MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos who are just returning to Boracay after its major rehabilitation that began in 2018, and after about two years of lockdowns due to the pandemic, might be surprised by the island’s new, wholesome vibe.
Gone are the days when Boracay was an infamous party place — where bands and other talents perform in beachfronts and where locals and foreigners dance the night away.
It’s a rediscovery of sort for those who have been acquainted with the old Boracay, but this doesn’t mean that it’s not as bustling and exciting.
In fact, the new Boracay is more accessible and family-friendly with a diverse lineup of accommodations to choose from. Also for the first time, there are more activities to do and sights to see as other beaches around the island have opened to the public!
Last but not the least, Boracay is now a haven for foodies as it teems with restaurants for every palette and budget. So wait no further and add Boracay to your revenge travel bucket list — including these four new eats!
1. Cha Cha’s Beach Café
As the main dining outlet of Coast Boracay, Cha Cha’s Beach Café has been reinvented recently with a fresh and fun menu by the Raintree group, to serve diverse and mouthwatering cuisines from across the world.
Savor spiced Asian dishes such as Nasi Lemak, Chicken Satay or Vietnamese BBQ Pork Vermicelli Bowl; or enjoy flavors from the West side, such as Italian pizzas and pasta, Tex-Mex taco selection, the very British beer-battered fish and chips, and even a Greek watermelon salad, among others.
With so many dishes to try, highly recommended is Cha Cha’s Butter Poached Steamer Bag or Cold Seafood Platter that is fitting for an island dining! The restaurant also has a winning chicken burger — it’s even named that way, the Winner Winner Fried Chicken on Brioche.
2. SpiceBird
Located at the very much expanded D’Mall, SpiceBird is a restaurant specializing in "piri-piri" chicken, a traditional dish hailing from Portugal that grills and chars chicken covered in chili paste and sauce. So if you love heat and spice, this is the place to be.
It carries a simple menu with mostly piri-piri grill, be it chicken, pork or seafood, but offers a variety with the level of spiciness and other sauces such as curry, garlic and lime, and hotbird (extra spicy). Because it has a simple menu, it does everything perfectly, especially the flavors and grill of its mains.
And oh, that butter roll that’s also grilled is a lovely side dish to the flavorful piri-piri.
3. Lemoni Café and Restaurant
Lemoni, also located at D’Mall, is known as a breakfast place that serves classic Filipino fare such as Pinoy tapa, smoked bangus and longganisa, alongside Western favorites eggs benedict, omelets and pancakes, among others.
It’s cozy design, inspired by the yellow and green citrus color of lemon, is also inviting Boracay visitors to dine any time of the day with a complete menu featuring appetizers, mains, pastas, snacks and beverages.
Most importantly, Lemoni is known for its cake selection to pair with coffee options. It even bakes customized cakes for special occasions on the island.
4. VHub seafood paluto
Of course, a Boracay trip will not be complete without a seafood "paluto"! This means ordering fresh or live seafood per gram, and then choosing a corresponding dish, upon which a food stall cooks it for you.
With D’Talipapa gone, there’s now the VHub Food Festival and Seafood Market found in not just one but two locations. Practically anything and everything seafood can be ordered in VHub, but actually, there’s more to this food hub.
A variety of food brands have stalls here, including the iconic Jonah’s Fruitshake and Snack Bar. You just can’t leave Boracay without trying its refreshments particularly the ultimate best-selling Banana Choco Peanut.
As a tip, dine in VHub at night because it has free performances - from live bands to fire dancers.
From the freshest seafood dishes to international flavors, Boracay is indeed a food lover’s island paradise.
RELATED: Lakbay Norte: Food trip around Nueva Ecija