I’m a 90’s-ish kid, but undeniably a Baguio Boy. There’s something about the people here that anchors on a collective sense of nostalgia whenever we come together to eat or for a party or whatnot. Of course, we all love to eat out; and with Baguio being a small city, there are only a few choices out there—at least that’s what most people think. Hidden away in the winding hills of Gibraltar Road leading up to Mines View is REWIND Café, the ideal place for unforgettable “make-your-eyes-tirik” food and a fantastic trip down old Baguio’s memory lane.
REWIND Café grounds itself in the “appreciation of roots, traditional value, and heritage.” The place is founded by Cordilleran natives from Ifugao and Kapangan but was born and raised in Baguio. I would say that I go to REWIND Café not just for the food that they offer (more on that later), but mainly for the vibe that it gives you once you’re inside. Upon first look, you’d notice that it’s a simple house with a simple Baguio feel added to it. However, the place is a goldmine for those looking for a historical journey back to the Baguio that is and was. It made me rediscover the city that I grew up.
REWIND Café, owned by Syl Ang, features a mini-museum that exhibits expertly-curated photos of old Baguio by the café’s team—Jason Ang, Michelle Cabatuan, Liza Imayaho, Melody Imayaho, Sherwin Cabatuan and Matthew Imayaho. The images come from the collection of US Missionary (and Baguio Boy by heart) Kevin Engle and our very own Media Newseum owner and Baguio artist, Art Tibaldo. Seriously, walking around the place makes you forget what year it is. More so, because REWIND encourages their visitors and customers to savor their moment in the place, without being glued to their smartphones. That’s why once you come in, you won’t have to ask for Wi-Fi because there isn’t. It’s a good thing in itself because you’ll have more time to appreciate everything around you once you’re there.
That said, REWIND Café made me reconnect to my Baguio heritage. The nostalgia that the place gives off is enough to satisfy you. Oh, speaking of satisfaction…
REWIND Café’s authentic palate makes you go ‘ahhhhh…’
After going through the mini-museum, the next thing you’ll be obsessing about would be their astonishing takes on food. The dining experience in itself is worth coming back. There’s lot’s of things on their menu, but we had the privilege to try 5 of their bestsellers. But before anything else, it’s important to note that for a maximum budget of P300 per person, you can already get a lingering food coma.
We started off the feast with an impressive combination of Creamy Beef, Rewind’s Pinapaitan, Pigar-Pigar, Garlic Pasta and Rewind Garden Salad. With this armada of dishes, you’ll be able to savor every bite while enjoying the perfect Baguio feel. The menu (and the entire place) is borne out of the Imayahos’ and Cabatuans’ collaborative effort. So the food and experience you get come from the love and passion of these remarkable people.
The Creamy Beef is one of my particular food highlights. It’s made up of soft, lean beef doused with savory mushroom cream. At P149, the dish is a good starter if you want to dig in right away. With the abundance of mushrooms and a pleasant balancing garlic taste, REWIND’s creamy beef does all the feeling and savoring for you. It comes served with rice and vegetable side dish.
The Garlic Pasta is something worth trying all over again. I’m not much of a garlic enthusiast, but having REWIND’s special garlic oil partnered with pasta al dente is all you’ll ever need for a new pasta experience. With all the different versions of pasta meals out there, this one sets itself apart. Served with garlic bread, it’s something that helps you take in the view and the nostalgia—and not bad for P90.
The Pigar-Pigar is a famous Dagupeño dish that’s made up of thin slices of beef, and stir-fried vegetables served on a sizzling plate. This delicious dish from down North from Baguio made its way to REWIND Café in a welcome fashion. There’s a particular smoky and oily flavor that comes from the beef seasoning and the vegetables, making it a great pig-out dish. The beef is not that rubbery, and the onions aren’t too strong. It comes in at P135.
Rewind’s Pinapaitan is a luscious combination of sinanglao and pinapaitan. It’s a typical Ilocano-Igorot soup dish that’s served hot. For only P99, you get a HUGE bowl and a cup of rice. The best thing about Rewind’s Pinapaitan is that there is a perfect balance of papait and asim from the sinanglao. The beef innards are cooked well, and it doesn’t ooze much with sebo if left untouched. For me, the sebo always make me lose interest in the pinapaitan/sinanglao, so this one is a notable exception from the rest. Come by on a rainy day and order this and you’re sure to have a satisfied tummy.
Finally, at P90, the Rewind’s Garden Salad is a breath-taking (literally) dish that makes you want to go and take a selfie with the Chef. Most salads sag over time due to the dressing. This one, however, doesn’t. It’s a perfect mixture of sugar bits, cucumber, mangoes, carrots, lettuce, fresh tomatoes, grapes, and oranges. It’s a colorful bunch of fresh finds for those on a strict diet. The dressing is a super-secret formula of awesomeness and a tinge of orange and lemons.
Drinks and Desserts
REWIND Café offers the usual hot and cold coffee concoctions. However, if you’re on a lookout for something new, then you should give their Soya Coffee blends a shot. It comes with the regular brew (which I love so much and is an excellent alternative to my black coffee lifestyle), hazelnut and salted caramel flavors. I know, caffeine in coffee may provide some shield against Parkinson’s Disease, but REWIND’s Soya Coffee blend is a good and healthier alternative. As for REWIND Café’s desserts, they offer cakes baked in-house. Notable mentions are the Blueberry Cheesecake (no bake) and the Chocolate Mint Cake.
How to get to REWIND Café Baguio
For the local Baguio folks: it’s easier if you ride a taxi or Gibraltar jeep and asked to be dropped off on the road to Gibraltar Elementary School. From there, look to the right side of the street, and you will see the Gibraltar Barangay Hall. Go up that hill, and you’ll also see a sign that points to REWIND. It’s not far from the road and Barangay Hall, so it’s not hard to spot.
For our Tourists: the most logical point of reference is the Botanical Garden. Follow the road going up to Pacdal Circle. From there, take Gibraltar Road (left side from Wright Park, the landmark is Rizal Elementary School). During school days, however, that road is closed so you can take an alternate route to Wright Park, and then make a left going into the park and then follow the way, turning right at the end—leading to Gibraltar Road. From there you go straight ahead, and your next landmark would be the sign that points to Gibraltar Elementary School. Once you see it, turn right onto C. Arellano Street, make a left, and that’s when you’ll see REWIND.
Of course, when all else fails, there’s always Waze.
REWIND Café: Overall Verdict
There’s no other place like Baguio. And there’s no other place to reminisce the city’s past than REWIND Café. Get in touch with the heritage and authentic Cordilleran feel. The menu offerings are exceptional, and the company of their friendly staff is something worth dropping five stars too! It’s the ideal place to chill, relax and remember. If you’re from Baguio, you’ll instantly be transported back to the late 40’s all the way to the 90’s. For tourists, it’s one of the must-see places to look up the City’s history, all while enjoying the dishes.
After all, REWIND Café literally takes you back—and rewinds the tape.
It’s a celebration of old Baguio nostalgia and fantastic food.