This modest but scenic cafe is my favorite place in Bontoc town!
For most travelers, Bontoc town is nothing more than a transit point for other destinations in the Cordilleras. The provincial capital of Mountain Province bustles like a small city, and does lack the coziness of remoter places like Sagada and Maligcong.
I’m thrilled to have finally found a local spot that totally redeems the built-up valley town. This humble roadside cafe, 20 mins walk from the town center, has a stunning viewpoint of Kachog rice terraces and Chico River, and features a Bontoc ‘ato’ (ceremonial platform) and spirit shrine.
Plus, customers are also treated to complimentary free-flowing brewed coffee made with local beans. Parking available for those traveling in private vehicles.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
₱1–200
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
The food was ok for the price. Coffee was too watery for our taste. There is a viewpoint located at the back of cafe with a nice view over rice terraces on the other side of Chico river. However it was raining once we were there so the pictures can not prove that.
Situated along Halsema Highway, this cafe is very rich in culture. Auntie is very nice and welcoming, she even told me stories about Lumawig, the bedrock on the cafe's yard, how it came to be, the landscape is amazing by the way. We always drop by this place every time we visit our relative in Bontoc / Sagada.
On it's yard , you can see a very beautiful green rice terraces, across the Chico river. It is a very refreshing stop after hours of travel, so make sure to drop by for coffee or meal once you pass by them.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
₱1–200
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
The view at the back of the shop is spectacular. Rice fields, the river, the mountains and the sky provide many photo options, and these change with the time of day, the weather and the season. The grounds are also well-kept, with flowers of different kinds.
The peaceful ambience allows patrons to relax while waiting for orders to be prepared.
Stopped at Heritage Cafe and Restaurant, Picnic Grove, Halsema Highway, Bontoc, Mountain Province on my way to Baguio and was awed by the beauty of the place, set in a lovely spot with its own natural beauty. No fringes, just NATURE at Bontoc doorstep! You don't have to break a bank and travel very far to unwind and be with nature .. had pinicpican for lunch but you can bring your own picnic. BTW accommodation is provided but you have to book in advance to avoid disappointment ...
The place is nice that's why i'm giving it 3 stars. There's a view deck at the back of the restau. Ambience wise i may even give it 4 stars compared to other restaurants/cafe in bontoc.
Let's go to the food options. There was limited choices when it comes to their food, only about 4 dishes available: pinikpikan, boneless bangus, heritage rice (a complete meal with veg, pork, chicken and rice), i forgot the other one 😅. And during my visit i ordered pinikpikan. The chicken was good, well cooked but not over done. But it was too salty and had too much ginger. I couldn't taste the chicken and the savory etag anymore. And i was expecting a piece of etag on the plate served but there was none.
Drinks. I ordered coke. Because, though in the name says "cafe". They only have brewed coffee (no lattes, frappe, etc), and soda. It was a bit disappointing.
So i just went with coke. So if you'd just like to look at the view. Go ahead and try it. But if you're really looking for great food. I wouldn't recommend it that much.
You can try it once though and tell me if you'll still go back. 🙂
