The Best Homemade Vietnamese Food

Bawai’s (Vietnamese for grandmother) is a homey restaurant in Tagaytay. It’s the home of Ver & Yong Tatlonghari. Yong, a Vietnamese, settled in the Philippines after marrying her Filipino husband. A great cook, her home was always open to her family who wanted to share her Vietnamese dishes. According to one of the restaurant’s staff, when strangers started showing up at their doorstep, the couple took that as a sign to open a portion of their home as a restaurant. Bawai’s serves authentic homemade Vietnamese food.

Weekends are the perfect time to go on road trips and for some gastronomical adventures. Tom and I booked a reservation last month in one of Tagaytay’s gems:

Bawai’s

Driving to Bawai’s:

Coming from the highway from Sta. Rosa, turn right at the National Highway (Tagaytay Ridge), driving towards the Tagaytay Rotonda. Turn right at Lagusan Drive. The landmark of this turn off is the signage for the Dominican House of Prayer. Continue driving along Lagusan Drive, passing SHIM International School and Doña Leoncia Country Homes. Turn right at Brgy. Bukal (Purok 5). The Tatlonghari residence will be at your left.

Tom and I used Waze to get to Bawai’s and it was a breeze.

Limited parking is available in the restaurant

Welcome to Bawai’s!

Ver & Yong Tatlonghari

Bawai’s was pretty full when Tom and I went. The ambiance was definitely homey and relaxed. We love the cool Tagaytay breeze that goes through the restaurant. There were a lot of couples and families who reserved tables. It was lovely.

Plato-platuhan

Welcome tea

If there’s one dish of Bawai’s that I highly recommend, it’s the Goi Cuon or Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls – fresh noodles, shrimp, pork and veggies wrapped tightly in Vietnamese rice paper, served with special sauce (3pcs., cut into halves per order).

Tom and I pre-ordered two orders and we wish we ordered 2-3 more to bring home.

Best Goi Cuon or Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls ever! I believe the secret is in the fresh greens and the way the lumpia is rolled tightly. It just pops in your mouth!

My new favorite salad

Bawai’s House Salad fresh coconut sprouts with herbs, glazed pork and steamed shrimps

Cha Gio crispy fried rolls filled with minced buttered chicken, pork, herbs and vegetables

This soup is good for sharing

Pho Bo traditional beef noodle soup with slim cuts of tenderloin and beef shank infused with herbs and spices, subtle and clean-tasting but served with hoisin and chilli to taste

Order rice with this chicken dish. The meat was tender and the sauce was yummy!

Ga Quinhon Bawai’s House special, hickory smoked chicken with onion flakes

Must-try dessert

Banh Da Lon pandan and yellow mung bean cake with coconut paste and sesame seeds

Go to Bawai’s with your loved ones. I find the place romantic and old-fashioned. Super love it!

Tip: After Bawai’s drive to Chateau Hestia Garden Restaurant & Deli for coffee and more desserts. It’s just a few houses down the the road. Also, be sure to buy some Loumar’s Buko Tart and Pie.

Important: Bawai’s in Tagaytay is strictly by appointment only so be sure to book a day in advance. Also, you will have to pre-order your dishes (take out as well, if ever) as Bawai herself cooks it with the help of her staff. You can download the menu from their Facebook page.

Book your appointments:
Address: Brgy. Bukal, Silang, Cavite, Philippines
Telephone Number: +63.927.697.0445, +63.915.403.5155
Email: info@bawaisgroup.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/bawais

Happy weekend!