Contributed by: Dessa Joi Peralta, Alliah Zsarnett Dela Cruz, Madison Roe C. Rabuco, Aiyra Marzan
Most of the time, a place that delivers smoked perfection, homely flavors, and enticing aftertaste is no easy feat. You’ve probably worked through a long list of restaurants, each promising a perfect meal, only to find yourself with little satisfaction.
No worries, because Highland Smokehouse might be what you’re craving.
Do you want your meat tender? How about perfectly smoked, rich flavors that will leave your mouth watering—wanting for more? Then, keep reading how this rare find merges smoky goodness with a nostalgic feeling of home.
Ambiance and Atmosphere
Stepping inside Highland Smokehouse feels like walking inside a distinct Baguio house. A whiff of burnt incense and wood, with a subtle smoke of meat, envelops the place. The warm lighting enhances the atmosphere, creating a soft glow welcoming those who come.
Corners of the space display vinyl records, film cameras, and vintage furniture. Also, the walls are decorated with artwork made by staff and acquaintances. These give a creative touch on the old—an intimate, laid-back, and cozy experience.
The restaurant is an ideal escape to slow down from the congested city, gather thoughts, or seek inspiration with a good meal in silence.
How Did Highland Smokehouse Came To Be?
When you thought the place looked good already, wait ‘til you get to the heart and core of Highland Smokehouse: the owner and its staff!
It all began when Arjyen Datuin, an international studies graduate passionate about food, traveled to the United States. He adored Texas-style smoked beef, thus, turning a dream into a reality amidst the pandemic.
With harsh travel restrictions and a lot of time on his hands, Arjyen experimented with smoking meat and coming up with recipes at home. Little did he know then that what was starting as a mere interest would propel him further into the food industry. Eventually, he gained customers and hired people to help with home deliveries. The business was supposed to end in December of that year. But with his staff’s encouragement to keep going, the rest was history after that. “And here we are,” he said with a breath of finality, sitting before us at one of the tables in his physical restaurant along Naguilian Road.
Appetizers, Main Course, Sides, and Dessert
Wanting to taste what Highland Smokehouse offers, we tried out their featured favorites to the test!
Crack and Crunch Savory Birya Tacos and Onion Rings
Looking for a savory snack or an appetizer before the meal? Then, set your sights on tacos and onion rings — a snack and appetizer in one platter.
Diving into the crispy tacos filled with smoked meat, its tenderness and juicy meat flavor will hit you first. But when paired with their zesty dip, it will balance out the savoriness nestling within the crispy vessel.
Biting into the perfectly golden, crispy white onion rings sprinkled with paprika powder gives a sweet, savory, and peppery taste. It is paired with a dip of garlicky aioli sauce with a subtle tang, enhancing the natural flavor of the onion rings. The result is an unforgettable combination of texture and taste in every bite, which lingers long after the last.
Classic Platter: A Full-Course Carb
Filling in five empty tummies best matches Highland Smokehouse’s savory smoked beef and blowtorched salmon served with soft, buttery mashed potatoes, creamy mac and cheese, and elote — a Mexican-style street corn.
This platter is meant to be shared with others, and more often than not, customers still seek classic rice to accompany them. But as for us, it felt plenty enough to gulp and go, especially with the array of protein freshly cooked and torched before our very eyes.
Highland Salad is Familiarity in a Bowl
Reminiscent of a Filipino ensalada, this salad balances tropical and local tastes. The sayote, often overlooked, makes the taste neutral by absorbing the flaky tinapa’s richness and the salted egg‘s briny flavor. Adding brightness to this savory base are tomatoes and onions, bringing tanginess—with mangoes lifting the contrasts. Drizzle it with vinaigrette, and it becomes a good pair with meat or even as a light, standalone meal on a sunny day.
Apple Cobbler: Dessert Designed Divine
With the most decadent treat served in a white ceramic ramekin bowl, their apple cobbler’s three layers are always made from scratch. Its bottom layer consists of caramelized apples that are sweet and slightly soft to complement the middle layer, which consists of moist bread crumbs. It soaks up the flavor of the caramel beneath and raises its flavor to match the vanilla ice cream at the top.
As I dug through each layer, the combination of the flavors and textures was complimentary, so pairing them with their beers and tacos felt right!
How Smoking Beer is Better Than Ever
And speaking of beers, I drank two shots of two types of beers for the first time: one was light and sweetly subtle in taste. The other was darker in color and quite like a “lady’s drink” with a bolder, fruity taste. Both are great for a chill evening after work. Oh, and they’re locally made, too!
As adrenaline rushed, I tried their other option — a smokey bourbon whiskey lightly washed with the fat from the smoked beef brisket. It was stronger than the beers, with a tingling sensation hitting the lips down to the throat. It wasn’t oily as the fat was carefully drained to the last drop, ensuring that its drinker would still get the smoothness of the drink at each sip. On the other hand, you wouldn’t realize the smokiness until it clings to and lingers at the back of the throat. It didn’t only accessorize the warmth of the aftertaste but also left you feeling very much invigorated.
Highland Smokehouse Promotions and Exclusives
Surprisingly, Highland Smokehouse has an array of events held day and night. Starting with their open mics and collaboration with local artists, they turn the casual hangout into a venue to support creativity and expression. Other times, it becomes a dance floor, a gathering for art workshops, and even a place for speed dating!
Beyond the entertainment, the smokehouse has promotions that add more reasons to stop by. Their ‘Taco Tuesday’ is something to remember as customers can enjoy unlimited tacos for just 449 pesos. Adding an extra bite, diners can receive free pork or beef taco for every PHP 500 spent. They also offer catering services for groups of 30 or more, tailoring the menu to fit the occasion and budget.
Highland Smokehouse is more than just a place to grab a bite. It’s an experience that combines mouthwatering food with original recipes made from locally sourced ingredients. All are served in a cozy ambiance, perfect for unwinding or gathering with family and friends. It’s a go-to spot for anyone craving something unique and flavorful, with every dish crafted to leave you coming back for more. Whether you’re there to enjoy a satisfying meal, sip on craft beers, or soak in their art events, Highland Smokehouse offers a memorable experience.
Don’t miss out on the flavorful experience in Baguio, and visit Highland Smokehouse!
The post Highland Smokehouse: The Smoky Art of Sampaloc Wood Cooking appeared first on Pilipinas Popcorn.