Eating Through Paradise
A couple of years ago, I came to the realization that a well-fed traveler is a happy traveler. I could scrimp on such things as airfare and even forego shopping (well, OK, not completely), but it was important for me to eat well. It came at a point when I had grown tired of cans of corned beef, and was miserable at having to eat fast food that I could easily get in Manila. While I won’t blow all my moolah on three gourmet meals a day, I’ve made it sort of a travel rule to eat what the place I’m visiting is known for, and to have at least one meal a day that leaves me in good spirits.
One great a meal a day isn’t enough in Boracay though. The island just has so many mouth-watering things to offer, that even eating three good meals a day would still leave you with a staggering number of culinary options.
I love that my barkada doesn’t give much of a hoot about how we would look in our bikinis after binging. If one excellent meal a day is enough to keep me satisfied, then our recent Bora trip must have put me in an impossibly happy mood!
Just some of the things I stuffed myself with:
My Boracay ritual: I set aside some time to go to Jonah’s and have me a dual mango treat—their milky mango shake and delectable mango crepe, ripe mangoes stuffed into a piping hot crepe and practically swimming in chocolate syrup. It’s better in the summer though when the mangoes are sweeter. Another Jonah’s favorite: choco-banana shake!
The Jack-a-Lean Omelette at Real Coffee is made of two eggs, tuna, tomatoes, onions, cheese, and pesto. Ooh-la-la!
My friends and I hoarded boxes of Real Coffee’s calamansi cupcakes, P35 each. They were supposed to be pasalubong, but I must admit we snacked on a few when we felt an attack of the late-night (or mid-afternoon…or mid-morning…) munchies. While you’re there, order a glass of their iced choco. It’s not just Chocolait with ice in it—rather, it’s a cold version of Tsokolate Eh!
Feeling the urge to splurge? My friend Joey had the Z Burger at Zuzuni—a juicy slab of beef with a thick slice of Feta cheese. It’ll cost ya about P300.
Carnivores, treat your taste buds to the Baby Back Ribs at Hawaiian BBQ. The tender meat slides right off the bone, the mark of good ribs! This resto also has a branch in Tagaytay, within Boutique Bed & Breakfast.
Vivia Italia! Get your Italian food fix at Aria, where you can order this Margarita Pizza. If you’re a lover of thin crusts, you’ll definitely enjoy this no-frills pizza! Have it with a glass of frozen iced tea.
Have dessert next door at the creperie called St. Michel. This nutella crepe is P125—and you can share it if that tummy’s starting to show!
If you’re a budget traveler, there are loads of other options at the talipapa, and even right along the beach once the sun has set—little stalls pop up selling P40 choriburgers alongside longganisa burgers, grilled hotdogs, and the like. Food…just another thing that makes this island paradise!