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LA-UD: Elevating Aklanon Cuisine in the Heart of Boracay

Boracay’s unique and authentic Aklanon menu is found at Hue Hotels

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Danah Gutierrez

<p>Boracay is known for its stunning white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife, but it&#x27;s also booming with gastronomic establishments, and a plethora of dining options. Among the many restaurants that dot the island, <strong>LA-UD Restaurant </strong>in <strong>Hue Hotels &amp; Resorts</strong>, stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking a culinary adventure.</p><div><br/></div><p>Located at the heart of Station X, LA-UD is known for its laid-back and relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with a welcoming ambiance. The open-air seating allows diners to enjoy the poolside view as they savor their meals, while the attentive and friendly staff add to the warmth of true Boracay hospitality. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/11abcefe-2074-479d-9fc4-f309fc69233a_img_20230425_100350_482.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">LA-UD</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/5c5bd288-f8a8-485b-80fe-a155c49a57e5_20230405_121439.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">LA-UD</span></span></span></div><p>LA-UD Restaurant is a gem that offers a unique and authentic Aklanon dining experience. The name &#x27;La-ud&#x27; in the Cuyonon language means “from the sea”, but in Aklanon, it means &#x27;praise&#x27; or &#x27;commendation,&#x27; and it lives up to its name with its exceptional cuisine that has garnered rave reviews from both locals and tourists alike.</p><div><br/></div><p>“Aside from white sandy beaches, Aklan has so much more to offer, especially when it comes to flavor. We are inspired by the locals, and preserving their  traditional way of cooking,” Lhodie Caldeo shares, Operations Manager for Hue Hotels &amp; Resorts. The selection of heirloom dishes are usually served on special occasions, and they wanted tourists and travelers to get a taste of what it&#x27;s like to be eating at their fiestas. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/c74d8707-4dde-42fb-9012-595bc56e0b70_20230405_122509.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Authentic Aklanon dishes in LA-UD’s set menu</span></span></span></div><p>Aklanon cuisine refers to the traditional dishes and cooking styles of Aklan, a province in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is known for its simplicity, freshness, and reliance on locally available ingredients, including seafood, rice, coconut, and various vegetables and fruits. With their Sous Chef, Bryan Almeria, being born and raised in Aklan himself, and having 15 years of culinary experience under his belt, diners can be assured that these dishes are deliciously authentic.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/01c91dfe-c702-447d-a9e0-0a92e18f30b1_img_20230425_100350_537.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Sous Chef Bryan can take the heat, and he’s not leaving the kitchen</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Here’s what to expect from LA-UD’s Aklan’s Best Menu:</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/b49544cb-afdd-4135-8a29-d50f36743a72_img_20230425_102126_879.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Atsara (papaya relish) with dried fish</span></span></span></div>For a simple and fresh starter and side dish, there’s picked papayas with crispy dried fish that blends the tangy and salty for an addictive crunch.<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/d5e295d9-2f8d-4975-9da5-423a02884a12_img_20230425_102127_115.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Bas-Uy </span></span></span></div>Aklan’s take on “Dinuguan,” the Bas-Uy consists pork ribs that are stewed in liver and pork blood soup. The earthiness of the soup with a layer of beefy umami flavor really packs a lot of textures in the palate. This is my personal favorite from this menu (I just wish the pork ribs could’ve been more tender).<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/38863bb3-63f2-404a-a18a-65de16b1ceb0_img_20230425_102612_234.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Inubarang Manok </span></span></span></div>Fan of coconut milk? The classic dish Inubarang Manok is made with pressure-cooked native chicken, making it very soft and tender, stewed in very tasty coconut milk with banana pith. <div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/c58263fd-346f-4292-b977-38a15f0321cf_img_20230425_100351_073.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Tinu-om</span></span></span></div><p>The Tinu-om is a traditional Aklanon dish made by wrapping tambonggan fish in banana leaves with ginger, garlic, tomatoes, and onions, then steamed. It’s flakey, juicy, and tender; LA-UD really nailed this fish dish to the T. Simply put, it’s like eating steamed kilawin na isda, and it’s a sumptuous medley of seafood and vegetables with the mild punch of sourness in the palate. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/de756ee2-423c-471c-87dc-10670b52078d_img_20230425_102127_396.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Pork Adobo sa Gata</span></span></span></div><p>Aklanons sure love their coconut milk! Their version of the Pork Adobo is creamy, tangy, with a hint of nutty. The pork belly skin is crisped to perfection, while they managed to keep the meat tender and succulent. Topped with crushed pork rinds or chicharon, this dish is an instant crowd-pleaser for all pork lovers. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/68f0905d-ecca-4ce8-9cd8-0df05a83870f_img_20230425_100350_706.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Chicken Binakol</span></span></span></div><p>Aklanon&#x27;s chicken Tinola, LA-UD’s Chicken Binakol made with vegetables, and pressure-cooked native chicken bathed in coconut water, lemongrass, ginger, and other aromatic herbs, resulting in a light and refreshing soup with notes of caramel. This dish is truly unforgettable.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/19c2911d-9fae-4fb0-8acc-9af50a6d5fea_img_20230425_100350_871.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Bandi Sorbetes</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/fc35f660-8248-4a38-b180-9afb7ba0504e_img_20230425_102127_321.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Nilupak na Saging con Dulce de Leche</span></span></span></div><p>For sweet endings, the Bandi Sorbetes is LA-UD’s homemade coconut ube ice cream with candied young coconut. The richness of the ice cream is smooth and creamy (it felt like eating Italian gelato), while the candied young coconut adds a layer of gooey texture and sticky sweetness. It’s the perfect combination! I’d easily give this dessert 9 out of 10. The Nilupak na Saging is made with pounded banana plantain mixed with cheese for a unique taste, and beautifully decorated with a layer of sweet and creamy Dulce de Leche. This is a bit heavy, so you better save room for this dessert. Don’t worry, it won’t disappoint.</p><div><br/></div><p>When asked what’s the goal of LA-UD for creating this menu, Caldeo shares, “Our goal is to help the locals promote the delicacies that Aklan can best offer. We also aim to educate young aspiring local chefs by preserving the traditional way of cooking, while maintaining the authenticity of the dishes.”</p><div><br/></div><p>Boracay may be famous for its powdery white sands and crystal clear shores, but I believe it’s time for it to be known for its authentic, home-cooked, Aklanon soul food. </p><div><br/></div><p>The Aklanon’s Best Menu starts at P800 per head, with Set 1 consisting of the Astara with dried fish, Bas-Uy, Inubarang Manok, Bandi Sorbetes, and Buko Juice; while Set 2 consists of Tinu-om, Chicken Binakol, Pork Adobo sa Gata, Nilupak na Saging con Dulce de Leche, and Calamansi Juice. </p><div><br/></div><div><em>LA-UD is located at Station X, Hue Hotels &amp; Resorts, Station 2, Boracay Island, Philippines. Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stationxboracay" target="_blank">@stationxboracay</a> on Instagram for more updates.</em></div>