Gypsy Baguio, helmed by Chef Waya, is a must-visit restaurant in Baguio City due to its unique blend of innovative Filipino cuisine and a farm-to-table philosophy that highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The inviting ambiance and diverse menu cater to various tastes, including vegetarian options, while the attentive service enhances the overall dining experience. With Chef Waya’s creative approach and a commitment to supporting local farmers, Gypsy Baguio not only offers a memorable culinary journey but also fosters a deeper connection to the region’s rich culinary heritage.

While Manila diners may be familiar with Gypsy along Maginhawa Street at the Teacher’s Village in Quezon City, this outlet gains a certain charm from being in the City of Pines. Chef Waya creates soulful dishes with an eclectic range of influences, while also making sure the ingredients shine. Coconuts recommends: Mushroom Arancini and Peruvian Pulpo Ceviche for starters — the arancini had a light crisp on the exterior and a well-seasoned, fluffy interior that will have you ordering more servings, while the ceviche was bright, acidic, and peppery, delivering on a medley of flavors.

Another famous Baguio spot for great coffee and even better eats is Gypsy by Chef Waya and the Taguan Cafe. These spots perched on a hill along Quezon Hill Road boast amazing views of the adjacent Baguio mountains and residential areas. Gypsy and Taguan are most beautiful during sunset when its location makes it an ideal viewpoint for the colorful Baguio sunset and the rolling fog that comes every now and then.

The place has a distinct bohemian motif with finely crafted wood furniture, beautiful photos hanging on the walls, and interesting pieces from all over the world. The owners’ love for travel is also evident with its menu which is mainly comfort food from different countries. Some of the must-try dishes include the Seafood Laksa, Artichoke & Sun dried Tomato Flatbread Pizza, and Pasta Al Nero.

During our most recent visit (October 2023), we spotted a couple of new Baguio-inspired beers while dining at Gypsy Baguio Cafe by Chef Waya. Session Road Blonde Ale and Baguio Gold Farmhouse Ale are craft beers brewed and bottled by Monkey Eagle Brewery. Session Road Blonde Ale is a sessionable easy drinking beer with a fruity flavor best paired with poultry, fish, and salads.

Yes, Quezon City’s Gourmet Gypsy Art Café has opened a new branch in Baguo!. Here, you get a similar experience with Gourmet Gypsy but what makes it different is that they also incorporate Baguio produce. They serve Fruit and Nut Salad, Salmon Avocado Toast, Spaghetti Al Nero, Indian Butter Chicken, Burnt Miso Butter Salmon.

If you want to travel the world on your plate, Gypsy Baguio is the restaurant for you. They serve dishes from around the world and update their menu regularly to ensure that every visit is a new experience. Aside from great food, the view you’ll have at the restaurant is also spectacular, especially at sunset.

The Baguio cafe established in May 2021 offers vegan, vegetarian, no-sugar, and low-carb options in their menu. Some specialties include Indian Butter Chicken, Indonesian Beef Rendang, Smoked Duck and Sagada Orange, Pan-Grilled Pork Steak, and more.

Craft 1945 for Spanish food and tapas, Gypsy Baguio, and Mang Ed’s for bakareta that locals swear by. And maybe, if I get lucky, a private dinner with the Mountain Man—one of those things you just hear about and hope to experience at least once.

GypsyBaguio is a culinary haven by Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco. The dishes at GypsyBaguio are so diverse that they’ll have your travels abroad on your plate. Every visit to their Restaurant is like an adventure in flavor!

Another discovery was one recommended by my producer/ foodie friend Jenny Celdran—Gypsy Baguio. This place specializes in Asian cuisine. I wanted to order everything.