Everything About Balay Dako
Tagaytay is the well-known second summer capital of the Philippines, renowned for its cool temperature and perfect bird’s eye view of Taal Volcano and Lake. Apart from its picturesque, the city is also popular for offering various rich Filipino Asian cuisines. Hence, locals and tourists can never go hungry while exploring the beauty of Tagaytay.
Among the numerous food establishments, Balay Dako has made a name for itself over the years due to its unique set of foods and services.
However, what are Balay Dako’s famous attributes that made it stand out amongst others?
Overview of Balay Dako
Balay Dako is derived from the Negrense dialect, one of the many languages in Filipino that means Big House. It is inspired by the earlier times when large family homes were the heart of family compounds, where families and friends would gather to celebrate important life events. Hence, the restaurant lives up to its name, serving the best Filipino cuisine and offering nature-friendly and perfect venues for clients to commemorate their life’s greatest moments.
The dining establishment is situated in Tagaytay – Nasugbu Highway, Tagaytay 4120 Cavite, South Luzon, Philippines, only three minutes away fromTagaytay Rotonda. On weekdays, Balay Dako is open from 10 AM to 9 PM, while it is open from 7 AM to 9 PM during the weekends.
Menu Highlights
While Balay Dako Tagaytay is popular for its many dishes, some signature dishes have touched the hearts of various customers, making the restaurant a go-to place for those seeking quality food and service in Tagaytay Luzon.
Here are some of the popular dishes that are well-liked by many diners according to restaurant reviews:
Popular Main Dishes
- Kare-Kare Klasik
Kare-kare is a popular Filipino stew renowned for its savory peanut sauce filled with ox tail, tripe, and knuckles with eggplant, pechay (bok choy), and string beans. It is worth P1,060 and can fill up at least four to five persons in one meal.
- Bulalo na Baka
This beef stew is commonly served with 1 to 1.2 kilograms of beef shanks, clear broth, Chinese cabbage, string beans, and blackened onions. At a price of P1,600, five to six persons can already enjoy Tagaytay’s highlight dish, bulalo, with Balay Dako’s touch.
Top Picks for Vegetarian
- Kare-Kareng Gulay
With a price worth P495, this vegetarian-friendly diner offers Kare-Kareng Gulay, one of the most popular Asian vegetarian cuisines. It is a Filipino stew with peanut sauce with only the eggplant, the heart of banana tree, string beans, Chinese cabbage, shiitake mushroom, and silken tofu.
- Pinakbet
Pinakbet is an Ilocano vegetarian favorite worth P450. This stewed local dish is filled with various vegetables, including eggplant, tomatoes, okra, string beans, and bitter melon seasoned with fermented sauce shrimp.
Best Deserts for your Sweet Tooth
- Halo-Halo Klasiko
Halo-halo, meaning “mixed” in Tagalog, is a well-known Filipino dessert filled with shaved dessert, milk, and numerous ingredients, including:
- Red and white beans
- Ube Jam
- Kaong
- Nata de Coco
- Sweetened Banana
- Leche Flan (custard)
Its moniker reflects the blend of many flavors and is attainable for only P400.
- Bibingka
This native Filipino rice cake is traditionally made with galapong (rice flour), coconut milk, sugar, and margarine. Its prices vary depending on the two different flavors Balay Dako offers:
- The classic flavor topped with cheese is only P170.
- The special one with fresh buko and salted egg costs P220.
Unique Homey and Vintage Ambiance
Beyond its wide variety of Filipino delicacies, one thing that makes Balay Dako unique from other restaurants is its homelike vibes. The huge ancestral house décor enables guests to enjoy good food in a vintage atmosphere. It is perfect for those who seek great places to take photos and experience the allure of old Filipino houses.
Contributing to the restaurant’s charm, numerous positive reviews on Tripadvisor mention the good view of the Taal Volcano. This factor has made the eating experience in Balay Dako scenic, recreational, and Instagram-worthy.
Reservation and Booking Events
Finally, Balay Dako continues to become the most ideal among other restaurants in Tagaytay, as it allows guests to gather and celebrate significant life events, including birthdays, debuts, or any family gatherings. The restaurant provides three different rooms to cater to their client’s needs and preferences:
- Azela
Azela is an exclusive event dining venue that overlooks the garden and parking area. The room is located on the second floor, overlooking the front garden and parking area, and is big enough to occupy 20 to 40 guests. It is perfect for small gatherings with lush ferns, carved balusters, and wraparound windows, creating perfect homey Asian vibes.
- Silong
For individuals who seek a larger venue, Silong measures 300 square meters, includes a garden and can accommodate 90 to 150 guests. It is located on Balay Dako’s ground, offering matte celadon-painted walls, carved trusses, communal tables adorned with Balay Dako’s own classic Filipino style, and a clear view of Taal Lake.
- Terraza
Terraza is an event venue that can host at least 70 to 100 guests. It is located on the top floor with the perfect view of Taal Lake, featuring a fusion of Manhattan-inspired interior and a Filipino-Spanish colonial and contemporary design.
These are the available rooms for events that clients can make a booking to celebrate their significant events with their families and friends. However, Balay Dako does not entertain advance bookings for tables and parking, for they have a “first come, first serve” policy.
Relish Balay Dako’s Fine Dining with Staycation Tagaytay
Staycation Tagaytay is the perfect choice for those seeking a welcoming Tagaytay staycation near Taal and only 10 to 15 minutes away from Balay Dako. It is considered one of the best, as it offers accommodation alternatives that provide homelike amenities that clients can experience alone or share with their friends and families, including:
- Wi-Fi connection,
- Smart flatscreen TV,
- Refrigerator,
- Electric kettle,
- Induction cooker,
- Microwave oven,
- Shower heater,
- Books and magazines and card games that keep clients entertained, and
- A comfy queen-sized bed with fresh bed linens.
Staycation Tagaytay has four bedrooms situated in SMDC staycation in Tagaytay, which prices may vary depending on the floor and room’s number of occupancy:
- 10th floor is in Tower 4, facing Taal,
- 18th floor located in Tower 3, facing Taal,
- 21st floor is in Tower 4 and has a partial view of Taal, and
- 21st floor, which is in Tower 4, has a panoramic view.
To book your stay here and experience a homey vibe near Balay Dako, visit their official website or contact Staycation Tagaytay at their email address, staycationtagaytay@gmail.com, or fill out this contact form.
