Biyaheng Batangas (Food Series): Lipa's Lomi Legacy and Culinary Surprises
- Lipa is the "Lomi Capital" of the Philippines, and you can't leave without trying a bowl of this iconic noodle soup. Liam's Lomi House and Chibong's Lomi House are both highly recommended, with Chibong's offering free Barako coffee!
- Lipa's food scene goes beyond lomi. You'll find unique local bites like fried siopao, beef pares, and pork barbecue that are flavorful and affordable.
- The city has embraced various international cuisines. You can find everything from Italian comfort food at Casa Marikit to oven-baked pizza at Antonino's Pizzeria.
- Many of the spots featured, like Chibong's and Dos Bastardos, offer great value for money, proving that you can eat well without breaking the bank.
If you have been following my adventures on Budget Biyahera, you know I am passionate about uncovering the best eats wherever I go. Now that I'm based in Batangas, my mission has become even more exciting: to explore the incredible food scene right in my backyard. And where better to start than Lipa City?
Lipa, often hailed as the "Home of Kapeng Barako," is a bustling city that has become a foodie haven. It’s not just about its famous lomi. It’s a vibrant tapestry of traditional Batangueño comfort food, trendy cafes, and a surprising array of international flavors. This article serves as your budget-friendly guide to the must-try spots I’ve discovered in Lipa. So, get ready to delight your taste buds!
Lomi Legends: Where Batangas' Iconic Noodle Soup Shines
You can't visit Batangas without indulging in a bowl of lomi. This dish is an institution here, and I've discovered a couple of places that serve it exceptionally well.
Liam's Lomi House
Address: Recenos Compound, Gen. Luna St., Lipa City
Hours: Mon-Sun 6:00 AM–7:30 PM
Parking: Plenty of spots
Liam's Lomi House serves up a flavor-packed lomi, featuring a rich, thick broth, generous toppings, and a perfect savory balance. There might not be any photos from our first visit, but we've definitely sampled their lomi and loved their version.
But don’t stop at the lomi! Their pork barbecue is also a standout, being meaty, tender, and marinated with a savory blend. We also tried their special fried rice, which comes with two pieces of chicken (perfect for 2-3 people); it was also packed with flavor. However, the sizzling sisig was a bit bland for our taste. It probably just needed some freshly cut onions and chili to elevate the dish.
TIP: To eat lomi like a true local, grab some sliced onions, sili (chili), calamansi, and a dash of soy sauce. Mix it all in and prepare for a flavor explosion!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Chibong's Lomi House
Address: Purok 1, Barangay Talisay, Lipa City
Hours: Mon-Sun 7:00 AM-10:00 PM
Parking: Plenty of spots
If you're looking for great value, Chibong's is the place to go. Their Chami is both filling and flavorful, while the pork BBQ is generously portioned. Just a heads up: it tends to be on the sweeter side, making it a great choice if you enjoy sweet barbecue.
One of the best perks? They provide free Barako coffee and water! They also have a spacious dining area, so you won't have to wait long for a table.
Our total bill, which included a tall soda and three cups of white rice, was just under P400. Definitely value for money!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Beyond the Bowl: Lipa's Unique Bites and Local Delights
Lipa's culinary scene features more than just lomi. There are several unique food finds that you definitely need to try!
Fried Siopao (very straightforward, you won't miss it!)
Address: Recenos Compound, Gen. Luna St., Lipa City
Parking: Plenty of spots
This eatery features white walls, bright red signage, and a simple, clean design that caught our attention. The price per siopao is P65, so we decided to give it a try. The result? It was just okay in terms of flavor. Even when fried, the bread remains soft enough to bite into and isn’t overly greasy. However, the filling could use some more meat and seasoning.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Dos Bastardos
Address: Barangay Longos, Mataas na Kahoy (beside Iglesia ni Cristo)
Hours: Mon-Sun 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
Parking: Limited spots (2 cars max)
For a different kind of comfort food, visit Dos Bastardos. Their beef pares is affordable and flavorful. It's definitely one of the best variations I've tasted. The beef pieces are generous, tender, and not rubbery, while the sauce strikes the perfect balance of sweetness. Paired with garlic rice and complimentary soup, this dish makes for a filling meal, solidifying its place as one of my favorites for a budget-friendly and satisfying meal.
Rating: 5 out of 5
The Square Lipa: A Modern Hub for Eats and Treats
This location serves as a good hub for various food joints, catering to diverse tastes. Despite the limited parking, a spacious dining area is available on the second floor, directly above Nitoro.
Address: 140 B Morada Ave, Lipa City
Hours: Mon-Sun 8:00 AM–12:00 AM
Parking: Limited spots
Nitoro Cold Brew
We didn't sample their nitro-based brews. However, I truly enjoyed their cherry coke-infused drink. I recommend trying it for a refreshing and fizzy break.
Rating (drink): 5 out of 5
Frankie's Bourbon Burger
My husband thought the namesake's burger was a bit small and lacked flavor. Thankfully, I enjoyed my Ultimate Burger order, which was packed with a thick patty and lots of veggies (though messy to eat). Their jalapeño poppers and fries were also tasty!
Rating: 3 out of 5
International Flavors: Lipa’s Global Eats
Lipa's food scene isn't just about local fare. It's also embraced international cuisine with open arms.
Frasch Lipa
Address: Commercial Area, Brgy. Sico, Lipa City (enter Petron Along Highway Base View Homes Gate 2)
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30 AM–10:00 PM, Sat-Sun 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Parking: Limited to side street parking
Frasch offers decent food, but it can be on the pricey side. My husband and I each ordered a BBQ skewer—one with chicken, and the other with beef—served alongside Patatas Bravas. He also sampled their homemade Sansrival, which was just average tasting.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Prism Restaurant Cafe
Address: Bagong Pook, Lipa City,
Hours: Tue-Sun 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Parking: Limited spots
The Paella Valenciana here is good for one person. We would have enjoyed it more if some of the rice hadn’t been overcooked or burned. However, the baked salmon was a definite highlight! Although the serving size was small, it perfectly satisfied my appetite. The combination of salmon with spinach, mornay sauce, tomatoes, and Queso de Bola was so delicious (chef's kiss!). Their Americano also comes in a large mug, which is both strong and good.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Mumtaz, Lipa
Address: Alegre Building, P. Torres Street, Lipa City
Hours: Thur-Tue 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (closed every Wednesday)
Parking: Ample space by the lot to their right
We dined in and tried the Mixed Grill Platter, which included Joojeh Kebab, Beef Kofta Kebab, and Chicken Tikka Kebab served on basmati rice. While the chicken tikka was surprisingly flavorful, the other kebabs were unfortunately dry, and the rice was tough to chew, indicating it may not have been fresh. We also ordered chicken shawarma to go and were disappointed by the minimal amount of meat filling.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Casa Marikit Ristorante Italiano
Address: Banay-Banay, Mataas Na Kahoy (opposite Lipa Air Force driving range)
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00 AM-3:00 PM, 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
Parking: Ample slots
While the dishes are on the pricier side, we enjoyed most of our orders. My husband found his Bavette All Amatriciana good, but he felt it lacked flavor (it could be better). I, on the other hand, loved my dish. I ordered the Ravioli Al Salmone, which was delicious and creamy. The salmon was not briny at all, even with the caviar topping, and the cream paired perfectly with it. I also loved the Insalata Di Rucola, which featured gorgonzola cheese, toasted walnuts, fresh pear, and a generous amount of arugula. It was incredibly refreshing! Oh, and their Tiramisu is also a must-try!
The staff here was friendly as well! I accidentally bumped my hand on the table, and when I requested ice, they went above and beyond by creating a makeshift ice pack wrapped in cling wrap. Talk about going the extra mile!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Lucia's Cafe
Address: Leviste Highway, Lipa City
Hours: Mon-Sun 9:00 AM-10:00 PM
Parking: Ample slots
Lucia's Cafe has become our go-to restaurant. We always recommend it to family and friends because the food is affordable, and the ambiance is perfect for hosting intimate gatherings. I usually order their cheesy baked salmon, which is pleasantly mild in flavor and pairs well with mashed potatoes. My husband's recent order, the Bacon, Egg, and Waffles, was just average. The bacon was a bit tough to chew.
They also have pastries, and the sans rival we tried last time was a generous slice. Their black coffee is also served in a big mug.
The restaurant offers ample parking and spacious dining areas. Just a heads-up: be sure to apply mosquito repellent from late afternoon to nighttime (there can be a lot of them during these hours).
Rating: 4 out of 5
Antonino's Pizzeria
Address: 7 Bienvenido Peña Drive, Mataas na Lupa, Lipa City
Hours: Mon-Thu 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, Fri-Sun 10:00 AM-9:00 PM
Parking: Ample slots
The dishes here are flavorful, generous in serving, and beautifully presented. Their pizza is oven-baked, some of their vegetables come directly from their herb garden, and the food is always freshly prepared. My favorites are the Aglio Olio pasta and the pepperoni pizza.
They have outdoor seating, as well as an air-conditioned room that can accommodate about 30 people. My friends and I had our pre-Christmas lunch here last year, and they loved the ambiance.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Final Bites
Lipa truly offers a diverse and exciting food journey. Whether you're craving a traditional bowl of lomi, a unique local delicacy, or a taste of international cuisine, this city has something to satisfy every palate and budget. It's a place where old traditions meet new trends, creating a dynamic culinary landscape that's always evolving.
Where Should We Eat Next?
Have you tried any of these Lipa favorites, or do you have your own must-try spots in Batangas? Drop your recommendations and stories in the comments. I’d love to feature more hidden gems as this guide grows! Stay tuned for the next part of my Biyaheng Batangas foodie series.
Explore & Be Free!
Mai
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