The Visayas, Philippines
Filipino cuisine blends Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American influences. Flavors balance sweet, sour, and salty notes. Vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger are common.
Rice is a staple. Other common elements include onions, tomatoes, calamansi, coconut milk, and fish sauce. Pork, chicken, fish, and abundant seafood are .
Typically from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Includes rice, eggs, cured meats, or fish.
Usually between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
Typically enjoyed between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
Often considered the national dish. Meat (chicken or pork) stewed in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and peppercorns. Widely available.
A savory, tangy staple.
A sour and savory soup or stew, typically with meat or fish and vegetables. Tamarind provides the sour flavor. Find it in most Filipino eateries.
A comforting, tangy soup.
Fresh grilled fish (Lapu-Lapu, Tuna), prawns, squid, and oysters are abundant. Many beachfront restaurants cook seafood to order.
Ocean fresh flavors.
Isaw (grilled intestines), Kwek-Kwek (deep-fried quail eggs), and Fishballs/Kikiam (fried skewers).
Mango shake (ubiquitous!), Buko juice (fresh coconut water), San Miguel Beer, Red Horse Beer, Tanduay Rhum.
Find a wide selection of eateries offering diverse menus and pleasant atmospheres.
Taste authentic local flavors without straining your budget.
Increasingly available, especially in Station 2. Many restaurants can adapt dishes. Nonie's is known for healthy options.
Communicate clearly, as fish sauce, shrimp paste, and meat broths are common in Filipino cooking.
Halal options are available at some restaurants catering to Middle Eastern or Malaysian/Indonesian tourists. Kosher options are extremely limited or non-existent.
Travelers needing strict Kosher diets should bring their own food or pre-order.
Learn to prepare classic Filipino dishes.
Explore Talipapa Market and local eateries.
Select fresh seafood and have it cooked.
Enjoy meals directly on the sand, especially at sunset.
Use platforms like TripAdvisor and Google Maps to find restaurants catering to dietary needs.
Check recent reviews for current information.
Communicate with your hotel in advance. They may recommend suitable dining spots or provide guidance.
Concierge services can be valuable.
Farm visits and tours of food producers are not common on Boracay due to limited agricultural land.
No major, regularly scheduled food festivals are dedicated to the island's cuisine.
Talipapa Market offers an unique "Dampa style" dining experience, allowing you to select fresh seafood and have it cooked.
Many restaurants on White Beach set up tables directly on the sand for unparalleled al-fresco dining, popular at sunset.
Carinderias and local eateries on the main road offer an authentic taste of daily island life and interaction with residents.
A traditional Filipino practice, especially at informal eateries. It adds to the authentic experience.
Try it at a local carinderia for an authentic meal.
Mid-morning or mid-afternoon snacks are very common. Filipinos enjoy light bites between main meals.
Enjoy a turon or puto from a street vendor.
Pizzerias and pasta restaurants are widely available, especially in Station 2.
Diners and fast-food style options for burgers, fries, and comfort food.
Japanese, Korean, Thai, Indian, and Middle Eastern restaurants offer diverse choices.
Always try the fresh mango shake from various vendors; quality varies, and finding your favorite is part of the experience.
