Sushi Weather: Finding Japan in the Baguio Fog

There is a specific kind of cognitive dissonance in craving cold raw fish while shivering in 15-degree weather, but that is exactly where I found myself last weekend. While half of Baguio was fighting for parking space on Session Road just to get their strawberry taho fix, I was tucked away at Hotel Grande on Outlook Drive, engaging in a very serious study of thermal dynamics: me versus a steaming bowl of Ramen. I came for the sweater weather, but I stayed for the sushi—a slice of Japan hidden in the fog. The hypothesis? A quiet hotel and a boatload of Sashimi is the only therapy you actually need. Hypothesis proven.

The Setting: Sanctuary on Outlook Drive

If you’ve been to Baguio recently, you know that "relaxing" isn't the first word that comes to mind when you're stuck in traffic near Burnham Pqark. That is why Hotel Grande is such a find. Located on Outlook Drive, it sits in that sweet spot of "Old Baguio"—surrounded by pine trees, coated in fog, and blessedly quiet.

The hotel itself feels like a proper retreat. It’s not trying to be ultra-modern or flashy; it’s spacious, classic, and comfortable. Unlike the shoebox rooms you often find in the city center, the space here lets you breathe. It’s the kind of place where you can open the window, let the cold air in, and actually hear yourself think.

The Main Event: A Feast at Mizuki

If the hotel room was the recovery room, Mizuki was the operating theater—and the procedure was a full gastronomic bypass.

Located right inside the hotel, Mizuki offers an ambiance that feels authentic without trying too hard. Wood accents, warm lighting, and that specific hush you find in good Japanese restaurants. But let’s be honest, I didn’t come for the architecture. I came for the data.

Exhibit A: The Sashimi Platter

Fresh Salmon and Tuna Sashimi Platter at Mizuki Baguio.

Finding fresh, high-quality raw fish at 5,000 feet above sea level usually triggers my risk-assessment radar. But Mizuki defies the geography. The cuts here are generous—thick, substantial slices of salmon and tuna that you can actually chew on, not those paper-thin samples you get in lesser establishments. The freshness was undeniable; no fishy aftertaste, just clean, rich flavor. It’s a bold move to serve sashimi this confident in the mountains, and it pays off.

Exhibit B: The Ramen

Hot Seafood Ramen at Hotel Grande Baguio.

This was the thermal regulation protocol I needed. The broth was rich and opaque, savory without being overly salty—a delicate balance that many places miss. After walking through the chilly Baguio fog, that first sip felt less like food and more like a life-support measure. The noodles had the right amount of bounce (or turgor, if we’re being technical), and the toppings were plentiful.

Exhibit C: The Tempura

Crispy Shrimp Tempura Rice Bowl (Tendon)

To round out the study, we ordered the Tempura. It passed the "Audible Crunch Test" with flying colors. Light batter, not greasy, and the shrimp inside retained its snap. It provided the necessary texture contrast to the soft sashimi and the soup.

The Verdict:

You don't need to be a guest at Hotel Grande to dine here, but having this level of food just an elevator ride away is a dangerous convenience. It is, quite simply, some of the best Japanese food I’ve had in the city.

Supporting Evidence: Service & Amenities

Beyond the food, the "software" of the hotel—the service—was excellent. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, handling requests with that characteristic Baguio warmth. Whether it was the seamless check-in or the service at the restaurant, everything functioned with a level of efficiency that allowed me to stay in full vacation mode. We didn't get to try the heated indoor pool this time, but knowing it's there (and actually heated) adds another point to the "Pros" column for future visits.

The Diagnosis

Assessment:

Hotel Grande offers a rare commodity in modern Baguio: silence. It is a place where the noise of the city is filtered out by pine trees and thick fog, leaving you with nothing but rest, good service, and an embarrassingly large amount of sushi.

Plan of Care:

If you are suffering from acute burnout or just general "Manila Fatigue," I am prescribing a stat dose of Hotel Grande.

 * Dosage: Minimum 2 nights.

 * Route: Via Outlook Drive (avoid Session Road at all costs).

 * Side Effects: May cause extreme reluctance to return to work and a dependency on Mizuki’s sashimi.

Prognosis:

Excellent. I checked out feeling fully recharged, well-fed, and ready to face reality again. Highly recommended.

Vital Signs (Travel Info)

 * Location: 2 Outlook Drive South, Baguio City (Near The Mansion)

 * Highlight: Mizuki Japanese Restaurant (Ground Floor)

 * Best For: Couples, families, and introverts seeking peace.

 * Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐