For many, coffee is merely a morning ritual, but for those who have experienced the rich, spiced traditions of places like Vietnam and Turkey, it is a transcendent memory. My three visits to Turkey left an indelible mark on my gastronomic journey, proving that my aversion to coffee was simply a matter of having yet to find the right brew. Uttering “Kahve iyi”—”coffee is good” in Turkish—was a common refrain there, and it is a phrase I am elated to repeat now that Cezve Kahve Cafe has opened its doors in Baguio City, finally bringing authentic Turkish coffee and goodies to the highlands. Located in Lower Lourdes Subdivision, this café is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a culinary bridge.

​My fondest memories of Turkish fare were instantly rekindled with a cup of their signature Turkish coffee. It was so incredibly satisfying; the deep, dark brew carried a delightful complexity. I wasn’t sure if the pronounced aroma was solely from traditional cardamom or if there were other secret spices in the mix, but the result was wonderfully comforting and unmistakably authentic. The experience, however, extended far beyond the coffee. Their food menu is an intriguing mash-up of Turkish classics and elevated Filipino favorites, all served up in a casual, pleasant ambiance with a lovely view of Baguio.

On the savory side, the chicken shawarma proved to be a magnificent, tummy-filling feast. The generous serving came with a side of perfectly crisp fries and a palatine-satiating sauce that tied the whole dish together—truly a sulit (worthwhile) experience. For dessert, I opted for a takeaway of baklava and semolina cake, as I was already quite full. While the baklava was fine, I felt there was a little room for improvement, perhaps in achieving that perfect, buttery flakiness. The semolina cake, a dessert I’m generally not a fan of, was surprisingly good and filling, satisfying me with just a bite or two. I hope that they introduce more Turkish delights soon!

What truly surprised and delighted me was the inclusion of local Filipino favorites, executed with a noticeable twist. Their Dinuguan (pork blood stew) was a revelation—so good, particularly because it was enhanced with gata (coconut milk), which elevated both its aroma and taste. Even the Pancit Bato, a noodle dish, was enjoyable, which is high praise coming from someone who isn’t typically a pancit fan. The clear star, however, was the garlic longganisa. Next to the shawarma, this was my absolute favorite. The garlicky goodness was intense and reminded me so much of the Ilocos longganisa my father used to make. I could easily devour a dozen of those local sausages.

The ambiance is another feather in Cezve Kahve’s cap—it’s pretty chill and complements the comforting food.
​Cezve Kahve Cafe, found at the heart of Lower Lourdes Subdivision, is a must-visit. It’s a place where authentic Turkish flavors meet beloved Filipino home-cooking, all wrapped up in a relaxing Baguio setting. Whether you’re a coffee purist who appreciates a fine, spiced brew, a shawarma aficionado seeking an authentic taste, or someone looking for a gata-rich Dinuguan, this cafe delivers a memorable, cross-cultural dining experience. Kahve iyi indeed!

📍Cezve Kahve Cafe @cezvekahvecafe on Instagram
The Flight Food & Glamp, #65Lower Lourdes Subdivision
Baguio City, The Philippines