio in Baguio. The ohoto studio is frequented by university students for their graduation photos. Their cafe is often neglected and isn’t really the main reason why people would come.

But a local like me loves this cafe for it’s location, coffee and pastries! Whenever a power interruption happens at home, this cafe is my go-to shop. It’s accessible and quiet despite being located in one of the busiest parts of Baguio, Session Road. Quiet in a sense that not too many people come here. Also, if you enjoy watching people passing by, choose a seat by this cafe’s window to have a view of Session Road.

A homey cafe located at a narrow street (Gen. Lim) near Legarda Road (the street near Cholos GastroPub and Canto). Common Ground is the and a inhouse cafe of

Try their matcha coffee drink (iced or hot) with their cheesy garlic buns or their grilled cheese toast with tomato dip!

Peakcup Coffee: Mountain Side Pasalubong Center (Beside Rusi Marcos Highway, Baguio, 2600 Benguet

This box like cafe with a minimalist-industrial interior, and a view of foggy mountainscape outside, is a cozy shack that sells specialty drinks from beans that are locally roasted.

I suggest that you deop by this cafe before leaving Baguio as it is located along a mountainside pasalubong center in Marcos Highway. Grab a cup of their ube latte oe Spanish latte for that much needed caffeine kick.

Ginto Cafe: 3rd Floor, Tan Building, Lower, Session Rd, Baguio, 2600

Serving one of the finest single origin Cordilleran Arabica Coffee, Ginto Cafe is a goldmine! I really don’t know why people errant flocking their way to this cafe. With a very strategic location, since it is just along Session Road, this coffee shop is definitely underrated.

Aside from their coffee, they also serve as drinks like butterfly pea lemonade. But the star of his cafe to me are its Sagada lemon pie and apple pie. So if you are craving for some Sagada lemon pie and you don’t have time to go to Sagada then this is the cafe to visit.

Ili-likha Artists Wateringhole houses an array of small cafes and food nooks. Two of my favorites are Scout Burrows and Little Milkyway.

This small corner is one of the coziest spaces I enjoy going to for some “me time”. With a beautiful interior filled with artsy stuff and pretty verdant plants, one would never think that they are actually at the busy center of Baguio.

If you are into plant-based dishes/meals, you gotta try what The Scout Burrows offers. You will loooove their vegebuns, hot date tea, fermented veggies pasta and more.

The Little Milkyway Cafe, on the otherhand, have a selection of some really interesting food and drinks. They serve vegan burgers, some dessert, a selection of fermented drinks, coffee, tea, and plant-based milk. I pwesonally like their golden latte which is a special kind of turmeric drink and their empanaditas filled with banana and jackfruit.

Il-Ilengan Cafe: Rimando Rd, Brgy.Trancoville, Baguio, 2600

With its close proximity to my house and the university I go to, this gem of a cafe has become a staple for me. They offer a wide array of drinks selection, from ace to hot coffee to smoothies — Il-Ilengan is a favorite among students. Plus the fact that they are more affordable compared to other cafes.

So the next time you come to Baguio for your caffeine experience, do not limit yourself to visiting the popular coffee shops in the city. Check out these underrated and less frequented cafes! Take it easy.