The Shack — Restaurant in Baler

We dined here during our stay in Baler last December 2024.

BEEF BIRYANI At first glance, it didn't look much. It came in a small clay pot, and the basmati rice was plain. We asked for the spicy variant, and boy... was it spicy. The beef was tender and well-seasoned.

BUTTER CHICKEN It came in a clay bowl (yung patukaan ng manok lol), and were surprised because it was sooo good! It was smooth and tasty I feel like I could eat it all day and night. My only comment is on the doneness of the chicken - it was a bit tough, borderline rubbery.

CHICKEN SAMOSA My go-to samosa place here is good. But what we had was 100x better. The curry wasn't overpowering the whole dish. It was mild, savory, and overall delicious. Wish we could come back anytime soon.

HUMMUS WITH PITA BREAD Ah, so exquisite. It tasted clean and homey. It didn't feel rushed. It felt like eating something made with love and care. It went well with the pita bread. I just wish I ordered more.

We also had their chai latte, both hot and iced, and both were good. So relaxing.

The place looked simple and humble but very spacious. Their staff were nice, and the prices were fair. For all of these, we only paid P1,010 (they only accept cash). We were...

Baler is full of disappointing eats, usually just grilled meat or some kind of silog meals that make the majority happy, I guess. But then for folks looking for something interesting and tasty, there's The Shack.

First, the prices are much more friendlier than the overpriced restos facing the beach. Over there, you get expensive mediocre food but with a view. Here, you just get excellent food at a welcoming price range.

Then the food. Portions were just right, those complaining about small portions are the gluttons that need several cups of rice at Jollibee. I went for the curries and dipping bread with the cucumber salad. The flavors, wow. Asked for extra spicy on the curries and got what I asked for. The beef masalla was slow-cooked tender and cut into pleasant small pieces. Vegetable curry was light and flavorful. Cucumber salad added a nice pivot of flavor in between dipping the various sauces. Presentation in claypots was nice. Oh and the chapati bread was freshly made and that made a beautiful difference.

Place was chill and the staff was nice. They take digital payment methods so no need to bring cash....

Our family dines at this place every time we come home to our house in the adjacent municipality. The food is authentic since the cook is Indian. The variety of the food is also amazing. I agree however with some of the other reviews that serving size can be slightly improved. In any case, what sets this place apart from the rest is that it is perhaps the only place in Sabang Beach (or the rest of Baler) that offers a wide array of vegetarian dishes; a welcome relief from the meat dishes in other restos. Make sure you visit before the crowds come at the typical meal times. The management already has a sign that says that the food may take some time so be mindful of the limitations of the staff. It may be best to order ahead or simply walk along nearby Sabang Beach (south shore) while waiting for your food...