Feasting at Balay Indang
Breakfast the next morning had a decidedly Filipino theme. Chicken adobo, tortang talong (eggplant omelet) and crisp fried fish were served with garlic fried rice and tomato and salted eggs salad. Too ordinary? Ordinary is unheard of in Balay Indang. The fried fish was not the usual daing nor the paper thin sun-dried danggit or tuyo. It was something in-between – butterflied biya fried to a perfect golden crispness that even the heads were perfectly edible. The salted eggs and tomato were tossed with snipped cilantro that gave the salad a piquant aroma and flavor.
We skipped the mid-morning snack so as not to ruin our appetite for lunch. Between breakfast and lunch, my 16-year-old daughter, Sam, and I did what we like to do best in Balay Indang (next to eating the wonderful food, of course) – take photos. Then, it was lunch — salad, pasta, baked fish with Parmesan, fried lumpiang ubod served with a delicious sweetened vinegar that defies description, embotido, chicken smothered in gravy and, for dessert, ice cream. We were so full we didn’t even ask for coffee anymore.
Did we overeat during our Balay Indang weekend? Probably. In a place like that and with that kind of food, it’s hard not to. And what’s really great about the food in Balay Indang is the lack of pretense. There is no attempt to prettify the food to make it appear more delicious than it is. The food presentation is always thoughtful but one has to eat the food to really experience it. Balay Indang’s manager, Marge Tan Natalis explained the food philosophy in one sentence, “We don’t serve food that I wouldn’t eat.” She comes up with the recipes and the kitchen staff executes them. The result is both creative and inventive – an indefinable mix of comfort food and casual élan that has become the benchmark of Balay Indang. My friend and fellow lawyer Sam Sabalones-Celiz who first recommended the place to me describes the food as “to die for” and I wholeheartedly agree.
Balay Indang is located in Indang, Cavite, a short drive from Tagaytay City. From Aguinaldo Highway, turn right to Mendez Road and go straight until you hit the end of the road. Turn right and 3 km. farther, you will see a wooden gate with the number 88 painted on the wall. You may inquire and make reservations at 09178374261.
Updated on May 31, 2009 at 11.00 p.m.
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Connie, those shots made my mouth water. Can you post the rates at Balay Indang and the type of accomodations they offer?
Thanks.
Ms. Connie, how much po and accomodations? inclusive na po ba ang food sa price?? another nice place around the tagaytay area. More power to you Ms Connie
What a wonderful place! I remember the garden,makopa tree,Buddha,unique flowers,etc
from the previous posts.
I love your photo of your family enjoying the dessert.It seems like everyone is having fun.
Also,it captured the reflection of light
from the fondue.
What kind of camera did you use? Great shot.
The dinner pics (including the fondue pic) were taken with the Canon G10; the rest with the EOS 40D but with different lenses.
wow, sound and looks like a really nice place! can you just pop in for lunch? or do you have to book and stay in?
Alma and Gigi, package include the room, 3 meals and 2 snacks — all you can eat. Standard rate is P1500/px although this changes especially for groups. They can customize packages to better suit your budget. They prefer that guests make reservations. Day trips turn out to be more expensive than overnight packages.
Hi Connie! We’ve been there last February 2009 with my family to celebrate the Valentine’s Day! It was such a nice experience. The place is so quiet, a haven for relaxation.
I went back in March with my officemates naman and they enjoyed our stay there, too. Sarap ng mga food, eat all you can talaga! We paid P2000/pax, inclusive of overnight accommodation, 3 full meals, and 2 snacks. If you want an aircon room, they will charge you additional 1000 per room.
Ms. Connie?flustered? The food must have been that good.
Ayyyyy, very. One of the few places where my kids don’t miss my cooking. LOL
dear connie,
i log on to your websites just to keep abreast of what’s going on in the old country.
you make me want to go home again, go to all these places that you write about and eat all the food that you photograph.
i’m glad you’re “everywhere”.your love of life is infectious.