Must-Try Tagaytay Delicacies for Pasalubong

Tagaytay is known for its scenic views and cool weather, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. However, beyond its natural beauty lies a diverse culinary culture with various delectable delicacies that make perfect pasalubong or souvenirs.

In this blog, we’ll look closely at some of the most sought-after Tagaytay delicacies and pasalubong you should try and bring home to your loved ones.

Significance of Tagaytay Delicacies in Philippine Cuisine

Tagaytay delicacies showcase the unique flavors and ingredients of the region. For instance, one of the most famous delicacies in Tagaytay is the buko pie, a sweet pastry made with young coconut meat and a flaky crust. It has become a staple dessert in many households and restaurants across the Philippines, often served during special occasions and family gatherings.

Another popular Tagaytay delicacy is the bulalo, a hearty beef soup perfect for chilly weather. If you were to ask any Filipino who has visited Tagaytay, they’d say you shouldn’t leave the place without eating this dish. It’s best enjoyed on any occasion, whether alone or with family or friends. We’ll talk more about this dish in the section below.

Tagaytay Food Delicacies You Should Try

If you plan to visit Tagaytay, you shouldn’t miss the food that makes the place unique. Below are some famous delicacies in Tagaytay you should try and bring home as pasalubong to your loved ones.

1. Sweet delicacies

• Pies
  Buko and pineapple pies are special in Tagaytay because they use locally sourced ingredients, such as the sweet pineapples from nearby Batangas and the young coconut meat or buko from the city’s own farms. The pies are also freshly baked daily, ensuring each bite is warm, flaky, and flavorful.

  Many Tagaytay visitors make it a point to bring home these pies as a souvenir or pasalubong, making them a beloved part of the city’s culinary heritage.

• Tarts
  Many pie shops in Tagaytay also sell tarts in different flavors. This delicacy is also made using fresh, locally sourced ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and dairy products. It’s the perfect dessert if you want to eat smaller portions or try various flavors.

  Tart flavors vary per vendor, but most offer buko, ube, mango, strawberry, blueberry, chocolate, and lemon flavors.

• Bread
  You could say that bread in the Philippines is the same wherever you go, but nothing beats eating freshly baked pastries in a homey place like Tagaytay. You can buy bread early in the morning and eat it with coffee and spreads while watching the sunrise. You can also buy some throughout the day to pair with your favorite dishes or eat them for merienda.

  One of the best places to buy bread in Tagaytay is Sonya’s Garden’s Panaderia. We offer classic Filipino pastries such as Spanish bread, kalihim, ogoy-ogoy, putok, adobini, monay, and cheese hopia—all prepared near our fragrant flower and herb gardens.

  When you buy bread from Sonya’s Garden, you’re paying for the delicacy and premium experience of eating something from one of the best bed and breakfast places in Tagaytay.

2. Savory delicacies

• Tawilis (freshwater sardines)
  Tawilis in Tagaytay is special because it’s a freshwater sardine endemic to Taal Lake, the tourist destination most people anticipate seeing when visiting the city. Tawilis is often prepared by marinating it in vinegar, garlic, and other spices and deep-frying it until crispy. It’s commonly served with a side of sliced tomatoes and onions and eaten with steaming hot rice.

  Because of its limited distribution, tawilis has become one of the most popular and sought-after Tagaytay delicacies. Its distinct taste and texture make it a must-try dish for anyone visiting the area.

• Bulalo (beef shank soup)
  As mentioned earlier, bulalo is one of Tagaytay’s best delicacies. It’s made with beef shanks and bone marrow, simmered for hours to create a rich broth served with vegetables and rice. You can eat it at any time of the day, but you can enjoy it more at night when it’s cold.

  Many restaurants in Tagaytay that offer bulalo offer a pleasant view of Taal Lake and Volcano, so you can enjoy this hot dish with an ambiance you can’t get elsewhere.

3. Beverages

• Kapeng barako (strong coffee)
  Kapeng barako is a variation of coffee grown in the high-altitude areas of Batangas, near Tagaytay. It’s known for its strong, bold, and rich flavor, perfect for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy this drink.

  Many coffee shops in Tagaytay offer and serve kapeng barako in traditional Filipino coffee cups, making it an authentic and cultural experience for coffee lovers. The coffee’s association with Batangas and Tagaytay also makes it a must-try for visitors who want to explore the local culinary culture.

• Fresh fruit juices
  Since Tagaytay is in a high-altitude area, the fruits grown there are known for their sweet and tangy flavor. As such, consider ordering fresh fruit juices when visiting the city, especially during summer. They’re usually made using a cold-press method, preserving the natural flavors and nutrients of the fruits, and resulting in a refreshing and healthy drink.

  Many juice bars and cafes in Tagaytay also offer various flavor combinations, such as strawberry-banana, mango-pineapple, and watermelon-mint. These drinks are perfect for quenching thirst, refreshing the body, and providing a taste of Tagaytay’s agricultural produce.

• Herbal tea
  After eating a hearty serving of bulalo, try drinking a warm cup of herbal tea. The cool and temperate climate of Tagaytay makes it an ideal location for growing various herbs, such as lemongrass, pandan, and ginger, commonly used in herbal tea blends.

  Additionally, many of the herbs grown in Tagaytay have medicinal properties that locals traditionally used to promote wellness and treat various ailments.

  You can get herbal teas at Sonya’s Garden’s Country Store. We grow numerous herbs—such as basil, tarragon, mint, thyme, rosemary, lavender, stevia, and lemongrass—in our own well-maintained gardens, ensuring they reach you fresh.

Enjoy Tagaytay’s Delicacies from Sonya’s Garden

Tagaytay is a must-visit destination for foodies and travelers looking to explore the local culinary culture. From the delicious buko and pineapple pies to the flavorful tawilis and bulalo, there is no shortage of mouth-watering delicacies to try in this beautiful city.

One of the best places to enjoy these delicacies is Sonya’s Garden, a charming bed and breakfast place in Tagaytay. We offer a cozy and relaxing atmosphere and serve various delicious and healthy meals made with fresh ingredients grown in our organic garden.

Check out our list of distributors and grab our special food and delicacies from stores near you. You can also book a stay to experience the serene garden and shop at Sonya’s Garden Shops, first hand!