Oh My Gulay

About

Oh My Gulay (OMG) is one of Baguio's most distinctive places to eat — the city's pioneering vegetarian restaurant cum art space for emerging talents from the Cordilleras. It was conceived in 2004 by National Artist Kidlat Tahimik (the filmmaker Eric Oteyza de Guia) as a labor of love and a tribute to his late uncle, Victor Oteyza, one of the "Thirteen Moderns" who pioneered Philippine modern art. The cafe sits within VOCAS (Victor Oteyza Community Art Space), the fifth-floor gallery Kidlat established in his uncle's honor — and the order of things was art first: it began as VOCAS, and Oh My Gulay grew out of feeding the visitors who climbed the stairs. The vegetarian focus traces partly to his wife, German artist Katrin de Guia. You reach it by climbing to the 5th floor of the La Azotea Building on Session Road — there is no elevator. The draw is as much the space as the food: one big installation built around a koi pond and bridge, with a half-galleon "ship" you can dine on, a theater stage for concerts, and a permanent Victor Oteyza gallery, all in repurposed wood, bamboo and natural materials, opening to a stunning view over the busy city. It regularly hosts art exhibits and live performances by artists such as Joey Ayala. The kitchen leans on Baguio's fresh local vegetables, and the handwritten, pastel-colored menu is full of witty, Philippine-hero-themed dish names — best-sellers include the spicy Anak ng Putanesca, the Bonifacio's Waldofesto salad, the Tandang Sora eggplant Parmigiana, and rice and noodle bowls. It is fully vegetarian (not vegan by default — about half the dishes can be veganized on request). A few practical notes: it is a real climb to the top floor with no elevator, the menu is fairly limited (mostly pasta, noodles, rice and salads), dishes can sell out, service can be unhurried, and it is cash only; it is closed on Mondays for dine-in and the hours can vary, so it is worth confirming before going. For its ambiance, view, and a meat-free meal with a genuine cause behind it, it is widely considered a must-visit.

Amenities

• Pioneering vegetarian restaurant in Baguio (est. 2004)
• Part of VOCAS (Victor Oteyza Community Art Space) — proceeds support emerging Cordillera artists
• Created by National Artist (Film) Kidlat Tahimik, honoring his uncle, modernist Victor Oteyza
• One-of-a-kind installation decor: half-galleon ship, koi pond and bridge, mezzanine dining
• Permanent Victor Oteyza gallery
• Panoramic top-floor view over Session Road
• Hosts art exhibits, poetry readings and live music (e.g., Joey Ayala)
• Quirky handwritten menu (Filipino-hero-themed dish names)
• Fresh local Cordillera vegetables; dishes veganizable on request
• Delivery via foodpanda
• 5th / top floor — no elevator (a real climb)
• Cash only
• Closed Mondays (dine-in)

Details

Where

Landmark: 5th / top floor of the La Azotea Building, Session Road — no elevator (a climb)

Photos