During our November, 2024 vacation to the Philippines, we took a one-day trip to Tagaytay on…read moreWednesday, the 20th, and had dinner at Dahon at Mesa.
Nestled in the heart of Tagaytay, Dahon at Mesa offers stunning views of the scenic highlands overlooking Taal Lake and Volcano. The venue also features outdoor seating as well as spacious kubos (huts made of natural materials like bamboo and nipa palm leaves) within the lush surroundings, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
I was stoked that we scored a kubo - the unique setting was not only very cool, but also extremely comfortable.
In addition to a variety of BOODLE FIGHTS (Filipino communal feasts where food is spread on banana leaves and eaten with hands), Dahon at Mesa focuses on showcasing traditional Filipino flavours featuring hearty favourites like Caldereta, Dinuguan and Bicol Express. Their extensive menu, with moderate price level, offers authentic dishes with categories from BREAKFAST, SINIGANG, ROASTED CHICKEN, FRIED CHICKEN, GRILLED, FRIED, RICE, APPETIZER, VEGGIES, MERIENDA, PANCIT, ENSALADA, FRUIT SHAKES, JUICES, COLD DRINKS, HOT DRINKS to DESSERT, perfectly balancing affordability with quality dining.
Below are the delectable items that we ordered for dinner:
Sago't Gulaman (Pitcher for ₱320) - The refreshing drink with tapioca pearls and gelatin in a brown sugar syrup quenched our thirst, beat the heat and satisfied our taste buds.
Lumpiang Shanghai (₱580) - THE most generous sizes of lumpiang shanghai EVER! We super enjoyed them.
Sotanghon Guisado (₱620) - Perfectly cooked noodles mixed with a vibrant array of vegetables and tender pieces of meat, all seasoned to perfection.
Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw (₱420) - This dish of calabaza squash and string beans cooked in coconut milk was a delightful mix of creamy, fresh and bright flavours.
Tortang Talong (₱320) - The eggplant omelette was fluffy, simple deliciousness.
Bistek Tagalog (₱720) - This Filipino beef steak dish of thinly sliced beef marinated in soy sauce and calamansi juice, served with onions, was lean and bursting with flavour.
Sinigang na Pork Ribs (₱680) - This classic Filipino sour soup was a standout; the tamarind-based broth was remarkably tasty and the pork ribs were very tender.
The culinary delights we had, which we complemented with Steamed Rice (For 3-4 Pax ₱200), were scrumptiously unforgettable.
Service was friendly, but slow, especially when we were concluding our visit. We had to ring the kubo bell numerous times, AT LEAST THRICE, and even after that, it took quite a while for someone to arrive, so that we could request boxes for packing our leftovers and to receive the check.
Slow service aside, Dahon at Mesa still delivered a lasting impression for the delightful gastronomic experience complemented with the serene ambiance. This gem is a must for a Tagaytay travel itinerary...for those with patience.