Where to Eat in Baguio on a Student Budget

Baguio City, known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” is not only a hub for universities and colleges but also a haven for food lovers. Students from all over the country flock to Baguio for higher education—and inevitably, for affordable yet satisfying food options. From cozy cafes near campus to budget-friendly eateries tucked inside Session Road, there are countless places where students can enjoy hearty meals without breaking the bank.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best affordable dining options in Baguio for students, from ₱50 rice meals to under-₱150 café meals.

The Student Dining Culture in Baguio

Baguio has a strong student community thanks to major schools such as the University of Baguio (UB), Saint Louis University (SLU), University of the Cordilleras (UC), and the University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB). Because of this, restaurants and eateries cater to tight budgets while still offering variety and quality.

The cool weather also influences the local dining culture—students often crave warm soups, coffee, and comfort food. Many eateries near campuses have adapted, offering “sulit” (worth it) meals, combo sets, and student discounts.

Typical student budgets range from ₱100 to ₱200 per meal, including drinks, which is more than enough to enjoy good food in the city.

Best Areas for Affordable Food in Baguio

Before diving into specific restaurants, it helps to know where to look:

• Session Road: The main downtown area filled with local diners, fast food, and hole-in-the-wall eateries.

• Assumption Road: Popular among SLU students, lined with affordable canteens and coffee shops.

• Governor Pack Road: Convenient for UC and UPB students; many food courts and local grills.

• Camp John Hay Technohub: Offers more modern options—great for study groups and casual dining.

• Near UB and SLU Gates: Street food stalls and carinderias serve the cheapest meals in the city.

Carinderias and Local Eateries (₱50–₱100 Meals)

If you want authentic Baguio dining without spending much, head to the local carinderias—small eateries serving Filipino home-cooked meals.

Good Taste Restaurant

• Location: Otek Street and Legarda Road

• Price Range: ₱60–₱120 per meal

• Why Students Love It: Big servings, quick service, and classic Filipino-Chinese dishes like buttered chicken, lumpiang shanghai, and chop suey.

• Pro Tip: Go early or late; lunch hours can be packed.

Jack’s Baguio Restaurant

• Location: Upper Session Road

• Price Range: ₱80–₱130

• Highlight: Famous for its pancit, chicken meals, and affordable rice toppings.

Tiong San Canteen

• Location: Inside Tiong San Harrison Mall

• Price Range: ₱50–₱100

• Highlight: Budget combo meals and snacks, perfect between classes.

SLU Side Canteens

• Location: Assumption Road vicinity

• Price Range: ₱50–₱90

• Why Go: Home-cooked meals served fast and cheap, ideal for SLU students in between lectures.

Cafés and Coffee Spots on a Budget (₱100–₱200 Meals)

Baguio is famous for its café culture—warm drinks, cozy corners, and mountain views. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend much to enjoy them.

Vizco’s Restaurant and Cake Shop

• Location: Session Road

• Price Range: ₱120–₱180

• Highlight: Famous strawberry shortcake and affordable pasta meals.

• Vibe: A local favorite for dessert after exams or group studies.

Café by the Ruins Dua

• Location: Shuntug Street

• Price Range: ₱150–₱200 for student-sized meals

• Highlight: Hearty Filipino dishes and local Cordilleran recipes.

• Note: Portions are generous—great for sharing.

Arca’s Yard

• Location: Ambuklao Road

• Price Range: ₱150–₱200

• Vibe: Artsy, peaceful, and scenic; perfect for study sessions.

• Food to Try: Pasta, sandwiches, and signature camote pie.

Café Yagam

• Location: Upper General Luna

• Price Range: ₱150–₱200

• Highlight: Cordilleran coffee and snacks like etag pasta and longganisa sandwiches.

Fast Food Favorites (₱70–₱150 Meals)

Sometimes students just need quick and predictable meals. Luckily, Baguio has plenty of national fast food chains close to schools.

Jollibee Session Road

The go-to comfort food for many students—burgers, rice meals, and spaghetti for under ₱120.

Mang Inasal

Unlimited rice for ₱149—perfect for hungry students after class.

Chowking or Greenwich

Both offer affordable combo meals and shareable group dishes—popular for barkada lunches.

Street Food and Night Snacks (₱20–₱80 Meals)

After class or during late-night study sessions, Baguio’s street food culture shines.

Harrison Road Night Market

Every night, students head here for cheap eats and thrift shopping. You can find:

• Kwek-kwek, fish balls, and tempura (₱20–₱40)

• Barbecue sticks and isaw (₱30–₱60)

• Hot lugaw and goto (₱50–₱70)

Burnham Park Vendors

Perfect for snacks like corn on the cob, balut, or strawberry taho—all below ₱50.

University Food Carts

During weekdays, mobile stalls near universities sell siomai rice, takoyaki, and milktea—all ₱50–₱100.

Korean, Japanese, and International on a Budget

International food doesn’t always mean expensive in Baguio.

Samgyeop Unlimited Deals

Many Korean BBQ spots near Governor Pack Road offer ₱299 unlimited samgyeopsal—affordable for group dinners.

Yamashita Japanese Restaurant

• Location: Upper Session Road

• Price Range: ₱120–₱180

• Highlight: Ramen, donburi, and bento meals for students who want comfort Japanese food.

Kung Jeon Korean Palace

• Location: Military Cutoff Road

• Price Range: ₱250–₱300

• Why Go: Great for “sulit” group meals—split the bill with classmates.

Vegetarian and Healthy Options

Baguio has a growing vegetarian food scene, ideal for students who want something healthy and budget-friendly.

Oh My Gulay!

• Location: Session Road (La Azotea Building rooftop)

• Price Range: ₱150–₱200

• Highlight: Artistic ambience and affordable vegetarian pasta and rice meals.

Health 101 Restore Café

• Location: Upper Session Road

• Price Range: ₱150–₱200

• Food: Organic rice bowls, smoothies, and vegetarian Filipino dishes.

Café Will

• Location: Upper Session Road

• Price Range: ₱180–₱220

• Why Students Love It: Cozy ambiance, live music, and affordable group meals.

Milktea, Snacks, and Study-Friendly Cafés

Baguio’s café scene is filled with affordable milk tea shops and study spots perfect for long nights.

Macao Imperial Tea / Gong Cha / Infinitea

• Price Range: ₱80–₱120

• Common Locations: Session Road, SM Baguio, and Assumption Road.

• Tip: Many shops offer student discounts or loyalty cards.

Sessions Gallery Café

• Location: Near University of Baguio

• Highlight: Free Wi-Fi, quiet ambiance, and ₱100–₱150 coffee sets.

Kape Umali

• Location: Inside Maharlika Livelihood Complex

• Highlight: One of the oldest coffee shops in Baguio—authentic Benguet brew under ₱100.

Meal Planning Tips for Students

To stretch your budget further, here are some practical dining tips:

1. Eat like a local. Carinderias serve the best value meals.

2. Group orders. Split meals or “barkada platters” to save.

3. Bring your tumbler. Some cafés give ₱5–₱10 discounts for reusable cups.

4. Explore student promos. Follow local cafés on Facebook; they often post “Student Happy Hour” deals.

5. Cook occasionally. Groceries like Tiong San or SM Supermarket sell cheap ingredients for dorm cooking.

Final Thoughts

Baguio is one of the best cities in the Philippines for students who love good food but have limited budgets. The mix of local flavors, cool weather, and student-friendly pricing makes every meal both enjoyable and affordable.

Whether you’re grabbing pancit from Good Taste, sipping coffee at Café Yagam, or snacking at the Night Market, Baguio offers a food scene that matches the student lifestyle—practical, delicious, and filled with personality.

With a little exploring and budgeting, you can enjoy the best of Baguio’s culinary landscape without ever worrying about overspending.

FAQs

What is a realistic daily food budget for students in Baguio?

A practical range is ₱300–₱500 per day if you mix carinderia meals (₱50–₱100), a budget café or fast-food set (₱100–₱180), and a snack or drink (₱40–₱120). Cooking occasionally or sharing “barkada” platters can bring the average closer to ₱250–₱350 without sacrificing nutrition.

Where can I find the cheapest full meals?

Look for carinderias near campuses and downtown alleys off Session Road, Assumption Road, and Governor Pack Road. These small eateries offer viand-and-rice combos for ₱50–₱100. Portions are typically generous, and you can add vegetables or soup for a few pesos more. Arrive early for the freshest options.

Are there study-friendly cafés with reliable Wi-Fi on a budget?

Yes. Many cafés around Session Road and university zones offer stable Wi-Fi and outlets with drinks from ₱80–₱120 and student snack sets under ₱150. Weekdays before 5 p.m. are less crowded. Bring headphones, order at least one item every 1–2 hours, and ask staff about time limits during peak periods.

How do I stretch my budget when eating out with friends?

Share platters, split unlimited rice or barbecue sets, and order a large pasta or rice bowl to divide among three. Ask for extra plates, bring a reusable tumbler for drink discounts, and watch for “student hour” promos posted on shop doors or Facebook pages. Loyalty stamps add up quickly.

Is street food safe for students on a tight budget?

Street food can be safe if you choose busy stalls with high turnover, covered containers, and clean tongs. Opt for freshly fried items, avoid sauces exposed to dust, and eat hot. Carry alcohol gel, and if you have a sensitive stomach, start with simpler options like corn, lugaw, or fish balls.

What are good late-night food options near campuses?

Night markets and stalls around Session Road and Harrison Road offer affordable skewers, lugaw, and noodles after 7–9 p.m. Some 24-hour fast-food branches and convenience stores have microwavable rice meals. Keep small bills, stick to well-lit areas, and consider ordering delivery if you’re far from downtown.

Are there vegetarian, vegan, or healthier choices that are still affordable?

Yes. Several cafés and casual diners serve vegetable stir-fries, meatless pasta, brown-rice bowls, and soups for ₱120–₱200. Carinderias often have pinakbet, ginisang gulay, or monggo. Request less oil and more vegetables, and pair with brewed Benguet coffee or tea instead of sugary drinks to save and eat lighter.

Can I find halal or pescatarian options on a budget?

While fully certified halal spots are fewer, you can assemble halal-friendly, pescatarian, or vegetarian plates at carinderias and café menus: choose fish, egg, tofu, or vegetable dishes with plain rice, and avoid pork-based sauces. Always ask how a dish is prepared and check soup stocks for hidden meat.

Are unlimited barbecue or samgyeopsal deals worth it for students?

They can be, if shared strategically. Lunch pricing is often lower than dinner, and weekday promos are common. Consider your appetite: if you eat moderately, a ₱120–₱180 single-plate rice meal may be better value. For groups, unlimited sets become cost-effective when everyone eats comparable portions.

Should I tip, and do places accept cashless payments?

Tipping is optional but appreciated. Leave small change for carinderias and 5–10% for sit-down cafés if service is good. Increasingly, shops take e-wallets and cards, but cash is still king in small eateries and markets. Carry coins and small bills to avoid delays and to negotiate change easily.

How can I eat warm, filling food suited to Baguio’s cool weather without overspending?

Prioritize soups, stews, and noodle bowls—lugaw, mami, batchoy, lomi, or tinola—often priced ₱60–₱120. Add a vegetable side or boiled egg for extra protein and warmth. Hot brewed coffee or tea is cheaper than flavored drinks and pairs well with rice toppings on chilly evenings.

What’s the best way to handle food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Learn key Filipino terms for your allergens (e.g., “mani” for peanuts, “hipon” for shrimp) and ask how dishes are cooked. Request sauce on the side, verify oil used for frying, and avoid mixed vats at busy stalls. When in doubt, choose plainly grilled items, steamed rice, and bottled water.

Where do students usually eat between classes for speed and value?

Campus-adjacent canteens, food courts near Governor Pack, and small diners off Session Road serve fast “ulam + rice” plates, siomai rice, and noodles. Peak hours are 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and 6–7:30 p.m. To beat lines, go a bit earlier, pick pre-cooked viands, or order takeout.

How do I balance café time for studying with a tight budget?

Rotate low-cost orders: brewed coffee first, water refill second, then a shared pastry. Choose cafés with outlet seating and natural light to stay productive. Set a two-hour study block, then switch to a library or dorm to avoid overspending. Use noise-canceling apps to maximize focus.

Are there reliable delivery options that won’t blow my budget?

Yes. Aggregator apps frequently run free-delivery windows or bundle promos. Filter by “under ₱150” and “no delivery fee,” then group orders with dorm mates to split service charges. Track preparation time and distance; nearer kitchens are cheaper and keep food hotter in Baguio’s cool climate.

Any tips for drinking water and staying healthy while saving money?

Bring a reusable bottle and refill from safe dispensers at school or dorms. If unsure about potability, buy sealed water or boil at home. Balance fried fare with vegetables and soups, and aim for fruit snacks like bananas or local oranges. Consistent hydration curbs snack cravings and expenses.

What small habits save the most over a semester?

Meal-plan three anchors weekly (soup day, carinderia day, shared-platter day), follow favorite shops for student promos, collect loyalty stamps, and keep a “cash-only” envelope for food. Carry utensils to avoid add-on fees, and track spending with a simple note app to spot patterns and adjust quickly.

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