Swim, soak, and…eat? Discover what locals eat at TripAdvisor’s No. 1 Restaurant

Written and photographed by: Lory Alba

Additional photos courtesy of Los Indios Bravos Boracay and Instagram

Summer is here and for many beach-goers, it can only mean one thing: Boracay! The absolute summer destination of choice, Boracay is popular not just for many Filipinos but for a lot of foreigners, too. Visitors never tire of swimming in the blue waters, soaking under the sun, witnessing those glorious sunsets that take your breath away, and of course, partying ‘til dawn. But there is another activity that you will be surprised to know that Boracay has gained tremendous reputation for: EAT.

Boracay as a food destination? You betcha!

Whether you are a meat eater or a dessert lover, there is something on this island for you. Food, after all, is universal. So let me take you on a gastronomic adventure, my “Top 10 Eats When in Boracay”, where there is something for everyone.

10. For the Seafood Lover

If you love all things underwater, like me, then you will fall in love with these Oyster Rockafellers. Perhaps the best appetizer I’ve ever tasted, this dish boasts huge baked oysters with spinach, Mornay sauce (which consists of Bechamel sauce with egg yolk and Gruyere cheese!), topped with bacon bits and melted parmesan cheese.

And if that is not enough to satisfy your seafood craving, go on an all-out seafood diet (you know, when you see food, you eat it) with the Fruits de Mer platter—prawns, smoked salmon, oysters, tuna tataki, smoked tanigue, baby octopus and mussels served with condiments and sauces. Seafood heaven! Just make sure to share.

9. For the Health Conscious

If maintaining your bikini bod for summer is the key priority, then the Cobb Salad is the right choice for you. It’s incredibly light but satisfying at the same time! How can you ever go wrong with grilled chicken with salmon, bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato, red onions, and blue cheese with apple cider vinaigrette?

8. For the Sandwich Lover

You gotta try the Reuben’s! I am never a fan of corned beef but this sandwich made me a believer. You get fresh, homemade chunky corned beef with sauerkraut, gruyere cheese, and Thousand Island dressing with a side of pickles and chips. It’s the perfect meryenda after an afternoon of shopping and strolling in D’mall or swimming in the white beach.

7. If You’re Looking for the Perfect Summer Drink

These rich and creamy milkshakes will do the trick! It’s a great treat for the kids and kids-at-heart after swimming and playing under the sun. Cool milkshakes on a hot summer day, need I say more?

6. For the Pizza Fanatics

The Curried Chicken Paratha Pizza is a definite must-try when in Boracay! Flaky Indian bread stuffed with chicken, raisins, cashews, and yogurt. It comes in a huge portion, too so it’s perfect for sharing—or you know, for one, if you have an appetite as big as mine!

5. For the Salmon Lover

I have to admit: I love my salmon—sashimi if you ask how I like it! Which is why I was delighted when my dad ordered the Pan Roasted Salmon Fillet on my second return to the restaurant. And boy, he and I enjoyed it both (Yep, I shamelessly asked for some off his plate!). Enjoy a big chunk of beautifully-roasted salmon served with steakhouse sauce and a green salad with passion fruit dressing.

4. For the: Sausage Fans

Perhaps the first dish I’ve tried and instantly fell in love with, the house Sausage and Mash! That’s four types of sausages—Bratwurst, Cheese Bockwurst, Hungarian, and Kielbasa served with, in my opinion, the creamiest mashed potato in the world. And you’d know by now I am serious with my food. Don’t believe me? Well, there’s only one way to find out!

3. For the Eat-All-You-Can Competitive Eater

Wednesdays are the absolute best! Dubbed as Wing Wednesday, you get you to eat all the chicken wings you can at a reasonable price. That’s bucket loads of ultra-crispy chicken wings with your choice of sweet honey, garlic or spicy Jolokiah ghost pepper glaze! Perfect with beer if you ask me!

2. For the Meat Lover

If U.S Angus Beef Back Ribs is what you are searching for, then you found them. A generous serving of baby back ribs with Hickory smoked BBQ sauce and your choice of side dish, the Dino Ribs is the monster meal for the monster appetite!

1. For the Beer Drinker

Capping off my top 10 list is, of course, beer. Although not a big beer drinker, I have recently come to appreciate local brews. Hence I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that some really good ones are being served in Boracay! India Pale Ale, Wheat Ale, Porter, Blond Ale, Belgian Indial Pale Ale, Kolsch—you name it, they have it. The best part? You have a whole menu that’s perfect with beer!

You would have realized by now that my Top 10 Eats can all be found in Los Indios Bravos Boracay, hailed as the Number 1 Restaurant in Boracay by TripAdvisor. (Honestly, I am not surprised why!) After discovering this place just last year (they opened in 2014), Los Indios Bravos Boracay has quickly became a favorite. Top quality food paired with great service—that’s what keeps me coming back for more!

Thinking about the Sausage and Mash and those Oyster Rockafellers that I obviously cannot get enough of, I am now mentally planning my next trip to Boracay.

How about you? Made you hungry too, eh?

Los Indios Bravos Boracay is located at Road 1-A, Bulabog Beach, Boracay. For more information, visit their Facebook page <facebook.com/losindiosbravosboracay> or follow their Instagram account <@losindiosbravosboracay