Reasons to Head down South this Summer, featuring 5 Healthy Comfort Foods

Hotter-than-usual days could mean only one thing: summer is just around the corner. When summer kicks in, everyone seems to be in a better mood. Since it’s a two-month long vacation, (most) students don’t have to worry about curfew or waking up early the next day to beat the clock for the first period class. This also means more quality time with family and friends since the warm weather is perfect for road trips or any fun outdoor activities. For those in the workforce, well, it’s business as usual, but for the most part it is the best season to travel and have the much needed great time to relax by soaking up the sun at your dream beach destination.

Another reason why summer is the most preferred would be the sumptuous comfort foods. Unlike rainy season which mostly consists of hearty meals and hot pot, summer is all about getting into the fitness scene. That’s why healthy and diet meals are such a hit during this time of the year.

Inspired by the market’s growing desire for healthy and delicious food, Asian-fusion restaurant Buku Buku Kafe curates yet another astounding list of comfort foods that will surely keep your stomach growl. The bonus part: this restaurant will not compromise their tasty dishes with the occasional unexciting healthy diet.

Here’ our top five picks that are enough reasons for you to drive all the way down South. Try one (or all!) this week.

Seafood Arabiata, P385.00

If you want to ditch rice this summer for an equally mouth-watering carb, try their ‘Seafood Arabiata’ pasta which has an assortment of fish, clams, shrimp dressed in smoky tomato sauce and garnished with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese. Pastas will always be perfect for a quick lunch or a dinner for two over some red wine.

I Love You, Tofu, P165.00

Want to get serious with dieting and stretch your buck? Try their ‘I Love You, Tofu’. Everyone knows that tofu is packed with nutrients so it’s the perfect summer go-to meal that doesn’t compromise good taste. Buku Buku Kafe’s version is made up of tofu and meat balls with French beans, coriander, sweet & spicy sauce for dipping, and fried mushroom rice. If you’re picky with rice, you may ask them to replace your white rice with brown rice.

Vegan Quesadillas, P165.00

If you’re looking for a perfect hangout place to reconnect with friends over good food, or simply for client meetings (if you happen to be in the area), order their ‘Vegan Quesadillas’. As the name suggests, it’s super healthy and tasty! The melted cheese, caramelized onions, spinach, and sautéed shiitake mushrooms with corn salsa, and mango chutney creates an explosive flavor as filling for the toasted tortilla wrap. Paired with their signature House Tanglad juice or Green Apple Mint juice, you’ll find yourself ordering for your second or third plate real quick.

Lord Green, P179.00

This has got to be one of the café’s go-to meals for all-things comfort. Looks simple at first glance, but this is one good example of deconstructing something so simple and elevating it to something wonderful. If you’re just looking for that perfect appetizer or a snack anytime of the day, this is something you can order without feeling guilty afterwards. The toasted Baguette slices already smell amazingly garlicky, and then you pair it with an amazing roasted malunggay-cheese dip. To add, this dish goes with Kamote chips on the side.

Green Papaya Salad, P199.00

Our list wouldn’t be complete without the greens. If you’re more on the serious side of fitness and really follows a strict diet, go for the ‘Green Papaya Salad’ the next time you visit Buku Buku Kafe. With your choice of either a full-on vegetarian or pescatarian ingredients, you can start your day with a nutritious and balanced meal. Made up of shredded papaya with assortment of fruits and vegetables and topped with honey-citrus dressing, this can be good starter or a standalone meal. This also goes well with their English breakfast tea.

Indeed, summertime in the Philippines can be a little overwhelming with everyone trying to get that beach-bod but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your cravings for some classic comfort foods. Buku Buku Kafe is one of those hole-in-the-wall great finds in the south that serve classic Asian cuisine with a creative twist. From its inception back in 2016, the café has been tirelessly exploring ways to bring fresh offerings to its loyal guests. While retaining their popular dishes, they always try to bring something new every season.

About Buku Buku Kafe

Inspired by the Bahasa term for ‘many many books’, Buku Buku Kafe is a multi-functional Asian-fusion restaurant that doubles up as a coffee shop and an art space for the thriving and young creative community in the South. Founded in early 2016 by mother-daughter-son trio—Lyn, Jessica, and Nicholas Santiago—Buku Buku Kafe is all about combining different flavors of Southeast Asia with the best classic Filipino dishes.

Buku Buku Kafe’s flagship dining space is located at the ground floor of SM Southmall Las Pinas, while the second and newly opened branch is at the Lower Ground Level of SM Dasmarinas, Governor’s Drive, Dasmarinas, Cavite. For updates and events, follow them on Facebook: Facebook.com/BukuBukuKafe and on Instagram: @bukubuku.kafe.