10 Under-the-Radar Eats to Try When in Boracay

(SPOT.ph) Ah yes, good ol' sunny Boracay. This island will always be top-of-mind should you ever be looking for crystal clear waters, fine white sand, and real good eats. Yup, this little slice of paradise in the Visayas region is consistently one of the world's best beach getaways, and growing quietly with the island's reputation is its food scene. Yes, folks, nowadays, when you go to Boracay, it's not just a beach trip. Just check out the wide variety of food spots you can dig into. And just for you, dear Spotter, we took the time to discover the island and its hidden gems. We round up 10 homegrown restaurants that serve top-notch food for every dining scenario you may have while lounging about the beach. 

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Here are under-the-radar restaurants you should try on your next Boracay trip

For Quick Snacks by the Beach:

Muchos

This Latin-American resto by the beach is a great spot to hit up when you're looking for quick bites to fuel your beach-hopping itinerary. Known for their wide-selection of cocktails, tacos, and other Latin-American eats, Muchos is especially great to hit up on Tuesdays for special promos on their tacos (Taco Tuesday, anyone?) and in the late afternoon for a 50% discount on their happy hour classic cocktails. Make sure to try their Churrasco Steak (starts at P1,500), a juicy sous-vide and grilled steak served with house-made chimichurri sauce and patatas fritas. Looking for something from the sea? You won't go wrong with their many versions of the Ceviche (starts at P280) made with the fresh catch-of-the-day fish or their Gambas Quinotto (P380), which is a plate of prawns with chimichurri sauce, creamy tricolor quinoa risotto topped with kesong puti or for a lighter option, try their various Tacos (starts at P150). Looking to kick back and watch the sunset while having some drinks and food? Muchos' cocktails are not one to miss. Try their signature Frozen Strawberry Margarita (P300) and the Fernanda's Choice  for a light tequila buzz. 

Muchos is at G/F Zuzuni Hotel, Station 1 Beachfront, Boracay Island. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit Muchos Boracay's Facebook page.

Villa Caemilla

Villa Caemilla is a boutique hotel that has a restaurant by the beachside. They serve all-day eats but are best known for their amazing breakfast selections. Try their innovative take on the longganisa by ordering their Longganisa Tonkatsu meal (P325) which includes fried rice and sunny side-up eggs with the breaded and deep-fried longganisa. There are also more continental options if you're not up for a Filipino breakfast, like their Angol Pancake (P425) or The Caemilla (P495) which is a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, roasted potatoes, grilled cherry tomatoes, and melted cheese. Best to go here in the morning or late afternoon. It also doesn't hurt that your view as you eat is the quiet and crystal-clear waters of Angol Beach.

Villa Caemilla is at Beach Front, Station 3, Angol, Boracay island. Open 24/7. For more information, visit Villa Caemilla Beach Boutique Hotels's Facebook page.

Love Shack Bistro and Café

Love Shack Bistro and Café is a literal hidden gem located in a secluded alley by the beach. This food spot serves a mean breakfast fare as well as all-day eats. Fans of BTS will be happy to see a nod to the septet in the menu as well as classic coffee and milkshake fare. If you're looking for brunch or breakfast food, hit up this spot, and you won't be disappointed with its selection of Filipino eats mixed with some international bites. If you must try something at this spot, make sure it's the Grilled Salmon with Truffle Risotto (P680). Trust us, you won't be disappointed with the moist and succulent fish paired with the earthy yet creamy risotto. 

Oh, and if you're looking to pick up a new hobby while on the island, you might want to hit up Love Shack, as they regularly hold DJ-ing classes. Learn how to drop the beat at this spot and maybe be the music master at your next party.

Love Shack Bistro and Café is at Station 3 Beach, Angol, Boracay Island. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit Love Shack Bisto and Cafe's Facebook page.

Ice Flakes

Okay, you're probably feeling hot from being under the sun all day to help cool you down, we recommend getting a bowl of cool ice flakes from Ice Flakes at D'Mall and then eating it by the beach. Ice Flakes makes Filipino-Taiwanese versions of the famous Korean bingsu ice treat. Made with 100% fresh fruits and local ingredients, Ice Flakes' bowls are a refreshing snack. Make sure to try a helping of their Mango Coconut flavor (P300), or for a more tart treat, get the Pineapple flavor (P250). Looking for Halo-halo while on the island? Hit up Ice Flakes because they also have a Halo-Halo bowl (P200) that's sure to give the OG Filipino treat a run for its money. 

Ice Flakes is at D'mall, Station 2, Boracay island. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit Ice Flakes Boracay's Facebook page.

For Full Hearty Meals:

Chan's

Craving Singaporean eats while on the island? Looking for hawker-style Chinese fare? Chan's has got you covered. Check out their many Sing-Chi eats which range from rice meals to quick snacks. Don't miss out on any of their Kaya Toast flavors like Durian Kaya toast, Pandan, and Salted Yema by ordering a plate of their Kaya Toast Sampler (starts at P200). But for a heartier savory fare, you won't go wrong with ordering either their Scallion Chicken Platter (P320) or their BBQ Pork Belly Platter (P320).

Chan's is at Station X, Hue Hotels and Resorts, Main Road, Balabag, Boracay Island. Open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit Chan's Boracay's Facebook page.

Nonie's

Nonie's takes Filipino cuisine to a different level by using 100% locally sourced or housemade ingredients. This is to ensure that everything they include in their dishes is as healthy as possible. Nonie's takes Filipino food and adds their own twist to the dishes making them unique to the resto.  Take, for example, their take on the classic Kare-Kare (P490), which is vegan. The dish makes use of tempeh as the main protein and swapps the shrimpy bagoong with a black bean salted paste. You wouldn't even miss the meat. There's also the Vegan Sisig (P250) which is a great sub for the usual drinking snack. But hey, if vegan fare isn't your thing, don't worry. Classics like Chicken and Pork Adobo (P490),  Adlai Arroz Caldo (P320), and Bistek Tagalog (P490) are also on the menu, to name a few.

Nonie's is at Station X, Hue Hotels and Resorts, Main Road, Balabag, Boracay Island. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit Nonie's Boracay's Facebook page.

Also read: Spot Stays: This Boracay Hotel Has Everything You Need for Your Next Beach Getaway

Jujumburi

If you're in the mood for Korean eats that aren't samgyupsal, you'll have great fun dining at Jujumburi. Owned by a family of Koreans who use their family recipes in making the dishes at the resto, we can confidently say the food they serve here are as close as you can get to authentic Korean food in Boracay. Try their take on the Haemul Pajeon (P800) and taste the ocean in every bite of this savory pancake. Looking for something spicy? Hold the phone because Jujumburi makes their food hot, as in capital H-O-T, hot. Try their Tteokbokki (P650) and Budaejjigae (P1300) for a fill of spicy eats. For a quick snack while downing some alcohol, have your K-drama moment complete with chimaek or chicken and beer. Order their original Fried Chicken (P950) and pair it with your choice of beer or maekgolli.

Jujumburi is at Station 3 Road, Boracay Island. Open daily from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. For more information, visit Jujumburi's Instagram account.

Little Taj

An interesting fixture on the island is its only Indian restaurant—Little Taj. Travel all over India courtesy of your tastebuds as you nosh on Indian street food like Pani Puri (P285),  Samosas (starts at P280), and Dosas (starts at P300). Heartier rice meals like Biryani (starts at P350), various Curry dishes (starts at P350), and Tandoori (starts at P350) meals are also available. Even if you don't know much about Indian cuisine, you'll have a hard time not liking the food at Little Taj. They're well-balanced, delicious takes on Indian eats that'll serve as a great introduction to those who aren't that familiar with the cuisine. Pro tip: end your meal with a cup of their Masala Chai (P140), it'll leave your tummy warm, and it also has a sweet clean taste to refresh your palate.

Little Taj is at D'mall, Station 2, Boracay Island. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. For more information, visit Little Taj Boracay's Facebook page.

For Sunset Drinks or a Nightcap:

2 Brown Boys

What's a trip to Boracay without downing some alcohol? Go to 2 Brown Boys for a taste of local mixes and cocktails sans the touristy prices of most bars on the island. This local favorite establishment is a cozy LGBTQIA+-friendly spot and a hard-core sports bar in one. Go to the second floor for sick beats and comfy lounging areas, and stick to the ground floor if you want to watch some games. The bar makes a mean Amoretto Sour and their own mix called the Mama Ru. We don't exactly know nor remember what was in the drinks we had but let us tell you, they were dangerously good. You wouldn't even think you're having alcohol, but make sure you make it back to your hotel before it hits. Oh, and if you happen to be in the area on a Monday, do drop by. It's crazy shots Monday, which means the bartender will make a random but deliciously devilish mix and have the entire house drink it for free. But make sure to stick around cause you'll never know when the crazy shots will come out—they're that crazy. 

2 Brown Boys is at Road 1-A, Bulabog, Balabag, Boracay Island. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. For more information, visit Two Brown Boys/ Boracay's Facebook page.

Dinibeach

Dinibeach Bar at Diniwid is a must-visit on a sunny afternoon. The area is a prime location to view the beautiful Boracay sunset, and the Dinibeach Bar makes it all the more beautiful. Lounge at any of the sunset-facing tables and have your drinks as you watch the sun go down on the horizon. Dinibeach bar makes a mean set of drinks, but they're best known for the following cocktails: Aperol Spritz (P300), Sarah's Margarita on the Rocks (P300), and the deceptively beautiful Hibiscus Frozen Margarita (P300). You could also get some bar chow as you chill by the beach. Try their Cheeseburger Sliders (P440) and Nachos (P270). Oh, but if you see Shrimp Skagen (P320) on their specials menu, make a beeline for it and get it in your belly stat! This Swedish finger food pairs well with their different mixes and is a creamy seafood open-faced sandwich that'll leave you craving more.

Dinibeach Bar is at Diniwid Beach, Boracay Island. Open daily from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit Dinibeach Bar and Restaurant's Facebook page.

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