Camiguin may be best known for its stunning white beaches, volcanoes, and the sweetest lanzones, but it is also becoming more well-known for versatile restaurants worth visiting. Whether you are vegan or a meat lover, this island province offers a wealth diversity of affordable food spots where you can enjoy Camiguin’s signature chill atmosphere, fresh seafood and produce, and sumptuous dishes suited for both vegans and non-vegans that will give all similar restos in the country a run for their money.
Here are four of the most memorable ones we tried during our Camiguin trip.
Hayahay Cafe
Bug-ong, Mambajao, Camiguin
0916 529 0283
facebook.com/hayahaycafesacamiguin/
Open Tuesdays to Sundays from 8 am to 7:30 pm; Closed on Mondays
Modest and compact, Hayahay Cafe might not seem too distinguishable in its location along the road in Mambajao, but step in and you will find a small Boho-chic space with the best pancakes this side of the island. Hayahay Cafe also serves amazing vegan items like Black China, a bowl of soy rice with sauteed vegetables.
0916 529 0283
facebook.com/hayahaycafesacamiguin/
Open Tuesdays to Sundays from 8 am to 7:30 pm; Closed on Mondays
Modest and compact, Hayahay Cafe might not seem too distinguishable in its location along the road in Mambajao, but step in and you will find a small Boho-chic space with the best pancakes this side of the island. Hayahay Cafe also serves amazing vegan items like Black China, a bowl of soy rice with sauteed vegetables.
The pancakes are quite excellent, too, and come in servings that are good for sharing. We also had the chicken schnitzel – chicken fillet with a side of crispy fries – which were tender, crisp, and surprisingly light and not greasy.
Sandwiches such as Fisherman’s friend – a grilled sandwich with smoked salmon and mozzarella cheese – are favorites too. Shakes are quite refreshing as well, and definitely a must for those who like shakes with less sugar and more fruit pulp.
La Dolce Vita Camiguin
Camiguin Circumferential Rd, Mambajao, Camiguin (right across the airport)
0936 100 4733
https://www.facebook.com/La-DOLCE-VITA-Camiguin-573897679382025/
Open Wednesdays to Mondays from 7 am to 10 pm
0936 100 4733
https://www.facebook.com/La-DOLCE-VITA-Camiguin-573897679382025/
Open Wednesdays to Mondays from 7 am to 10 pm
Italian cuisine lovers often troop to La Dolce Vita, an al fresco restaurant known for its thin, brick-oven pizzas. Pizzas come in a wide variety, all inspired by the hometown of Italian owner Alessandro, who also serves as the head chef and occasionally, a server too.
The pastas are also a hit, as well as their Italian desserts and caffeinated brews. Whichever you prefer, you can be sure the ingredients are up to par, as Allesandro imports the main ingredients. You can request dishes to be prepared without meats, butter, or cheese if you’re vegan.
Guerrera
Pearl Street, Rocky Village, Brgy. Yumbing, Mambajao, Camiguin
0917 311 9859
https://www.facebook.com/guerreraricepaddyvillasandrestaurant/
Open daily from 12 pm –2:30 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm
0917 311 9859
https://www.facebook.com/guerreraricepaddyvillasandrestaurant/
Open daily from 12 pm –2:30 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm
Love Asian cuisine? Make your way to Guerrera and enjoy choosing from Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, and other Oriental dishes – all prepared the farm-to-table way. The resto is owned and run by a naturalist couple, one-half of which is Pinay chef who specializes in Asian street food and trained in the Le Cordon Bleu in Bangkok. Must-tries include the banh xeo – a shrimp and pork roll served with yummy dips – pad thai, banh mi, and char siu.
The Vietnamese coffee is a standout too – close enough or even at par with authentic ones you will in Vietnam. If you want vegan items, there’s plenty to choose from too, or simply ask and they will happily oblige.
The Asian menu is complemented by a beautiful view of expansive rice paddies and majestic Mt. Hibok Hibok. Guerrera also has beautiful rice paddy villas for those who would like to stay the night.
Kurma Eco Beach Lodge
Brgy. Yumbing, Mambajao, Camiguin
0917 104 0610
https://www.facebook.com/Kurmafreedivecamiguin/
There’s probably no seaside sunset view more enchanting than the one you will have at Kurma while enjoying ice cold beer. This eco beach lodge slash dive resort also operates a vegan-friendly restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining by the sea. You will find more vegan dishes on the menu than non-vegan meals, but rest assured that even meat lovers will not regret ordering it.
There’s vegetarian steak, grilled pumpkin on a bed of mung beans; vegetarian kare-kare for starters. We’d also recommend the coconut burger, whose patty is made purely from grated coconut then drizzled with teriyaki sauce. If you’re looking for meat-based dishes, you can start off with Kurmadobo – which comes with three pieces of chicken, vegetables, and rice – or pork ragu.
