Mid-Afternoon Comfort in Baguio... Handmade Bola-Bola Siopao + Black Milk Tea Break

Wandering around Baguio City always does something to my appetite. Maybe it’s the cool air, maybe it’s the “walk-a-lot” kind of day, or maybe it’s just the city’s vibe that makes you want to pause and snack. What I really love about Baguio is the mix of culture, especially in food. In one stretch, you can spot western-style restaurants, Korean spots, and a surprising number of Chinese-style places. It’s honestly amazing how much cuisine the locals have embraced.

And yes, I noticed there are plenty of Chinese restaurants here. It made me think about how Chinese immigrants who came to the Philippines centuries ago really left an impact, not just in community and trade, but also in the everyday flavors people enjoy. Food is one of the most obvious ways culture stays alive, and in Baguio, you can feel it in the options around you.

During my city walk, I stumbled upon Ling Nam, and their signage was so striking that it instantly caught my attention. You know those moments where your eyes just lock onto a place and your brain says, “Okay, we’re going there”? That was me. The only problem: I already ate lunch. So instead of going all-in on a full meal, I decided to treat it as a mid-afternoon break, something light but satisfying enough to keep me energized.

I ordered the Bola-Bola Siopao, and right away, the shape made me smile. The siopao wasn’t perfectly round or “factory pretty,” and to me, that irregular look is actually a good sign. It feels handmade, like someone really shaped it with their hands instead of pulling it out of a frozen pack. And when you’re craving something comforting, that handmade touch matters.

The bun itself was soft and pillowy, the kind that tears easily and feels fluffy as you chew. Then comes the best part: the filling. The bola-bola center was meaty and satisfying, and it felt like the kind of snack that doesn’t just “hold you over”, it actually feeds you. I also have to mention the sauce moment (because yes, that’s important!). Once you add that sweet-savory siopao sauce, it takes everything up a notch. You get that richer flavor that makes every bite more exciting, and suddenly you’re already halfway through before you even realize it.

Now let’s talk about value because I’m always happy when the price matches the quality. This siopao was around PHP 99 (roughly SGD 2.00), and honestly? Super worth it. Affordable, handmade vibes, filling enough, and it gave me that little burst of happiness you need during a long day of walking.

After that warm, comforting snack, I wanted something refreshing, because balance, right? So I headed to Infinitea and ordered a large Black Milk Tea. I think Infinitea is one of those popular milk tea brands in the city, and I get why. The place felt like a proper resting spot: air-conditioned, cozy enough to sit down, and perfect for recharging.

The black milk tea was creamy and smooth, with that familiar tea flavor that’s not too aggressive but still present. And of course, the pearls at the bottom made it extra enjoyable, chewy, fun, and satisfying in that “keep sipping, keep chewing” kind of way. The large cup was around PHP 100 (again about SGD 2.00), which feels really fair for a drink that’s both a treat and a break in one.

Overall, this little mid-afternoon combo, handmade bola-bola siopao from Ling Nam plus a black milk tea from Infinitea, made my Baguio walk feel even better. Small snacks like this may look simple, but they can totally reset your mood and energy.

And yep… after this, I felt ready to keep exploring the city again. Bon appetit!

click here ⏩ City Life Explore TikTok Page 🎦