The Baguio 2012 Series: Star Cafe

From the minute we arrived in Baguio, my dad was craving for Star Cafe. He had grown up in Baguio, having studied at the now defunct Baguio Military Institute, and memories of yesteryears overflowed with him. He pointed to the location where Star Cafe used to be and winced when he saw that it is no longer there. But on one last drive down Session Road, we spotted a new location - it exists!

It is a humble shop that is known for two things: (1) its cinnamon bread and pandesal and (2) its Chinese cuisine. The cinnamon bread is in fact so popular that by the time we were midway through lunch and decided to order one more piece, they were sold out. This not ordinary cinnamon bread but large chunks:

I am personally not a fan of the bakery. I believe these are purchased more for availability and nostalgia and familiarity than anything. But the Chinese food was something I could have everyday. Because the prices were so cheap (relatively), we ordered everything the 100-year old waiters recommended:

Congee/Arroz Caldo

Lumpia

Yang Chow

Pancit Canton

Camaron Rebosado

Lemon Butter Chicken

The Camaron Rebosado and Lemon Butter chicken were homey, juicy and flavorful. This would be a great place to go to after drinks when you are REALLY hungry!

The waiters were kind and accommodating and cheery. They shared that unfortunately the original cook is no longer around so while the menu is the same and some dishes remain consistent with the old flavors, there are some dishes that have lost the character of the original recipes. These are testimonies from those who have been around since Star Cafe opened in 1940 across the street.

Now the old Star Cafe is a Mercury Drug :( Memorabilia hang on the wall, alongside photos of politicians who have graced the premises.

Was also very much amused by this LANDLINE:

Star Cafe. Always nice to come to. I guess that's my generation's feeling for ... Whistlestop? ;)

Star Cafe.
Session Road. 
Baguio City.