For the longest time, I’ve avoided getting my feet soaked at sea, basking under the sun and allowing the sand to stick to my skin. You guessed it, I am not the best person you’d want to be with at the beach. Not a hater; I’m just not into the whole beach shenanigan.
BUT as I long for solitude and time off from my desk and laptop, I realised that the beach is but a beautiful option I needed to explore. Not to mention, an impending work at one of the best beaches in the world, Boracay. Yay!
Knowing my taste buds, I opted to explore the nooks and crannies of Boracay than munch on mainstream favourites. Why? It’s always an inviting treat to dine and eat like the locals to experience a place in its totality. Plus Chef’s Gene and Gino Gonzales gave me some delish food pointers before my trip.
Knowing Boracay and the weather, it’s a no-brainer that you’d surely opt to walk with a bottle of water or anything cold and sweet as you explore the island. Mamita’s Grill Boracay is known for its plate of Crispy Pata goodness (so they say) but Mamita’s Grill also serves a mean glass of Avocado shake and Halo-Halo. Their Avocado shake was massive and very creamy. A bit tart at the end (leaves an aftertaste too), it cools you off in an instant. Tip: Keep a glass or bottle of water with you to remove the tartness.
Their halo-halo is also creamy and downright sweet. Not the typical loaded halo-halo, it only has a few sweet nibbles, shaved ice, milk and leche flan. Was it good? Yup. Especially after a heavy meal.
Boracay is not only known for its powdery white sand and calming beaches; Boracay is also home to the famous Calamansi muffin. Perfect with a cuppa of tea or coffee, the Calamansi muffin is tart and sweet at the same time. Each piece is packed and a bit heavy — truly not your typical dense muffin. Only available at the Real Coffee & Tea Cafe, they also have a Carrot muffin for you to nibble on. Tip: The early bird catches a box of these babies — buy them early; they run out fast.
Kuya J may be a mainstream gastronomic place but you’d surely love me for trying their bowl of Ube Halo-halo while frolicking under the Boracay sun. From the shaved ube ice to the leche flan on top, it was just perfection. Given that Azalea’s in-house gastro place was Kuya J, it was a no-brainer that the trip won’t be complete without something from them. Imagine yourself basking at Azalea Boracay’s rooftop swimming pool with a bowl of this. Yup. Nothing beats that. Tip: Order a plate of Kuya J’s leche flan with calamansi on the side. Squeeze the calamansi for that added depth and flavour texture.
Also try Crystal Cove Island Resort’s Seafood Platter — steamed crabs, grilled prawns, grilled squid, lechon kawali and chorizo. Perfect for an ultimate kamayan session with family and friends. I also loved Deparis Dinner & Buffet’s bowl of hot Kansi (Ilonggo Bulalo and Beef Sinigang in one) and vegetable and chicken rolls. For my ultimate craving, I’d say yes everyday to a slice (or two) of toasted Dos Mestizos white bread (crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside) topped with slices of butter and a dollop of fresh pineapple jam (this was a staple at my breakfast buffet).
Want to know my latest food finds? Follow me on Instagram @iamleebai and my blog theroyalchefeats.wordpress.com.
