Tagaytay Favorites: Lime & Basil

When looking for nice brunch spots we often look to Tagaytay. The fresh air, a slightly cooler temperature, and the view of the little volcano makes it a nice place to hang out and eat. However, there are many hidden restaurants in the area if you are adventurous enough to drive down the smaller side streets. Lime & Basil is one of those semi-hidden spots that I hope is gaining traction because they deserve it. Let’s take a look at what this Thai hidden gem has to offer.

I’ve been coming to this restaurant at least a couple of times a year for a few years before the pandemic started. Now that everything's back to normal and businesses have somewhat recovered, I’m continuing my usual visits. It was nice to see that the menu has grown a lot. From just a couple of pages of well-loved Thai dishes that include different kinds of Pad Thai and Tom Yum. It now has the classics as well as some of the more unexplored Thai dishes such as green papaya salads, soft shell crab dishes, beef curries, and a list of tofu menu items to choose from.   

While waiting for your food they give you some complimentary fish or prawn crackers and a dip that is to die for. I wish they would bottle it up and sell it because I would definitely buy a dozen. They’ve got the blend of the dip just right, exactly how it tastes in Thailand! This snack really does get the appetite going for what’s to come.

Of course, we ordered drinks first. You can never go wrong with fresh coconut water or a coconut shake. However, if that’s not quite your style, there were other refreshing drinks to choose from such as fruit shakes that include summer favorites watermelon and mango, but also other not-so-common shakes such as papaya and lychee. There’s also coffees and teas as well as Thai Tea which is always a hit. If you are having dinner or dining out for a special occasion they also have a list of beers, wines, and cocktails to choose from. 

When it came to food we ordered the Fresh Spring Rolls, Pad Thai with chicken and shrimp, Moo Grob which is crispy pork jowls, and a side of Jasmine rice of course because after all we are Pinoy. Everything was served in a timely manner and every dish looked mouthwatering. The flavors were well balanced and the accompanying condiments just added a little extra something. The spring rolls were herby and had tofu and noodles which were topped with a sweet chili sauce. The crispy pork was served with a cucumber relish underneath, and it was a perfect balance since the relish cut through the oily taste of the pork. The noodles of the Pad Thai were cooked right and had the right amount of crushed peanuts and sprouts to mix into it to give it a nice texture. Tangy, spicy, savory, it was all satisfying. Of course, for dessert although there were a few choices, we decided to go with the iconic mango and sticky rice. A Thai meal just feels incomplete without it! The mango was sweet and the coconut cream was just right and the presentation was perfect. Overall it was a great meal and I would definitely be coming back and bringing more friends and family to spread the word.

The restaurant has expanded since I last saw it, which is nice to see. It means you can bring a larger group of friends and even hold important events if you would like. It’s outdoors but is still covered so you don’t need to worry about the direct sunlight making everyone overheat, or if there’s a chance of rain, you are well covered. It is important to note that on holidays or weekends a reservation might be needed if you want to dine here. It can be busy from time to time. However, if you decide to walk in, the staff are very friendly and attentive and will do their best to accommodate you always. 

Just like before the pandemic, they had a little section which was their store. They sold some tableware and dining utensils that I assume are from Thailand. Now it has grown to include books, trinkets, plates, bowls, and fresh flowers. You might want to take a quick look at the fresh flowers before you leave since they are affordable and have some wonderful blooms to choose from. You can also walk through their Songkran Edible Garden wherein you can see herbs growing such as Thai Basil and Tarragon. 

The parking area has also expanded since I last saw it. There’s ample parking space if you are driving in groups or if the place is busy. If you are on a motorbike, they have an area where you can safely place your helmet and gear just by the dining area which is convenient. When getting to the establishment itself, it might be difficult to find when on the main road, but you can always use Google to help you turn onto the right road. There aren’t many signs leading you to it, but once you’ve been there it’s pretty easy to remember for your next visit. 

The next time you and your friends or family are craving for delicious Thai food, or you just want a few hours out of the metro and to be by nature accompanied by good food, look no further than Lime & Basil.