Cathy's Fastfood - Baguio's best kept secret

Picking up where we left off, I'm featuring one more establishment you shouldn't miss when you go to Baguio. But, another "best kept secret"? How many bests can Baguio City have?

Lots. Baguio brims with gastronomic treasures but three of those are superior to the rest. I've posted one about long john earlier, and this entry is the second. I, however, may or may not write about the third. (Ooh suspense.)

Chinese cuisine-inspired eateries are a dime a dozen in Baguio and here in Manila, but there is only one Cathy's Fastfood where you can smoke (this might not be true now), drink Red Horse beer and feast on what could be the least costly but most filling rice meals in the city. Don't be fooled by the name. They cook as you order. And if you want serious bang for your buck, this restaurant, tucked in the side streets of Baguio, will not let you leave unsatisfied. Budget food is its specialty.

I never fail to order their fried rice (Php 60-75), which may come plain or with bits of beef, pork, chicken and egg, among others. I always get the fried rice with beef plus a sunny side up.

You know me, I love my eggs.

The bowl deceives. It looks a bit small but it packs a large serving of fried rice that can appease any empty stomach. The rice is flavorful and the pieces of beef are enough to serve as your main source of protein. Depends on my company, I would also order lumpiang shanghai or meatballs for added fun.

Another noteworthy from Cathy's menu is the chopsuey rice. The plate is huge and so is the serving. First-timers can be taken aback by the hefty portion.

Don't ever think twice about ordering chopsuey in Baguio. Although the vegetables are not homegrown, nearby towns bring the freshest vegetables into the city at the lowest prices. The residents know how to cook them best as well, so you are sure to get the crispiest and yummiest vegetables from the local restaurants.

Cathy's Fastfood is a downright casual place. It's only for those who seriously love to eat. Elitist connoisseurs will have to wait outside.

You should also know that you don't get your bill here. As been practiced in similar restaurants from decades past, you order from the servers, and approach and pay at the cashier, typically the owner, who is positioned before the door. All the bills are arranged according to table number. Either you point to your corresponding bill or your server yells your table number. Don't even think you can slip out the door without paying. They'll know.

Some restaurants in the depths of Manila still adhere to this practice.

Cathy's Fastfood is located along Diego Silang Street, which is parallel to Session Road. Best to walk from McDonald's down to Burnham Park. It's the first corner to your left. Make sure you read the signage because it is in the middle of a strip of food houses.