I miss the old restaurant scene in Boracay where most of the places were unique, the food was yummy, and you could immerse yourself in the Boracay beach vibe. In 2012, most of the restaurants that have opened are franchised / commercialized chains from Manila or bars trying to be restos.
We asked around to find the best places to eat these days in Boracay, and we got a foodie tip that the best Indian Cuisine on the island is now located on a rooftop bar called Crafty’s.
The concept was a bit weird, yes, but these are exactly the places that we want to find — something uniquely Boracay, with foodies raving about the food, and where the locals unwind.
Here’s the story on Crafty’s Rooftop Bar in Boracay…
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We were told that it was located on the rooftop of the building at the back of D’Mall in Station 2 (where the paluto market is located).
We had to climb three levels of dodgy stairs to reach Crafty’s Rooftop Bar.
We were a bit hesitant to eat there because it was like a bar shack where foreigners and local women meet. But we did like the secret-rooftop-alfresco vibe of the place.
Crafty’s is owned by a British man named David Craft. He worked with an Indian chef to provide the “Best Indian Food in the Philippines” according to the Shangri-La Boracay GM.
We liked its elevated view of Boracay Station 2. It’s best to eat here around sunset — just the perfect backdrop for a Boracay date with the wifey. 🙂
Crafty’s Menu: Soup, Salads, Appetizers | Appetizers, From the Farmers | From the Fisherman’s Net, Chicken | Chicken, Lamb, Pork | Beef, Chawal Indian Basmati Rice, Straight From Tandoori Oven | Burgers, Sandwiches, Pizza | Pasta, Mini Pasta, Main Course | Filipino/Asian Foods, Special | Special from the Grill, Value Meals | Combo Meals, Thai Style | Steaks, Pies, Choices of Pancit | Rice, Cold Drinks in Can, Juices in Can | Jalpan, Lassi
The menu is eclectic with Continental cuisine, served side by side with Filipino food, a dash of Thai food, and the best Indian Cuisine on the island (better than True Food).
The servers have basketball jersey-inspired uniforms with their name printed on the back. They are among the most friendly and most helpful waitstaff we have ever encountered in any restaurant.
I’m surprised they don’t even charge the usual 10% service charge when you eat in Crafty’s.
★ Chicken Tikka Colcha (P170).
The Colcha — it seemed like a pizza+quesadilla hybrid — was highly recommended. A bit heavy but a good appetizer to start with.
I liked Colcha’s generous filling and the yogurt dip that went with it. We even asked for a complimentary second helping of the dip. 🙂
The lamb meat was very flavorful and tender. Sauce pa lang, ulam na, as the saying goes. It’s good to share for 2-3 people and best paired with the bread or rice.
Plain Naan (P80).
The naan bread had the right crustiness and chewiness. We prefer it plain so that it can go well with meat or sauce-laden dishes.
Turmeric Pullao (P160). Mixed Basmati rice with Turmeric flavor.
Sarap!
Mango Lassi (P120). Fresh Yogurt blended with Mango.
Even the mango lassi was really good — not too dense, not too sweet. It had just the right flavor.
It rained after a while, so we had to transfer to the mezzanine floor restaurant.
You can go down via the department store where you can buy just about anything you would need on the island.
On the ground floor, you’ll find Craft’s Supermarket where you can buy your food supplies during your stay in Boracay.
Overall, Crafty’s is highly recommended for its Indian food and rooftop ambiance. Check it out if you are looking for something new to try or a place where local Boracay businessmen hang out.
Crafts of Boracay
Main Road Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.
Telephone: (+63) 036-2886857
Email: info@craftsofboracay.com or craftsofboracay@yahoo.com.ph
Website: Crafty’s Rooftop Bar
Related BORACAY Blog Posts:
- BORACAY’s White Christmas: 10 Never-Boring Experiences to Enjoy with your Kids!
- THE DISTRICT Experience: A Perfect Location for Families with Kids @DistrictBoracay
- Boracay 2012: CRAFTY’S ROOFTOP BORACAY – Best Indian Cuisine on the Island?
- What’s New in Boracay in 2010? (Part 1 of 2)
- What’s New in Boracay in 2010? (Part 2 of 2)
- Tips on Getting To and Around Boracay – 2009
- Boracay 101: A Bora First Timer’s Guide To Boracay’s Best Restaurants, Must Try Food and Gimmick Places
- Top5 Bora Resto! [ The Bora Life #3 ]
- My Mandala Spa Experience [ The Bora Life #2 ]
- [The Bora Life.1] Top Ten 10 Cool Things to do in Boracay!
- Boracay’s Mystique…
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Full Disclosure: Nothing to disclose. We paid for our meals. We are not connected with the establishment or any organization promoting it.
P.S. I’m still looking for new and unique food in Boracay this 2012. Any recommendations?
Urgh!! You just made me crave for awesome Indian Food. I remember Soul Food in Boracay back in the early 2000s, I thought they did pretty good (quality wise). This Crafty’s place looks and feels (I’m sure smells) amazing. I can’t wait to go back. I’m almost tempted to go ASAP just to have their food. Yum! Thanks A&R for always giving us the opportunity to virtual foodies. 😀
Looks nasty. I doubt this is the best Indian cuisine in Boracay with its mish mash menu.
It’s actually really good. I was surprised too.
Nice find, Anton! Who knew there’s something like this on a rooftop in Boracay! Will definitely try this one the next time I visit the island.
I think the best Indian food I’ve ever had is still from Swagat, and the best curries I have ever tasted are still from Assad. But the Turmeric Pullao looks lovely!
the island sure is changing. is true food indian resto still around?
Crafty’s Rooftop Bar? Have never been there. But looking at the pictures, I think their Turmeric Pullaois a must-try! The price sounds good, too.
What a fun place! We love Indian food and eating it in an unusual spot such as this probably elevates the experience even more. We’ll definitely look for this place on our next trip to Boracay.
Great place and delicious foods! I’d love to try all of those specially the Mixed Basmati rice. I wondered what it taste like.. 🙂