High on most people’s list of priorities will of course be lunch, and there is a variety of little cafés and coffee shops to suit almost every taste and budget.
While at first the array of choices may seem slightly bewildering, café dining is certainly conducive to beach living, with light meals being served in a relaxed and informal setting. At most of these laid-back eateries you will feel perfectly comfortable in your beach attire, though perhaps with the addition of a sarong!
To the north of boat station 1, the ever popular Jony’s is about as close to the beach as it is possible to be, and this café could hardly be more convenient for grabbing a tasty snack without straying too far from your favourite patch of sand. Whet your appetite with one of their famous fruit shakes, which come in almost every flavour imaginable. The menu focuses primarily on Mexican specialities, offering a mouthwatering selection of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas and fajitas, as well as pizzas and freshly grilled seafood dishes.
If charming, native style establishments appeal to you, be sure to pay a visit to the Real Coffee and Tea Café (near boat station 1), where you can sample a taste of old fashioned island hospitality alongside the tempting menu of pancakes, salads, omelettes, home baked cakes and cookies and of course, an impressive choice of freshly brewed coffees and teas. The tuna melt sandwiches are a must-try, as are the melt-in-the-mouth chocolate brownies.
Owned and managed by friendly mother and daughter team Lee and Nadine, Real Coffee has been a much loved favourite amongst island regulars since 1996.
In the busy mall plaza, the soothing lemon coloured décor at the aptly named Lemon Café is a veritable oasis of calm, and offers the perfect respite from the heat of the day - as well as being an ideal vantage point for a spot of people watching. The emphasis here is on “creative modern cuisine”, with dishes which are both delicious and healthy. The breads and patisserie selections are prepared on site at the café’s own little bakery, and the menu lists dishes as diverse as eggs benedict, Thai lemon chicken ciabatta and pan-fried fillet of Mahi Mahi. For the ultimate in liquid refreshment, sip on a cooling mint and pineapple crush while savouring your lunch.High above the hustle and bustle of the crowds in the mall, Crafty’s Rooftop Bar and Coffee Shop (at Crafts Department Store) offers one of the best scenic views to be found on the island. As well as deli-style sandwiches and pastries, you can enjoy filled baked potatoes (the chilli with sour cream is especially good), all day breakfasts and traditional English pies. The lofty location of this café also has the distinct advantage of catching a fresh sea breeze – whichever coast it may be coming from – and if you wish to combine a meal with a shopping spree, this is the ideal place to satisfy both cravings at once!
Just a short walk south of boat station 2, you’ll find another quaint native themed eatery – the Barracuda Snack Bar. The rustic driftwood counter and stools at this diminutive establishment are almost at odds with the extensive menu; choose from sandwiches, salads and fruit pancakes or opt for one of the more unusual European dishes, including muesli, rosti, schnitzel, potato salad & Hungarian sausages. The warm and friendly atmosphere at this small, family-run cafe ensures that it is rarely without customers.
Not far from boat station 3, look out for the beach-front café at Arwana Resort. This little café has a modern feel, while retaining a relaxed and friendly ambience. Arwana specializes in an excellent selection of breakfast dishes and light meals which are served all day, including sandwiches, omelettes, sweet and savoury pancakes and the popular favourite - breakfast burritos. Home baked pastries and cakes are available to satisfy your sweet cravings, and there is a selection of sizzling plates fresh from the grill, for those with heartier appetites.
And a little further south, the eclectic restaurant at the cosy Blue Mango Inn is the perfect location to relax, unwind, and escape the crowds. The attractively designed interior has rustic wooden floors, while the walls are adorned with colourful tropical murals. Tempt your tastebuds with unusual mango inspired dishes such as grilled chicken breast with mango glaze, fish fillet with mango dip, beef and mango salsa, and the special Mango Caesar Salad. But if mango is not your favourite fruit, don’t despair! There are plenty more delicious dishes on offer, such as pasta, steaks and home-made hamburgers. Enjoy your meal on the bamboo roof-deck for a great scenic view of the beach.
So with these ideas in mind, enjoy eating your way around Boracay – and it surely won’t be long before you discover some new favourites of your own!
Published: Philippinewide Magazine (May 2007)
and www.boracayspot.com
