Bag of Beans: Breakfast in Tagaytay City

While I don't usually eat breakfast, I find pleasure in waking up early and basking in the morning sun. And with the bonus of having your friends around for the first meal of the day, the whole experience becomes even better. This is exactly how I felt when my friends from The Foodies Circle and I got together to have breakfast in Bag of Beans.
Bag of Beans Entrance

It was my first time at Bag of Beans, and apparently, they now have two restaurants in the same area. The smaller one is located near the rotunda, while the main branch which we visited for breakfast is further down the Emilio Aguinaldo Highway. Now, while I haven't been in Bag of Beans prior to this trip, I've learned that their main restaurant has been expanded. There's plenty space for parking too so that's a really big plus for me.

Bag of Beans Dining Table Bag of Beans Dining Room

After entering the gate, we walked on cobblestone floors and into the main dining area. This covered dining room is where guests can also enjoy Bag of Beans' brunch buffet during weekends for P495 nett. And while we wanted to try out their buffet, we visited too early in the morning and on a weekday, so we had to dine a la carte instead. We headed to their al fresco dining area, then settled in one of their cabanas.

Bag of Beans Al Fresco
Bag of Beans Fountain Bag of Beans Outdoor
Outdoor Banquet Bag of Beans

I think staying in the cabanas cost P1,000 consumable. But since there were eight of us, it wasn't a problem. We just know we can consume even more! I wouldn't trade our table for the covered dining room anyway. There were just a lot of interesting things to enjoy in the al fresco area. There were rustic pots, lamps and other accent pieces, along with plants and different kinds of birds in big cages. It was peaceful, relaxing and energizing.

Our Beverages

Now, Bag of Beans wouldn't probably be named as such if not for their promise of great coffee. So to put it to the test, almost each one of us ordered hot coffee. Nah! I think it was just coincidence that many in our group were craving for a hot cup of caffeine.

Cafe Latte P110
Cafe Mocha P110 Cappuccino P110 Caramel Cappucino P110

I'm honestly not sure anymore which is which. Heck, I don't even remember which of these cups was mine! I just know we had a Cafe Latte (P110), a Cafe Mocha (P110), a Cappuccino (P110), and a Caramel Cappucino (P110) if my memory serves me right. And from what I can recall, the coffee I got was good and very aromatic. I liked its creaminess and overall flavor. I'm not a coffee aficionado though, so take my word with a grain of salt. I think my friends were also pleased with their cups, so I guess that's good.

Hot Chocolate P115 Freshly Brewed Coffee P105

The beau on the other hand, who's both a big chocolate and a big coffee lover can't decide which to order so he ended up getting both the Hot Chocolate (P115) made from tablea and Freshly Brewed Coffee (P105). He found both good enough for his palate. Although this might be trivial, I really liked their signature mugs. It was so rustic, cozy-looking and matched the whole ambiance of Bag of Beans.

Our Breakfast Dishes

While almost everyone in our group ordered a drink, it wasn't enough to satiate our hunger and cover for the P1,000 consumable fee. So of course, we ordered some food items to serve as our energizing morning meal.

Sunrise Breakfast P295

My pick for the day was their Sunrise Breakfast (P295) which had a cheese omelette, buttermilk pancakes,sausages and slices of orange. This plate may not look like much, but it was really filling. My favorite item on it was the creamy, slightly fluffy and flavor-packed cheese omelette. The buttermilk pancakes were good too, while the sausages were very smoky, perfect to whet the palate when it becomes tired of the pancakes.

Breakfast Sampler P380

Berylle and D on the other hand, shared this platter of Breakfast Sampler (P380) which had almost every breakfast staple -- eggs, bacon strips, pork sausage links, ham, hash browns, buttermilk pancakes and slices of orange. They seemed to like their big breakfast plate, but I don't think I would trade my cheese omelette for any of their items.

Porter House Steak with Steamed Vegetables and Garlic Rice P495

The beau spotted grilled items on the menu so he had the Porter House Steak (P495) served with steamed vegetables and a choice of mashed potatoes, fries, salad or garlic rice. Apparently, the beau opted for the latter to make it more breakfast-fitting. I got a small bite out of his plate and I got to say this serving was good, despite my skepticism. The meat was smoky, savory, moist and very tender, even after being cooked through.

Puttanesca P275

I also got to take a small bite off Kurt's Puttanesca (P275) and it was quite good. Personally, puttanesca is one of my favorite pastas and Bag of Beans' version didn't disappoint. It was tangy and a bit salty, with spaghetti pasta cooked al dente. I guess my palate though would prefer a little spiciness to the dish and it would be near perfect.

Shepherd's Pie P125 Single P520 Family

Stacy and her sister on the other hand, each ordered for a serving of Bag of Beans' signature Shepherd's Pie (Single P125; Family P520). They were kind enough to share some to me, and I really dig this simple yet comforting dish. The meat mixture itself was creamy yet savory, while the mashed potato crust was just perfect. I haven't had shepherd's pie prior to this, but I think it has already made my top list of comfort foods.

Steak and Mushroom Pie Steak and Mushroom Pie P130 Single P520 Family

Stacy's sister and her beau shared this Steak and Mushroom Pie (Single P130; Family P520), and they were generous enough to have let me sampled their serving. While I still prefer the Shepherd's Pie, this plate puts up a tough competition. The crust was creamy and slightly crunchy, perfectly enveloping the hot, savory goodness of the beef and mushroom. This is definitely another pie one shouldn't miss at Bag of Beans.

The Smaller Bag of Beans Branch

We truly had a great time at the main Bag of Beans cafe & restaurant. But we thought, since we're already in Tagaytay, why not visit the smaller branch near the rotunda?

Small Bag of Beans Entrance Small Bag of Beans Signage
Bag of Beans Items

Parking space here is smaller than the main branch, but the place still looks cozy. I guess you can say that this one is more of a coffee shop and merienda house than a restaurant. They also have a shelf full of breads and pastries, coffee beans, tablea and even their signature mugs. I bought 2 of their cute small-size mugs and a tablea bar.

View of Taal Lake

At first, I didn't quite understand why Bag of Beans would put up a smaller branch in almost the same area in Tagaytay. They've already expanded their main restaurant anyway, so I can't see the need. But after sitting by the porch-side tables, I understood.

Small Bag of Beans Tables with View Small Bag of Beans Dining Area

Although it's another Bag of Beans, the ambiance in this branch is very different from the main cafe. The bigger one feels more rustic and seems to be a good place for family and friends to gather and feast. This small branch on the other hand, is more intimate and homey, perfect for a coffee date or when you want to chill and unwind by yourself.

THE VERDICT

While I'm not the type to drive all the way to Tagaytay (from the north) just for a cup of coffee, I can definitely say I'm more than pleased with our breakfast session at Bag of Beans. Everything we had that day, from the food to the drinks, were good and comforting. Service and of course, ambiance were also integral factors that made our trip a success. And if you ask me to choose between the two branches, then I can't really give you an answer. I like both of them (the main for bigger groups and the smaller branch for intimacy) and will definitely visit them again when I find myself in the area.

Taste - 4/5
Ambiance - 4.5/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 4/5
Overall Value - 4/5


Bag of Beans, Tagaytay
115 Aguinaldo Highway, Mendez Crossing West
Tagaytay City, Cavite
Philippines
(046) 413-2724
Facebook Page

60 comments:

  1. The Breakfast Sampler is a whole lot of lovin' plus the coffees are really beautiful. =)

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    1. Agreed! :) Btw, happy new year Jerome!

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    2. Thanks Sumi! Happy New Year and advanced Happy Birthday! lol! =)

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  2. I am salivating here hahaha, the ambiance is a winner for me. Looking at the bamboos makes me feel relaxed!

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    1. True, we felt calm and peaceful nga when we were in Bag of Beans :) You should visit it when you have a Tagaytay trip!

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  3. I miss Bag of Beans! Went there more than a year ago for dinner. I want to visit it during daytime next time. :)


    http://www.dekaphobe.com/

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    1. You should definitely visit it during daytime! I don't mind not being able to see BoB in the evening, but it's beauty in the morning is a must-see :)

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  4. I'm a breakfast-morning-kind of girl and this is perfect for me! I miss tagaytay :/ I haven't eaten in this restaurant but thanks for sharing, i'll put this in my to-go list :) happy new year sis!

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  5. those pancakes looks so heavenly! i always eat breakfast! it good for you! the coffee sure is beautiful and looks yummy! xx

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  6. Now that we're back to our busy lives, your post made me wish and hope we can go back and chill out with great food and drinks at bag of beans again. =/

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    1. Aww.. Don't worry, we can go back to Bag of Beans naman ulit! ;) Let's stay naman at the smaller branch next time ^^

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  7. I always hear Bag of Beans and I haven't been there. Now that I saw this I might visit soon :)

    The photos are great :)

    Happy New Year Sumi!!

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  8. I've never been to Bag of Beans but now you have convinced me to go visit it!Everything looks sooo good! I wanna go there for their buffet! Need to find someone to drive me to the area hahahaha :D I missed you and your posts, Sumi!!! Happy new year! :D

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  9. Just looking at the pictures makes my mouth water. The relaxing ambiance is definitely an added bonus.

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  10. The last time I went to Bag of Beans was when I was still very much together with my ex bf :). I'd love to go back there, this time with a new guy in tow :)

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  11. Wow, what a beautiful view and I love your hearty breakfast! What a gorgeous place this is and is definitely worth-visiting!

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  12. I love shepherd's pie but what I miss the most is the longanisa!

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  13. that's a cozy place and relaxing. I can meditate in that place for sure. By the way, those food looks good :D never been to tagaytay yet

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  14. Wow, a nice getaway place with sumptuous breakfast meal. What a lovely day to start with.

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  15. pretty cool place! the ambiance looks amazing...very close to the nature...yummy foods!

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  16. This is nice. Perfect becuase my friends will be taking a quick trip this weekend before school starts.

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  17. Great blog entry! I am a coffee lover. I really appreciate this Bag of Beans review/experience. What a way to enjoy your Tagaytay trip. :)

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  18. The pictures are awesome. I've read about Bag of Beans from another blog and the review was favorable as well. I love breakfast food. And for me the ultimate measure of a great breakfast experience is having bacon and hashbrowns for your meal.

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  19. I love love love Bag of Beans! I love everything about their main branch, the food, the ambience -- specially the Pumpkin Soup and the Blueberry Cheesecake

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  20. Oh my those dishes! We had dinner in Bag of Beans last year but it looks like it's better to visit it in the morning. The breakfast sampler is something I think I would like to try, perhaps something to share with my little girl. I wanted to try their Shepherd's Pie when we visited there but they were out of stock.

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  21. Such a nice, peaceful and relaxing place to eat! Never been there but looking at the pictures makes me wanna visit it! :D

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  22. Shepherd pie is to die for!! Great pictures ;-)

    http://carmiscaprice.blogspot.com/

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  23. Looks like a nice place to visit!! The food looks divine!

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  24. You made me crave! I can eat brekky food anytime of the day!

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  25. I wanna try Cafe mocha and their Porter house steak it is so yummy at the pics and my eyes are drooling over,!

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  26. Thank you for sharing about this place. At least I know some great places to go whenever we make it back to Pinas someday. I am loving the whole ambience and the looks of the place. So relaxing it seems. The food looks absolutely delicious and great presentation. It definitely makes me hungry. I don't eat during breakfast as much as well. I usually do brunch and I usually would have just water or even a cup of hot capuccino, then eat later on.

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  27. What a wonderful place that is! The ambiance is really a plus in that restaurant. Worth checking out for. Thanks for sharing!

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  28. the place and the dishes really looks comforting! I'd love to try their breakfast sampler coupled with a cup of hot chocolate when we visit Tagaytay :)

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  29. i love the look of the coffes...yung tiong ayaw mong inumin kasi masisira ang design :P

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  30. Cheesecake from Bag of Beans are to die for! :)

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  31. Whenever I'm in the area, Ialways buy their coffee beans

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  32. I think a trip to tagaytay wouldnt be complete without dropping by at Bag of Beans. Im planning to go here with my bestfriend soon. I know shell love it. Cheers to us, love! :)

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  33. I thought I am the only person who hasn't eaten in bag of beans!! But since you've tried it already, then now I'M THE ONLY ONE! I've heard a lot about this. But everytimewe go to tagaytay it would be for and event. I'd like to trythe brunch buffet. Will definitely find time for this!

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  34. Thanks for the blog post about Bag of Beans. Miss the place although not happy with their security. Gonna try their new shop and looks a perfect date place. :-)

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  35. the breakfast sampler and porterhouse steak look absolutely scrumptious! yum! grabe lang sa food porn :)

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  36. hot choco and a pinoy breakfast at tagaytay. its a paradise :D

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  37. Wow! I love coffee and coffee art! I hope I can visit this place along with dear friends as well. I miss them so much :(

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  38. it's been a long while since we've been here, makabalik nga! masarap ang breakfast nila! :)

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  39. I love having breakfast in Tagaytay. The weather is especially wonderful in the mornings (sometimes misty or foggy--lamig!). I haven't tried having breakfast in Bag of Beans so thanks for the tip. I think I want to try out the brunch.

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  40. Never had a chance to visit this place when we were in Tagaytay. Been hearing a lot of good reviews about it. Hopefully next time we will. :)

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  41. It was my first time to visit Bag of Beans last Sunday (my birthday! :D), and this post of yours actually inspired me to really try out the place. We were thinking of ordering ala carte stuff since I wanted to try their bestsellers, but the breakfast buffet was still ongoing when we got there, and it was just sooo hard to resist. So we stuffed ourselves full with a suuuuper yummy breakfast, and Bag of Beans really is the perfect place for it! There was a light drizzle that morning, but it thankfully stopped when we got there, so even though it was already 9am (which is normally hot and humid na on a March morning), we had really cool and breezy weather with a splash of sunshine.

    I am in love with their hot chocolate and breads! <3

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  42. The sunrise breakfast may be worth it ♥ Will be revisitng Tagaytay soon after finals, this post made me want to go back even more! :D

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  43. I enjoyed reading this blog. I hope to visit Bag of Beans when I visit Tagaytay again.

    Ma. Cecilia de la Costa
    maricedelacosta@yahoo.com

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  44. Really had an awesome experience at Bag of Beans, one of the few times I get to enjoy breakfast. Too bad I didn't get to try their cheesecakes. Hope to be back soon.

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  45. ang sarap kumain dto :) ang ganda ng place :)

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  46. wow, thanks for your post. next time i would have the opportunity to go to tagaytay again, i would definitely have my breakfast at bag of beans. nice place and the food looks very good too.

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  47. Wow! where is this in tagatay i like to eat to their resto and try their
    Porter House Steak!

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  48. Gonna love coffee more,and the place looks calm and we can relax

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  49. You can never go wrong with the Breakfast Sampler plus you enjoy Tagaytay :D

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  50. Nothing beats bag of beans Breakfast! I miss tagaytay ;-(

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  51. I've been looking for a post about Bag of Beans since I got confused between the two branches and luckily I came across your article. I've read numerous entries but you were the only one who enlightened me. You just killed it! Very organized write ups and informative. Keep it coming! Well done!

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  52. I havent try pa mag breakfast in Tagaytay,for sure would be so wonderful if me and hubby will come over here in cafe' this Valentines day ;)

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  53. How I wish I could go to Tagaytay and visit this nice place! :)

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  54. I thank you for the information and articles you provided

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