Old School Vibe at Luisa's Café in Baguio

Have you seen a dumbwaiter or have you even heard of it? I’ve seen it before but didn’t really know what it’s called. And my recent trip to Baguio got me reacquainted with this simple machine marvel. Luisa’s Café is one of those untouched structure along Session Road in Baguio City; an oblivious form of resistance to change that’s been going on in the city.

Stepping inside the café, we felt nostalgic. There’s this old vibe in it that is somehow reminiscent of my family’s traditional Sunday-after-church lunch on one of the Chinese restaurants in Muñoz, Quezon City. The sight, smell, feel, sound and even your sixth sense would definitely tell you that you’re being transported back in time. Well that is if you’re an 80’s baby like me.

Old school vibe

The first level of the café was packed with hungry souls when we went inside; very understandable for it’s almost dinnertime. We hurriedly went upstairs and the ambience totally changed. 

Second level

It revealed a more relaxed atmosphere with a huge group of middle-aged guys glugging on bottles of Pale Pilsens and smoking at liberty without anyone restricting them. Another guy was playing darts on the other side. Laughter burst everywhere as they merrily grabbed every opportunity to share their part on the conversation (which was generally in Ilocano). I immediately felt at home.

With a view of Session Road

We almost forgot that we were starving. We grabbed their menu and asked the server of their specialties. She went on declaring that their noodles (mami) and siopaos are the bestsellers; she’s deadpan. We got some Chicken mami and Wanton mami (65 pesos each). We also had some asado and bola-bola siopaos (43 pesos each).

We didn’t have to wait for so long before we get to see the dumbwaiter working (and the food as well). The grimacing server went to the dumbwaiter and pulled the rope that revealed our hot meals. It was so cool! Two rounds all in all.

Dumbwaiter ftw!

And then the reason why we were there in the first place – the food. The siopaos and the mamis were quite ok; nothing spectacular. But I tasted no msg or one of those granules seasoning for the soup’s broth. The chicken stock tasted legit.

Chicken mami

Wanton mami

Bola-bola siopao

Asado siopao

That being said, I can't discount the fact that our total experience at Luisa’s was great. It brought back childhood memories without them even trying. I’ve been to some retro restaurants who really tried to bring back that vintage feel for the diners; and as they try harder, they fail. Luisa’s Café in Baguio City succeeded on this part, effortless, without the slightest indication of them trying. Me looking forward on my next visit at Luisa's.

Luisa's Café

53 Session Road, Baguio City

phone: +(6374) 442.2412 / +(6374) 442.9521

Restaurant Hours

10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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