I visited Hidden Garden Restaurant back in 2014 during a tour of Ilocos with my office mates. Now, I’m delighted to return to this restaurant as part of another Ilocos tour, this time with an invitation from the DOT Region 1 Office.
We traveled for about an hour from Paoay, Ilocos Norte, to Hidden Garden, located in Vigan. While we were in Paoay, we enjoyed a sumptuous brunch of Pinakbet Pizza at Kusina Valentin. By the time we arrived at Hidden Garden after our hour-long bus ride, it was time for lunch. Yes, we’re going to eat again. Haha
The DOT Region 1 office really made sure we were well-fed and satisfied with Ilocano cuisine.
Upon arriving at Hidden Garden Restaurant, I noticed some differences from my previous visit years ago, which was expected after such a long time. There may have been renovations and changes in the restaurant’s layout. However, one thing remained consistent – the abundance of plants and local ornaments, creating a charming ambiance.
Hidden Garden Experience
The restaurant is popular for its authentic Ilocano dishes, and during our visit, we were treated to a variety of delicious Filipino cuisine, including Adobo, Squid, Pinakbet, Sinigang, and various vegetable dishes.
What added to the experience was the personal touch of having the owner present, serving us food at the buffet, and engaging in conversation to ensure our satisfaction. It was a warm gesture that contributed to the overall hospitality of our visit.
Despite having brunch just over an hour earlier, I found myself enjoying the food. The flavors were irresistible, especially the pork Adobo and the Pinakbet, along with the other vegetable dishes.
I couldn’t help but notice the exceptional taste of the vegetables in Ilocos. Our guide, Ms. Arlene, explained that Ilocanos have a gift for cooking vegetables, evident in the delectable flavors and the fresh, crisp quality of the produce.
After lunch, we took the opportunity for some photo ops with the owner of Hidden Garden and the DOT Region 1 staff. It was also a chance for us to further explore the property, which boasts not only the restaurant but also numerous attractions.
For those with a green thumb, Hidden Garden is a paradise of plants, ornaments, and decorations, including a bamboo grove. One particularly eye-catching feature is the large smoking cauldron in the corner, providing a picturesque backdrop against the natural scenery for memorable photos.
With a diverse range of plants, including herbs, bonsais, ornamentals, and flowers, Hidden Garden is a haven for nature and plant lovers alike.
If you’re planning a trip to Vigan, make sure to include lunch at Hidden Garden in your itinerary. Not only will you savor authentic Ilocano dishes, but you’ll also soak in the relaxed ambiance of this delightful venue.
How to get to Hidden Garden Vigan
If you’re traveling by land
- Catch a bus heading to Vigan City.
- Once you arrive in Vigan, you can hire a tricycle or a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) to take you to Hidden Garden.
If you’re coming from Baguio City
- Take a bus bound for Vigan City.
- Upon reaching Vigan, you can hire a tricycle or kalesa to get to Hidden Garden.
If you prefer flying
- Fly to Laoag International Airport.
- From there, hop on a bus to Vigan City.
- Once in Vigan, you can hire a tricycle or kalesa to reach Hidden Garden.
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