Tag: travel

Boracay’s powdery white sands and postcard-worthy sunsets might be its biggest calling cards, but here’s a hot tip: the real magic often happens on your plate. Nestled across five distinct properties, the Mandarin Premier Hotels and Resorts Group doesn’t just offer beachfront bliss—it delivers a feast for the senses.

With over 17 years of family-run hospitality, the Mandarin Premier portfolio—Mandarin Bay Resort & Spa, Mandarin Nest Boracay, Mandarin White Sand, Island Inn Boracay, and Mandarin Island Hotel Boracay—serves dishes that blend Filipino soul with global flair. Best of all? You don’t need to be a guest to savor their culinary creations. Ready to eat your way through Boracay’s flavorful finds? Here’s your guide to the must-try dishes that make Mandarin Premier a food lover’s paradise.

A Feast of Flavors at La Fiesta Restaurant at Mandarin Bay Resort

At Mandarin Bay Resort & Spa, La Fiesta Restaurant is a culinary carnival. Picture this: a dinner buffet brimming with bold flavors, headlined by the showstopping USDA Angus Prime Rib. Sliced to medium-rare perfection, it’s tender, juicy, and drizzled with silky red wine sauce. Could this be Boracay’s best roast? Quite possibly.

The buffet offers a delightful variety of global flavors on one plate. Start with succulent goat and duck roasts, then pivot to Japanese sashimi—tuna and salmon so fresh, its delicate flavor is a cool contrast to the richness of the prime rib. Indian curries, like the fiery Goat and Lamb Curry, pack a punch, while the Asian Street Food corner tempts with crispy chicken skin and bang-bang shrimp. Don’t skip the Cajun Seafood Boil—it’s a briny, spicy masterpiece. Kids couldn’t get enough of the Shrimp Tempura, piling their plates high.

Breakfast keeps the party going. Congee became my morning ritual, warm and comforting, while Filipino classics like fried rice and crispy Bagnet won every table. The kids played egg roulette, sampling every style, and the bread bar kept things light. La Fiesta’s festive vibe—think global flavors with a Boracay twist—makes every meal a celebration. What’s not to love?

Hakuna Matata’s Island Party: Boodle and Burgers

Over at Mandarin Nest Boracay, Hakuna Matata turns dining into a beachside celebration. The Festive Boodle hit the table like a Boracay masterpiece—served in a ship-shaped vessel, with rice anchoring a bounty of seafood and meats. The squid? Buttery soft. The shrimp? Pure ocean bliss. Grilled skewers with just the right char stole the show. Classic Pinoy sides—salted eggs, juicy tomatoes, sweet mangoes—add that unmistakable local soul, while dynamite sticks bring a spicy zing. Dip everything into curry, achara, or peanut butter sauces for a flavor explosion. This isn’t just food—it’s Boracay’s boldest boodle, bursting with fresh island vibes.

Then comes the Lava Cheeseburger, a social media-worthy star. Picture this: a server handing you a jug of hot, gooey cheese to pour over a sizzling burger. The cheesy cascade is pure foodie theater—mesmerizing and totally Insta-worthy. That first bite? Juicy beef wrapped in a warm, melty hug. It’s not just a burger; it’s a vibe, blending bold flavor and fun in true island style.

Hakuna Matata’s standout dishes capture the carefree spirit of Boracay. Whether you’re after a shareable feast or a solo burger moment, Hakuna Matata nails the perfect mix of fun and flavor.

Italian Bliss at Mamma Mia Ristorante Italiano

Craving carbs and comfort? Mamma Mia Ristorante Italiano brings a slice of Italy to the island. A visit to Mandarin Bay Resort & Spa isn’t complete without a delicious detour to Mamma Mia Ristorante Italiano, where comfort food takes on an Italian twist. This charming Italian eatery is known for its laid-back vibe, family-friendly atmosphere, and seriously satisfying dishes.

One of its standout features? A hands-on pizza-making activity for kids. Young diners are handed fresh dough and a colorful array of toppings, then guided by a professional chef to shape, create, and bake their own pies in a brick-oven. It’s a unique offering on the island—and one that instantly levels up the family vacation experience.

Then come the signature dishes. The 4 Cheese Pizza with Burrata is a creamy dream, with a chewy crust and melty layers of cheese topped with luscious burrata. The Truffle Pasta delivers pure indulgence—rich, earthy, and silky in every bite. But the show-stealer? The Shrimp Spinach Pesto. With its tender pasta, perfectly cooked shrimp, and pesto that strikes the perfect balance of flavor, it’s a dish that leaves a lasting impression.

Mamma Mia is more than just a restaurant—it’s a go-to for comfort, creativity, and crave-worthy Italian favorites right on the beach. Whether it’s for the pizza, the pasta, or the one-of-a-kind experience for the little ones, this island favorite is worth the stop.

Coastal Comfort at Eight by the Beach

At Eight by the Beach, cozy meets classy. This beachfront favorite keeps things simple—but never boring—with a thoughtfully curated buffet lineup that has guests coming back for seconds (and thirds). At Mandarin White Sand, Eight by the Beach proves small spaces can pack big flavor.

This Station 3 lunch buffet is a steal, serving unlimited seafood and Filipino favorites with ocean views. Sweet Chili Seafood is the star—every plate grabs a scoop of its sticky-spicy glory. Vegetable Kare-Kare, with its peanutty depth and bagoong kick, won me over.

The kids popped crispy Fried Siomai like candy, while Pork Kilawin and Binagoongan brought tangy thrills. The Garlic Buttered Chicken added a savory kick, and the Bam-I noodles satisfied with a hearty pancit-sotanghon mix.

This buffet keeps it simple but soulful, turning lunch into a beachside delight. Eight by the Beach is your go-to for affordable, beachfront comfort.

Don Vito Boracay at Mandarin Island Hotel

Capping off a Boracay getaway with a visit to Don Vito Boracay at Mandarin Island Hotel is the perfect way to end on a high note. This beachfront Italian favorite delivers live acoustic music, indulgent comfort food, and a laid-back sunset ambiance that brings everything together.

The afternoon opened on a sweet note with Healthy Yogurt Ice Cream, freshly churned in-house. Flavors like mango, buko pandan, and chocolate each took the spotlight—smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced. Then came the Oversized Halo-Halo, served in a coconut shell and packed with shaved ice, local ingredients, and classic summer flavors. Made for sharing, this playful twist on a Pinoy classic was refreshing in every sense.

Then came the star of the table: the Don Vito Special Pizza. One bite and it’s easy to see why it’s an island favorite. The crust was crisp yet chewy, the toppings thoughtfully layered—a pizza that raises the bar for Boracay’s best. It’s comfort food done right, with every slice delivering bold, balanced flavor—perfect for a leisurely beachfront meal.

Paella hits different when there’s family history involved. Our late uncle’s version was a legend in its own right, so we approached Don Vito’s Paella Valenciana with both excitement and high expectations. One bite in, and the table went quiet. The second bite? Instant confirmation. This wasn’t just dinner—it was a tribute to tradition, the kind of dish that stops time and brings back memories you didn’t know you missed. Simple, soulful, and bursting with flavor, each spoonful told a story of heritage and heart. It tasted like home. And for that unforgettable finale, we couldn’t be more grateful.

With its inviting setting and satisfying dishes, Don Vito Boracay is the kind of place that brings the whole Boracay experience together in one memorable meal.

A Culinary Tale of Tradition and Taste

This flavorful journey with Mandarin Premier Hotels and Resorts kicked off with the bold, festive bites of La Fiesta—think USDA Angus Prime Rib and Cajun Seafood Boil that set the tone for indulgence. It continued with the tropical flair of Hakuna Matata’s Festive Boodle, the Italian comfort of Mamma Mia’s Shrimp Spinach Pesto, and the coastal comfort of Eight by the Beach’s Sweet Chili Seafood. The grand finale? Don Vito’s Paella Valenciana, rich with tradition and flavor that felt like home.

Boracay is full of great eats, but these signature dishes truly stand out—flavorful, comforting, and hard to forget. From molten cheeseburgers to soul-stirring paellas, each one leaves a lasting impression. With Mandarin Premier at the helm, every meal feels like part of a story worth savoring. Whether you’re a foodie chasing bold flavors or a traveler seeking the heart of Boracay, these restaurants offer more than just a meal—they deliver an experience that lingers long after the last bite. So, grab a table, bring your appetite, and let Mandarin Premier’s culinary magic elevate your island adventure. Visit their website to explore menus, make reservations, or plan your stay—your taste buds will thank you.