Tasting the World in Boracay

Yes, Boracay is more than just powdery white sands and crystal clear waters. And it’s not just about water sports, fancy hotels, and all-night parties. Boracay has become an international phenomenon, with tourists from all over the world flocking in to get a glimpse of this island paradise. Some come to visit, and then, there are the others who have fallen in love with the island and choose to stay permanently. It’s the great cultural exchange between Filipinos and foreigners, which we just love, because somewhere down the road, a great restaurant pops up, dishing out various international cuisines. This is no secret in Boracay. The international fame has given it the international taste! Its got different flavors on its powdery white beach, one can just start tasting a bit of the world in this island. They say food is expensive in Boracay. It has to be. The island cannot grow or raise most of its own ingredients, so it has to be flown and/or driven and/or “ferry-ed” from other parts of the Philippines. In other restaurants, ingredients are flown in from Japan, Europe and the US! But that’s just the way it is if you want food that spells Y-U-M! Here’s just a few to nip your taste buds, just so you’ll know which country to head to every meal time whenever you’re in Boracay!

If it’s German and/or Austrian food you’re looking for, Mama’s has got everything covered. Located on the main road, just across Grand Vista Hotel, this resto-bar-chillout lounge will get you ordering for more of its goulash and Wiener schnitzel, in a cozy, like-home atmosphere. Check out Station 2’s Gasthof, for its famous baby back ribs. Although it’s a bit pricey, you’ll get a taste of what everyone is craving about. The cuisine is a mix of German and Filipino, so you’ve got your taste buds covered.

Want to have a taste of India with great views of Boracay? Crafty’s is a rooftop Indian restaurant, on the 5th floor of Crafts Supermarket. It’s got great naan plus views of Boracay’s hills. And if you wish to be near the beach, why not plop yourself on the cozy giant pillows at True Food, and enjoy their Tandoori baked breads and samosa? A bit pricier than Crafty’s, but as they say, you get what you pay for.

If you’re walking at D’Mall, and happen to pass a jam-packed restaurant, then it’s probably Ole. This Spanish restaurant serves delectable seafood paella in huge servings. Let’s not forget the various tapas to get that Spanish mood going. While some people might drool at the waitresses in their skimpy outfits, others do get to notice how inattentive some of their staff are. Maybe it’s because they’re busy. If you want a quieter place, head on over to Station 3 for the tapas buffet of Dos Mestizos. With a live band every night, you just might end up singing and dancing after your meal.

The place to see and be seen is Aria, an Italian restaurant that’s at D’Mall. The pizza and pasta are great, together with the views of what’s happening at the beach. You might spot a friend or two passing by, and end up having a small party at your table. It gets crowded here sometimes, and noisy too. But what’s a party without the noise? There’s a cozier place over at the southern end of the beach. It’s called La Capannina. It’s a café, restaurant, and wine bar, with great pizza. An in-house Italian chef prepares food, and dining is done in a softly lit garden table setting. Sounds like a great escape from the bustle of Station 2.

Get your fill of burritos and tortillas at the Mañana Mexican Cuisine, who claims to be the best Mexican restaurant in Boracay. Question is, are there other Mexican restaurants in the island? So far, we’ve only been to this one, and we haven’t been let down. They’ve got huge servings for big appetites. What a great way to relax after a day at the beach!

Greece is just around the corner by Boat Station 1, where Zuzuni is located. Or, it could be tucked
in the back of D’Mall where Cyma is. Zuzuni is a restaurant in a boutique hotel bearing the same name, and has been described by numerous bloggers as “hip” and “trendy.” And that’s what you get when you step inside. Or outside. They’ve got a beachfront set-up where you can enjoy your moussaka, souvlaki, or spanakopita. Not to be outdone is Cyma, which has been in Boracay for quite a long time now. First timers sometimes can’t find this place because it’s hidden in the back of D’Mall. But once you’ve tried their dishes, you’ll definitely find your way back at Cyma. Rates are less expensive than Zuzuni, but you’ve got no beachfront ambience here.

Now let’s just go back to home base and get a rundown of restaurants serving Asian cuisine: Bamboo Lounge serves Chinese food with great lounging chairs right on the beach; Hap Chan has reached its way to the Boracay Regency, and is well known for awesome Chinese dishes. Hamma and Kaiseki, which are both at D’Mall, will give you wide choices of sushi, sashimi, and mouth-watering Japanese dishes.

And then there are the Filipino restaurants…

But that would mean a whole new issue for this topic alone. Boracay is a beach and gastronomic paradise, where a beach trip turns into a food trip, and beach bumming is more than just laying on the beach. It guarantees 110% enjoyment in the four corners of its sandy shores.

And we say, it guarantees an extra ten pounds whenyou leave the island. Bon Apetit!