Ganduyan Inatep Cafe — Restaurant in Mountain Province

Kuya Bogs, our guide in Sagada insisted that going here is a must.

And since all his suggestions are on point, we went here after our hike from Marlboro hills.

Everything I experienced here is uniquely "FBI" as Kuya Bogs is fond of saying, referring to Full-Blooded Igorot.

On the grounds of this restaurant stands the last traditional Igorot house in Sagada, or in their dialect, the 'Inatep'.

After placing our breakfast orders, our guides Kuya Bogs and Jestoni shared with us the history of Inatep, its design and how each part of its design has a specific purpose. From storing the grains, preserving meat by the fireplace, and also the amazing security features of Inatep that protected the household and its livestock from headhunters. Each word they utter are a feast for our curious minds.

After that, breakfast is equally amazing and unique. I had an Etag omelette, sausage/longanisa and rice, and of course Sagada brew.

The sausage is crispy. A first for me. I was skeptical at first, but after one bite, I was sold! I even asked if they also sell frozen longanisa that I could bring home. Too bad they don't.

The next viand on my plate is also as good. I mean, soooo goooood. I'm not a fan of omelette, but the Etag omelette is so good. The distinct flavor of Etag, its smokiness and the fresh tomatoes and onions went so well together.

I'll definitely go here again on my next...

I ate breakfast, lunch & dinner at Ganduyan Inatep Cafe. It is one of my most favourite places to eat in Sagada.

It was so good, that we ordered take out to eat on the way back to Manila.

For breakfast, we had the Inatep Breakfast. Their longganisa was perfect. The smokiness of the etag in the etag omelette were complimentary to the dish and did not overwhelm. There was no lasting smokey aftertaste.

For Lunch, we had the sinanglaw and the Pork Inatep. The pork inatep was amazing, the sauce was filled with flavour yet wasn't too overpowering. The quality of the pork tasted very fresh and had a really premium texture to it.

With the sinanglaw, it would be an understatement to say it was good. We would definitely call it one of the best in the Philippines. Our family spent 3D3N in Sagada, and we had 2 lunches here in Ganduyan Inatep Cafe, both with the sinanglaw. It was worth returning to. It felt premium, the quality of meat was spectacular and the blend of the soup was nurtured and carefully made.

Service was amazing, I believe it was a family-owned business.

Cozy ambience in the restaurant, coupled with their brewed coffee (which is arguably better than some of the nearby cafe's brewed coffee), makes a perfect chill spot.

There is also an old traditional Sagada house, a perfect quick attraction to visit while waiting...

This restau is managed by Lester Aben's wife and kids, who also oversee the nearby Ganduyan Museum. For those interested in delving deeper into Sagada's history, the Ganduyan Museum is conveniently located nearby. It houses a collection of artifacts that provide insight into the traditions and way of life of the local people.

One of the standout dishes at Ganduyan Inatep Café is their Chicken Inatep.

Another offering is the Etag Pork with Tomatoes. Etag, a traditional cured meat, is known for its robust flavor. However, some diners have found this dish to be on the fattier side and saltier than preferred. If you have a palate sensitive to strong flavors, you might want to consider this before ordering. Their dishes are also on the pricier side compared to that of other restaus.

The café's ambiance reflects the rich cultural tapestry of Sagada, with décor and artifacts that tell stories of the region's past. Lester's passion for preserving and sharing Sagada's heritage is evident, making a visit to Ganduyan Inatep Café not just a meal, but a journey into the heart of...