BAGA MANILA in Cavite

THE FIRE HAS REACHED US! It's now in Cavite!

I've heard about BAGA (Barbecuers and Grillers Association) Manila before but it never urged me to see it for myself. Maybe because it's a bit far from my place and I'm so busy. To my surprise, here they are, closer than I expected! 

*********************

I've already noticed a couple of interesting food stalls which occupied the vacant parking lot of ALL HOME (along Emilio Aguinaldo highway, Imus City, Cavite). I got curious, but again, I thought those are just ordinary tianggian or stalls selling random stuff---which I’m not quite interested with.

Last week, Saturday, Mr. J asked me to go out with him and try this place and of course I said yes. When we got there, my taste buds suddenly burst in excitement! GRILLED FOODS! It was like Maginhawa St. rolled into a two-lane food hub.

~REUNIONS~ We met some of our former students (who are now in college) during our first visit :)

The first dish that I've tried: Pork Sisig! But honestly, I find it kinda dry.
The egg should be somewhat half-cook right?

~FRESHLY SQUEEZED LEMONS~ This lemonade is so refreshing! Plus it so cheap--35 php :) 

Unfortunately, we had a serious argument while we were finishing our food, so we left the place instantly. I was so regretful. *SOBS*

The following day after fixing our issues, we went back to continue our food quest ^_^. I'm so eager to explore the stalls and see how come this place becomes so popular to a lot of foodies. 

Foodies on the loose! Most of the tables were occupied during my second visit.

So what is my goal for this food trip?

SIMPLE. I want to look for food stalls offering affordable yet super delicious food stuff which are perfect to be paired with some crazy natters. I want to know which of them could be recommended to my gastronomic buddies!

As I stroll along the aisle, I was so overwhelmed by the choices. Aside from the grilled foods (of course since it’s BAGA Manila) they also offer native sweets/desserts, viands (which are labeled as lutong-bahay), and perfect night snacks, like goto and lugaw. However, I’m most impressed by the choices of beverage, because they stick with the healthy options: fresh fruit shakes and fruit juices, instead of alcoholic beverages (but I want a bottle of beer tho..hehe)

~SISIG MADNESS~ I really can'r resist the smell of sisig, sinfully good!

~DUMPLINGS~ Larger than normal, three pieces for only 70 php.

~GRILLED SQUIDS~ This is my favorite! Stuffed grilled squid with rice costs 100 php only! You'll definitely ask for another cup of rice :) 

They’ve got a lot! From takuyaki and katsudon (Japanese) to quesadillas and nachos (Mexican), you’ll have a hard time selecting the first item to indulge with. It is not a big place, more or less 20-25 stalls only, but I guess that’s already much for several hours of bonding with your good friends ^_^.

As to the affordability of the food, it depends. If you’re in the working class, it is very affordable because prices range from 35 – 100 pesos only! But if you are a student, it will depend on your allowance, hoho! If you think that your 20 bucks is comparable to a single stick of isaw (chicken intestines) then, you should hurry and visit BAGA MANILA now!

~ISAW FEST~ Who wouldn't love these?! The prices of these grilled stuff ranges from 10 php to 30 php. 

~SUMAN TURON with langka~ For only 45 php, you'll be able to enjoy three pieces of this heavenly treat. Promise, it really tastes good!

~TAKUYAKI~ Similar to the one I've tasted at Buffet 101 :) The taste is authentic, but i just hope they'll add more sauce. 

~GRILLED CORN~ I'm not a huge fan of corn, but this one made me love it so much! You can choose the base (butter, syrup or mayo) and toppings (salt, chili flakes, top secret) or combine everything! It's only 50 php :)

~GRILLED STUFFED SQUID~ See? it is so delicious in photo and even in real life! haha! They'll even slice it for you :)

~BARAKO FRAPUCCINOS~ They uses our native coffee, Kapeng Barako! Give up Starbucks just for a night! A large cup is only 60 php :)

On another note, a few observations left me hanging. Given the name ‘BAGA’ Manila, I think they’re a bit short of those smoke effect (haha!) which should’ve clouded the entire place, you know, for the added “feels”. I guess this is because only a few stalls really opted to use the traditional griller, and for some, their food are not even grilled or barbecued. Moreover, there is also a scarcity, well I think it’s better to be described as extinction, of bottled drinking water in this place. I haven’t seen a single bottle though -_-.

But over-all, this is a pretty nice place to hang-out with friends, especially if you’re adventurous and a nocturnal being ^_^ 

~ALL IN RED & BLACK~ The servers are pretty much hygienic, they wore hairnets / caps, plastic masks and aprons.

~GASTRONOMES~ The aisle is crowded by families, barkadas and couples who are enjoying the food. 

~FUNNY NAMES~ The stalls are adorned by tarpaulins bearing their cool names, better check them out!

~CASHIER~ They have a centralized cashier here. So once you already settled an order from a stall, get an order slip and pay at the cashier. They will give you a stub which you will use to claim your order. 

~THE RECEIPT~ Here is an example of an order slip.

~WELCOME~ You'll be greeted by this large note at the entrance :)

So if you are now drooling and can't wait to visit BAGA Manila, here are some few notes to consider:

• Arrive early (as much as possible). They are open every THURSDAYS to SUNDAYS, from 5 pm to 1 am. If you will arrive early, you'll have sure seats and stay for as long as you want. 

• Dress comfortably. Who knows, you might ingest a lot and that tummy will surely pop, so be ready!

• Scan the stalls first. Don't be too overwhelmed by the choices, walk along the stalls first and carefully look at the stuff they are selling.

• Share with your friends. If you really want to try almost everything, share with your friends! Besides, you can go back for more if you want. 

• Visit during weekdays. There are lesser guests during Thursdays and Fridays. But if you want to bump into someone you know, chances are great during weekends :)

******************

So what are you waiting for?! Go ahead and visit BAGA Manila for some epicure experience! :) Don't forget to share your stories with me, thru our official Facebook page, Instragram or Twitter :) THANKS!

'Til my next gastronomic quest,