DRAWING CROWDS AT THE BAGUIO NIGHT MARKET

June 22, 2025 Lifestyle

What started as an experiment is now a beloved attraction for tourists and locals alike. The night market was initially established to help relocate displaced vendors from the city market and busy streets, now has 400 stalls opening each night drawing thousands of visitors. Subido Lipa-od , from the City Treasury office said “Ang talagang origin ng night market those are yung mga vendors natin na displaced dito sa city market at sa main streets natin like Session and Harrison Road kasi ang idea don is to place in an area na pwede Sila mag lako.” The night market has been a tourist come-on, a revenue generating enterprise and livelihood provider for many local micro scale businesses since 2016.

Currently, it provides livelihood and employment to over 1,000 with the city earning approximately P1.5 million per month. While thrift clothing remains a staple, the growing interest in its food stalls has made Baguio’s night market a key stop for both residents and tourists seeking affordable and diverse dining options. The Night Market is divided into two major sections The Food Strip where vendors offer street food, from grilled skewers to takoyaki and trendy snacks and the Clothing Bazaar, offering everything from pre-loved clothes, jackets, caps, shoes, books, toys, and souvenirs at budget-friendly prices, both areas open at 9:00pm until 2:00 am.

Lucky J Shawarma at the food section of the Night Market attracts a steady crowd with its generous portions and affordable prices. Customers can choose from beef, chicken, or a combination, all served with flavorful sauces. The stall’s consistent quality and portion size make it a popular stop for both locals and tourists. This kind of feedback isn’t rare—food lovers are more than willing to wait for trending eats that live up to their online reputation. Leila’s Takoyaki is another popular stop at the Baguio Night Market, often drawing long lines of curious customers, selling up to 15 kilos of batter, or roughly 8,400 takoyaki balls, on busy nights and 8 to 9 kilos on regular evenings.

The influence of social media is evident throughout the market, with other stalls now offering trending items like ihaw na balut, tanghulu (candied fruits), and Korean-style street snacks—reflecting how quickly Baguio’s vendors adapt to food culture shifts. Whether you’re hunting for vintage jackets, looking to try viral street food, or simply soaking in the chilly Baguio vibe, the Night Market offers an experience that blends tradition, resilience, and trend-savvy entrepreneurship.

Jenny Faith Cruz