If you find yourself strolling along the cobblestone streets of Calle Crisologo, Vigan City, you might stumble upon an intriguing small space called Old Soul Bean and Bar. However, don’t let the initial impression fool you—this place is anything but small. With a rooftop dining area offering breathtaking views reminiscent of the 7 Wonders of the World, it’s perfect for a memorable romantic dinner.

Chicken Kebab Skewers (₱260)
A definite highlight on the menu! The marinated chicken, soft and tender, delivers an explosion of flavors that linger on your palate.


Bagnet Longganisa Pizza
Vigan’s iconic local specialties—bagnet and longganisa—meet pizza. While the dish leans slightly on the sweeter side, it’s an inventive twist worth trying.

Atchara Salad
A newcomer to their menu, the salad is a mix of sweet and spicy flavors. While it may not be a universal favorite, it’s definitely unique and worth a taste.

Old Soul Brazilian Steak (₱785)
Soft, perfectly cooked, and incredibly affordable for its quality! Customize your steak experience by adding sides like mashed potatoes and buttered veggies for just ₱99 each.

Pad Thai

A delightful surprise on the menu! After learning the owner is Thai, it’s no wonder their Pad Thai delivers the authentic flavors that keep guests coming back for more. You’ll want to finish every last bite.

Drink Highlights

Their beverage selection is equally impressive, offering everything from expertly crafted coffee drinks to creative cocktails:

Popcorn Coffee Frappe & Spanish Latte
Their coffee hits all the right notes. Perfectly brewed to satisfy any coffee craving.

Soul Sour
A cocktail that evokes nostalgia for those familiar with basi (a traditional Ilocos sugarcane wine). More than its taste, the aroma is heavenly—it smells like a luxurious perfume!

Expanding Horizons
For fans of Old Soul Bean and Bar, here’s some exciting news—their crafted menu is expanding to new locations, including SM City Laoag! This makes it even easier to enjoy their mouthwatering dishes and fragrant cocktails.

Should You Visit Again?
Without a doubt! Old Soul Bean and Bar offers an unforgettable dining experience, blending creativity, authenticity, and affordable luxury. The only problem? Your wallet might feel the pinch because there’s so much to love.

If you're craving a culinary journey in Vigan City or planning a visit, don’t forget to check out their Facebook page for updates: Old Soul Bean and Bar.

Final Thoughts
Whether you're a foodie, an adventurous eater, or someone seeking romantic rooftop vibes, Old Soul Bean and Bar is a must-visit destination. From their delectable mains to their innovative beverages, they’ve truly crafted a menu to die for. Stop by, indulge, and fall in love with the flavors of Old Soul in the heart of Vigan!

Scrolling through Instagram in one of those dessert-craving moments, I stumbled upon The Sugar Collective. Their feed is a haven for every sweet tooth, with images of beautifully crafted macarons, cakes, and other irresistible desserts. While I wasn’t specifically looking for Burnt Basque Cheesecake, my cheesecake cravings convinced me to give it a try.

The Order

I placed my order for their 6-inch Burnt Basque Cheesecake, priced at ₱680. Burnt Basque Cheesecakes are notoriously hard to nail down. They require the perfect balance of textures: a creamy, custardy interior that’s almost mousse-like in consistency paired with the golden, caramelized, and slightly charred “burnt” crust on top. At ₱680 for the promise of craftsmanship involved, I thought it was worth trying out.

First Impressions

Excited and ready to indulge, I dove straight into my first slice—but I have to admit, it didn’t match the expectations I had built in my imagination. The mousse-like creamy texture I was looking forward to was absent. Instead, the interior leaned toward a firmer texture. The caramelized crust was delightfully crisp and added a nice touch, but I felt like that coveted custard-like center either didn’t develop fully or maybe the smaller 6-inch size somehow affected the outcome.

Refrigeration Revelation

I decided to refrigerate the cheesecake overnight, unsure whether I would give it a second bite the next day. When I took it out of the fridge the following morning, something surprising had happened—the bubbles inside the cheesecake had flattened out, altering both the texture and the look. Upon tasting it again, the texture resembled more of a dense New York-style cheesecake, albeit topped with that signature burnt layer. It was enjoyable in its own way but felt like something other than what I’d categorize as a true Burnt Basque experience.

Final Thoughts

Truth be told, I was slightly disappointed. Basque Cheesecake is supposed to feel like a dessert celebration in every bite, with its creamy custard center stealing the show. Unfortunately, this one missed that mark. Thank goodness we weren’t collaborating because giving honest feedback like this would have been tough.

Would I order the Burnt Basque Cheesecake again? Maybe not. But the good news is, The Sugar Collective has plenty of other temptations on their menu, and their macarons look particularly divine. I might explore their other offerings next time and give them another shot to wow me.