#BaguioEats: Breakfast at Hill Station Bistro, Camp John Hay

Baguio City is well-known for its cool climate, stunning views, and delicious food. Among the city’s many dining options, Hill Station Bistro stands out as a must-visit destination. Located in Camp John Hay this restaurant offers a unique mix of history, culture, and satisfying meals. During our Baguio vacation, Hill Station Bistro served as my family’s breakfast venue, highlighting the reasons why this spot has become a favorite for both locals and tourists.

We also took this opportunity to treat my mom to breakfast, allowing us to spend some time together in Baguio before we go back to our daily grind in Manila.

History and Background

Hill Station Bistro traces its roots back to the original Hill Station Restaurant in Casa Vallejo, a historic site in Baguio. The restaurant has since expanded, with the Bistro at SM City Baguio being one of its newer locations. While the Bistro may be more modern, it continues the legacy of its predecessor by preserving a connection to Baguio’s colonial past.

Atmosphere and Setting

The ambiance at Hill Station Bistro is both eclectic, casual and comfy. The interiors are thoughtfully decorated with art, which adds a touch of culture to the dining experience. The Bistro is situated in a Ayala Technohub of Camp John Hay, taking full advantage of the scenic views that surround it which diners can enjoy, especially if they choose the al fresco dining option.

Hill Station Bistro, Camp John Hay
Hill Station Bistro, Camp John Hay
Hill Station Bistro, Camp John Hay
Hill Station Bistro, Camp John Hay

Food and Menu

Hill Station Bistro’s menu is filled with a variety of choices, but during our visit after sight-seeing at the Strawberry Farm, my family and I loaded up on its breakfast offerings. My son started with the Fried Chicken & Waffles (Php330), a dish that brought together the savory and sweet in a satisfying way. The deep-fried chicken quarter leg was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, perfectly complemented by the fluffy waffles, a dollop of butter, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Hill Station Bistro, Camp John Hay
Hill Station Bistro, Camp John Hay

Hubby and I, on the other hand, enjoyed our Pinoy Breakfast (Php290), a classic Filipino morning meal. It came with a choice of Baguio Longganisa, Vigan Longganisa, or Home-made Pork Tocino. They both opted for the Vigan Longganisa, which had a distinctive, slightly tangy flavor that complemented the garlicky rice and savory egg. It was a hearty and flavorful dish that captured the essence of a classic Filipino breakfast.

Hill Station Bistro, Camp John Hay
Hill Station Bistro, Camp John Hay

Mom, on the other hand, went for the Eggs Benedict (Php370), a breakfast favorite. This dish featured an English muffin topped with perfectly poached eggs, home-smoked ham, and a rich hollandaise sauce, served with a petite salad on the side. The eggs were cooked just right, and the hollandaise added a creamy, tangy touch that tied everything together.

Hill Station Bistro, Camp John Hay
Hill Station Bistro, Camp John Hay

To complete our breakfast, Mom had a Cafe Latte (Php160) while my boy had a house blend Iced Tea (Php90). The latte was smooth and rich, providing Mom a much-needed caffeine boost, while the iced tea was refreshing and light, balancing out the heavier flavors of my boy’s meal.

Hill Station Bistro, Camp John Hay
Hill Station Bistro, Camp John Hay

Final Thoughts

Our visit to Hill Station Bistro was a delightful experience that combined the unique charms of Baguio with a comfortable dining atmosphere and delicious food. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a hearty brekkie or simply want to relax with a cup of coffee while taking in the views, Hill Station Bistro is an excellent choice. If you’re in Baguio, I highly recommend stopping by for a meal—you won’t be disappointed.

Hill Station Bistro, Camp John Hay
Hill Station Bistro, Camp John Hay
Hill Station Bistro, Camp John Hay
Hill Station Bistro, Camp John Hay

This Hill Station Bistro branch is located inside the Baguio-AyalaLand Technohub, Camp John Hay, Baguio City, Benguet Province, open daily from 7am to 9pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 74 6612544 or +63 945 2411463, or email bistro@hillstationbaguio.com.

Know more about Hill Station Bistro by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

#BaguioEats: Canto Bogchi Joint

Baguio City is known for its cool climate and vibrant food scene. One restaurant that stands out in this bustling city is Canto Bogchi Joint. Located on Kisad Road, just across from Burnham Park, Canto has become a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.

A Brief History

Canto Bogchi Joint first opened in 2008 at Engineer’s Hill with just three tables. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its American comfort food. After three years, it moved to the Ketchup Food Community, where it continued to attract a loyal following. When the Ketchup Food Community closed in 2017, Canto found a new home on Kisad Road. This location has been a hit, often with queues of people eager to try its food.

Canto Bogchi Joint Baguio
Canto Bogchi Joint Baguio
Canto Bogchi Joint Baguio
Canto Bogchi Joint Baguio
The Atmosphere

Canto’s current location is a standout with its clean, white exterior and large glass windows. The design creates a bright and inviting space that reflects the charm of Baguio. The interior is both comfortable and stylish, providing a pleasant dining experience.

The Menu

Canto Bogchi Joint offers a variety of dishes, blending American comfort food with local flavors, which my family and I were able to enjoy during our Baguio vacay:

Lomo Ribs (Php1399 for a family slab): Known for its tender, oven-baked pork ribs, this dish comes with a rich house-blend BBQ sauce and a choice of organic brown rice or mashed potatoes.

Canto Bogchi Joint Baguio
Canto Bogchi Joint Baguio
Canto Bogchi Joint Baguio
Canto Bogchi Joint Baguio

The Lomo Ribs is also served with Canto’s much-celebrated Cascade Salad which features fresh Baguio greens, seasonal fruits like strawberries, and a homemade lemon-mustard vinaigrette, which all make for a a crisp and refreshing start to the meal.

Canto Bogchi Joint Baguio
Canto Bogchi Joint Baguio

BBQ Beef Ribs (Php650): These oven-baked beef ribs are served with red wine jus, roasted veggies, and organic brown rice. The meat is flavorful and tender which made the dish quite a hit with the fam.

Canto Bogchi Joint Baguio
Canto Bogchi Joint Baguio

Ceviche (Php280): Canto’s take on kinilaw features citrus-marinated blue marlin with a refreshing watermelon salsa and surrounded by crunchy savory chips, offering a fresh, zesty contrast to the heavier dishes.

Canto Bogchi Joint Baguio
Canto Bogchi Joint Baguio

Dynamite (Php175): Green chili peppers are stuffed with meat and cheese, served with tzatziki sauce.

Canto Bogchi Joint Baguio
Canto Bogchi Joint Baguio

Fresh Strawberry Juice (Php175): A refreshing beverage that pairs well with the rich flavors of the food, and something that is so quintessentially Baguio.

Canto Bogchi Joint, Baguio
Canto Bogchi Joint, Baguio

While the menu is limited to just a few dishes, these are expertly crafted and curated, showcasing the unique textures and flavors, as well as the versatility of local ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Canto Bogchi Joint offers a solid dining experience in Baguio with its range of hearty dishes and inviting atmosphere. It’s a great spot to enjoy American comfort food with a distinctly Baguio twist, making it a worthwhile stop on any visit to the city.

Canto Bogchi Joint is located at 25 Kisad Road, Baguio City, Benguet. The restaurant is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation, you can reach them at 0917-8999954.

Know more about Canto Bogchi Joint by following it on Facebook and Instagram.