Sights set on providing Aklanons and seaside strollers with a globe-trotting culinary experience, Juan Elizalde and Paolo Occhionero established Boracay Beach Truck, the white sand paradise’s first-ever food truck.

Known for introducing the bustling Italian eatery, Aria Cucina Italiana, at D’Mall, the entrepreneurial partners unveil their quick-service venture, drawing inspiration from Western islands like Hawaii and coastal states like Florida and California, where food trucks have earned a devoted following.

With the resounding success of their pizzeria, the next step for the duo was to bring in the next big thing to the food scene of Boracay.

“Boracay Beach Truck targets both local and international customers. Filipinos are naturally drawn to rice, and are familiar with South East Asian flavors. The international market, meanwhile, is keen to explore the unique flavors we Filipinos have to offer. All of this keeping our menu items affordable and high quality,” explains chief operating officer Ernie Casas.

A magnet for international customers, the Boracay Beach Truck can easily be spotted following the daily long queue of foreign customers. As the only food truck parked at the entrance of D’Mall from the main road, it’s im- possible to miss. The Citroën van, a workhorse for the French industry in the ’50s, was fabricated and customized to fit a space at D’Mall, and was then shipped to the island. The latest novelty to look forward to in Boracay is anchored on the idea of “around the world in a bowl,” delivering straight-forward but flavorful dishes that are value for money, specializing in two simple-but-genius concepts, particularly Island Bowls and Sunrise Milktea.

Island Bowls is the on-the-go option for tourists and locals alike to indulge in rice, noodles, and soup. Alternatively, this convenient choice may also be enjoyed in the comfortable air-conditioned second-floor area of the food truck. The menu includes a variety of Filipino comfort food, namely, fried lumpia, available in vegetarian, pork, and shrimp. Each serving consists of four pieces. Those with a sweet tooth may opt for the banana turon, a favorite snack or dessert in the Philippines, sugar-coated, wrapped, and then deep-fried perfection.

Some of the bestsellers are the Japanese Abura Ramen, Indonesian Chicken Satay, Korean Beef Bulgogi Rice Bowl, Hawaiian fresh and original Salmon Poke Rice Bowl, and the Filipino classic, Chicken Adobo Rice Bowl, popular for its umami richness.

“The rice bowls and lumpias were ideas of the owners because these dishes are easy to prepare, but can be served with many variants of toppings and flavors,” says Ernie. For the beverages, the Sunrise Milktea is a lineup of ice-cold, tea- based drinks from matcha to fruits, brown sugar, and flavored black tea. As with milk tea norms, the sugar level ranges from 0, 25, 50, and 100 percent, satisfying all palates and preferences.

“I really like this place. I have already eaten here a few times. My favorite is fried rice with kimchi and teriyaki tofu. Super delicious food, clean place, great view from the upstairs seating area. Very clean, quick, cheap, and you can pay by card,” explains European Adri Kovac, one of the foreign diners who would attest to how good Boracay Beach Truck food is. Norwegian Sigrid Solbakken affirms and says, “Great food. I ate there several times. The food was equally tasty every time. Nice seating area on the second floor.”

Scottish tourist Reb Rielly, meanwhile, adds, “The place is great! The food was so tasty and reasonably priced. The dishes came fairly quickly and the quality of the food was 10 out of 10. Lovely seating area upstairs.”

With its mouthwatering island bowls and thirst-quenching boba milkteas, Boracay Beach Truck continues to create a buzz at Station 2, D’Mall Entrance, coming from the main road, beside Budget Mart. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. @boracaybeachtruck