Boracay Food Crawl

By JULES VIVAS

Powdery white sand, clear blue waters, paradisiacal resorts, and overall warm Filipino hospitality—these are just some of the various things to love about Boracay. While the wild nightlife of the rehabilitated island is now subdued, the food scene is more than enough to make up for this. The humble island serves big, bold flavors drawing beach enthusiasts and foodies alike. We recommend a see-food diet while on vacation: If you see it, eat it! Discover one of the best islands in the world through the lens of food as we round up the top must-try establishments for a deliciously satisfying Boracay experience.

Nonie’s Here, pretty meets healthy. The food is so visually appealing. If eyes could eat, they’d be full with one look. The place practices sustainability, too, highlighting ethically and locally sourced produce and ingredients for their Filipino fusion menu. The strawberry cashew cake is perhaps the healthiest, most attractive dessert it offers. It’s a very zesty serving that appears and tastes sinful, yet, it’s gluten-free! Yes, it’s proof that healthy doesn’t have to be bland and boring.

Located at Station X, Station 2 (opposite Boracay Tropics Hotel), Nonie’s is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. For inquiries and reservations, contact 0912 394 8948.

Christina’s Consider paying a visit to this wine-and-dine restaurant that’s perfect for the romantic. What makes Christina’s special is its breakfast selection that is one of the most diverse on the island. The morning menu features meals from all over the globe including American, European, Mexican, Spanish, Aussie, Scandanavian, Canadian, and French cuisine. One of the bestsellers is the Filipino silog, a choice of beef tapa, longganisa, daing na bangus, or chicken pork adobo, served with fried egg and garlic rice. More than the food, the place is also a great spot to enjoy the beach in the comfort of an airconditioned room with only glass separating you from the outside. Who needs breakfast in bed when you can have breakfast by the beach?

Located at Henann Regency, North Beach Wing, Station 2, Beachfront, Christina’s is open from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. For inquiries or reservations, contact (036) 288 6111

Popo Teahouse In the mood for Cantonese? Look no further. Chinese food such as seafood, dimsum, handmade noodles, and roasts are all served here. Much like its pink and quirky interiors, the food is full of character, one of the highlights in this collab between chefs Him Uy de Baron and Sharwin Tee. If it’s your first time eating at this teahouse, Chef Him’s curried shank and tendon noodles is the dish to order. The plate is hearty and flavorful with a savory and nutty taste.

Located at Station X, Station 2 Main Road, Popo Teahouse is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. For inquiries and reservations, contact 999 884 0624.

Sunny Side Café A café that’s famous for its all-day breakfast menu, it specializes in comfort food and unique contemporary morning meals. As it puts a twist on classic breakfast favorites, the food is never boring. Everything on the meny—from the soups, chorizo, bacon to the freshly-baked in-house pastries—is made from scratch daily. It’s easy to understand that the bacon and mango grilled cheese sandwich is among the fan favorites, what with the incredible harmony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. The sweetness of the mango jam balances the saltiness of the bacon, all the while accentuating the creaminess of the cheese.

Located on Station 3 Beachfront, Sunny Side Café is open from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. For inquiries and reservations, contact (036) 288 2874.

MarTinapay An incredible place to indulge earnest Filipino comfort food at extremely affordable prices, the bakery offers pares, lomi, and sisig. Of course, what one should really buy here is the fantastic assortment of bread. The pan de coco or coconut bread is the next must-bring-home pasalubong. Its buns are pillow-soft, unlike the typical variety that is often dry. The sweetened coconut shreds, which fill the bun generously, deliver a sweet meaty treat. This panaderia is an elusive find. It caters to foodies trying to find big servings of comfort food as well as quality carbs at prices that won’t burn a hole in the pocket.

Open 24/7, MarTinapay is located at Station 1, Boracay Highway, Malay across the Fairways and Bluewaters gate.

Spicebird Piri-Piri Grill This Portuguese barbecue grill is undisputedly among the top food establishments on the island. All of its dishes are amazing, but its specialty Piri-piri sauces are to die for—you can add to or slather them on just about any food and, for sure, whatever you’re eating will taste 10, if not 20 times better. The portions are great, too. In terms of quality, size, affordability, and flavor, Spicebird is off the charts. Everything on the menu is worth trying, but among the fairly new offerings, the Merguez sausage board first comes to mind. It is a delicious Moroccan-style sausage made in-house. The smokey flavor of the meat lingers in the mouth, but is not at all too strong or overpowering.

Located at Unit 108 D’Mall Plaza, Spicebird is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For inquiries or reservations, contact (036) 288 4023.

The Real Coffee and Tea Café A sort of legend, this café is popular for its iconic calamansi muffin, the most sought-after pasalubong (souvenir) on the island. It’s an institution! A trip to Boracay is not complete without taking home the zesty signature quick bread. Just don’t forget to order in advance as there is a high demand for the muffins. Apart from coffee, tea, and the calamansi muffin, the café serves continental food—brownies, cookies, French toast, omelettes, pancakes, sandwiches, and salads, all reasonably priced and in generous servings.

Located at Station 2, along the White Beach path, the Real Coffee and Tea Café is open from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. For more information or reservations, contact (036) 288 5340.

Supermagic Burgers The lip-smacking sandwiches from this American-inspired diner will make you forget about the island’s famed choriburgers. Supermagic burger patties are freshly-ground upon order with prime imported beef cuts, that’s why the food preparation could take a bit more time, but it’s all worth the wait. In all honesty, the name Supermagic best describes the brand and its burgers —super magical. Anyone who likes good burgers will instantly fall for the Supermagic Umami Bomb, an extra juicy sandwich that’s bursting with flavor. The secret is the house-made umami butter. Also worth trying is the special Dutch Smoked Cheese.

Located at Station 3 Beachfront, and Station 2 Main Road, Supermagic Burgers is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For inquiries or reservations, contact +63 999 884 0624.

The Hobbit Tavern
Formerly known as the Hobbit House, this specialty restaurant serves a wide array of international dishes. Based on the characters of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, waiters portray the hobbits. This place is highly recommended for a relaxing drinking session or dinner with friends. One of the dishes that’s really good here is the beef tenderloin, served with Belgian chips and buttered vegetables. This order may be a bit pricey, but the medium-cooked beef just melts in your mouth. The establishment stands out from the rest because of its high roofs and barrels by the entrance.

The Hobbit Tavern is located at D’Mall, Supermagic Burgers is open from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. For inquiries and reservations, contact, (036) 288 6687.

Tartine
Tartine is famous for its breakfast buffet that promises to “wake you up and break your diet.” Its seasonal offerings and rotating menus present diners dishes that are always made from scratch and in-house, using only the freshest available ingredients. The Breakfast Buffet is available from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. to hotel guests, but also to walk-in diners for P1,586 nett per person every day. A la carte dining is also offered.

Located at the beach level of The Lind Boracay, on Station 1, Barangay Balabag, Tartine is open daily from 6:30am to 10:00 p.m. For inquiries and reservations, contact +63 2 835 8888.