Shaka Cafe

Let's be upfront: Shaka is a good spot, not a great meal. It's a lovely place for a smoothie bowl and coffee in the morning — not where you'll have your best meal on Siquijor. If you're after top-tier smoothie bowls, Luca Loko does them better.

What makes the place is the place. Shaka sits with its feet in the sand in San Juan, under the coconut palms, with direct beach access. It's the only fully vegan spot on the west coast: the entire menu is plant-based, and coffee is made with plant milk only — worth knowing if you're traveling vegan.

What to order: the smoothie bowls, still the specialty — regulars mention the salted caramel, peanut butter, açaí and Bom Dia bowls, all around ₱330. Alongside them, the Kasbah wraps are worth a look. Budget about ₱180 for an iced latte.

What it actually is: a franchise, with branches in Siargao, Moalboal, Panglao and Manila. It's not a one-off local spot, and that shows in the prices, which run high for Siquijor.

Hours: 7am–6pm according to most sources, though a couple list 7pm — no weekly closing day reported. Cash only, so bring pesos. Phone: +63 967 100 6361.

Our honest take: 4.4/5 from nearly 700 reviews, which is solid without being exceptional for such a visible spot. Two complaints come up repeatedly: part of the menu is often unavailable, and portions run small. Come for a bowl and a coffee, feet in the sand, mid-morning — for a real meal, the island has better options.