Baler has become a popular weekend destination not just for surfers but also for families, couples and groups of friends. In only a span of a year, more restaurants have sprouted along Sabang Beach and Baler's town proper. Here is a list to guide you on where to eat or hangout in this surf paradise. 1) Hungry Surfer Restaurant by Bay's Inn Bright colorful decor and signages give this restaurant a sanguine feel. A la carte meals are priced at an average of PhP200 and comes in big servings. I especially like their Kinilaw. For PhP199, anyone can avail of their breakfast buffet which is mostly of Filipino food: beef tapa floss, tocino, longganisa, ham, fried rice, scrambbled and fried eggs, pako salad, soup (e.g., Filipino sopas) and Baler's famous Nanay Pacing's peanut butter and coco jam with pandesal or bananas. It also covers a round of coffee of tea and unlimited juice. Location: Sabang Beach, Baler 2) Bayler View Restaurant One of the most popular first and more popular restaurants in Baler, it is always full during breakfast, lunch and dinner time. Dine here if you like Filipino food (they also serve foreign dishes, although it is not their turf), sea views, and internet connection (more or less like Hungry Surfer's). It is perfect for big groups. Location: Sabang Beach, Baler 3) Chef Gerry Chan's Picnic Bay Buffet For PhP200, you can enjoy a variety of at least 20 home-cooked style dishes in one sitting. There were four soups to choose and I especially liked the Pork Nilaga. Try the Pako Salad which is typical from Baler and difficult to find in other places like Manila.The Sinigang had little shrimps but was tasty. Their Lechon Kawali is a favorite: the pork skin had the right crunch. Other dishes include Fish Sinigang, Papaitan, Kare-Kare, Crispy Pata, Fried Chicken, Sisig, Steamed Broccoli with Garlic, Calamares, among others. It also comes with unlimited iced tea. While the ambiance is beach-front, aesthetics is an area for improvement. Overall, it gives the best value for money. It is located right at the very end of Sabang Beach. Location: Purok 4, Sabang Beach, Baler 4) Beach House, Costa Pacifica Being Baler's high-end hotel, they boast a beautiful view of the beach by their garden and poolside which is perfect for having an ice cold beer served with a chilled glass. While Beach House is notable for the ambiance, food presentation, and service (that you pay for in exchange), taste is a bit ordinary. Their Kinilaw lacks a good kick of sourness. Location: Buton Street, Baler 5) Yellow Fin Bar and Grill Come if you like the combination of grilled food, sports, party music and beer. You can have meat, fish, seafood and a few other dishes like Baler's Pako Salad with salted egg. Their Grilled Squid (PhP150) is a best-seller. Location: Buton Street, Baler 6) Baler Surfer Grill Probably the most photographed restaurant with its red Volkswagen Beetle grill, they offer six meals that come with rice and sidings. While the budget size meal (all at PhP89) is affordable, the regular size (all at PhP200) is just enough for the stomach. The secret of their food are the sauces: the Aligue Sauce compliments well the Grilled Fish, just as the Barbecue Sauce with the Liempo Bbq. Their wooden tables and chairs, native huts, fresh juice bar, small bangka and yellow lights at night make it Instagram-worthy. 7) The Good Food Project Its name itself promotes what they offer: real food without preservatives, extenders, or what not. Their simple menu of quesadilla, burger, tacos, and grilled chicken breast, pork chop or blue marlin at affordable prices seemed to be a hit for customers as it was often quite packed especially at night. 8) Majaraja Kebabs This place offers a different type of cuisine (i.e., Indian food) but can improve on taste to have customers coming back. I sampled their Malaysian Style Fish Curry (PhP200) and while they used fresh ingredients, the sauce was bland considering that the dish is about spices. For Filipino food lovers, they serve Chicken Inasal (PhP150) which is also their specialty. They don't sell drinks: you have to buy from the bar in the same compound. Location: Buton Street, Baler 9) Groundswell Cafe This carefree shop-cum-cafe attracts guests especially in the evening for a night cap after a day of surf. They offer a limited selection of coffee, team, beer, pre-prepared pasta (in bottles) and desserts all at affordable prices. They also sell surf clothing such as rash guards, sportswear, etc. Location: Buton Street, Baler 10) Press Start Cafe
One of the newest addition to Baler cafes the last time I was there, this relaxed space in a less-crowded location makes it a sanctuary for laid back travelers and surfers. They offer nicely-plated dishes that look delicately prepared and are aesthetically and gastronomically appealing. Location: Ally 2, Buton Street, Baler. Overall, Baler restaurants and cafes top when it comes to ambiance and value for money. They exude a carefree atmosphere which this place is all about. Average price range is at Ph200 and at good serving sizes. For some restaurants, there is room for improvement when it comes to foreign dishes (i.e., ingredients and taste), which is quite understandable. These establishments make one's trip to Baler not only about surfing and nature, but also about food. -JB
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July 2016
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