El Nido is truly a slice of heaven. This idyllic destination in the Philippines is rich in culture and still retains its natural charm, remaining blissfully underdeveloped (for now). Visitors can spend their days soaking in the pristine beauty, sipping fresh buko (coconut) on the beach, chasing waterfalls, or hopping from one island to another by boat.
Nestled along one of the main roads of this charming beach town, Happiness Beach Bar is impossible to miss. With swings at the bar instead of ordinary stools, the ambiance offers a fun and playful vibe that keeps patrons returning for more.
A Welcoming Community Atmosphere
One of the standout features of Happiness Beach Bar is its amazing sense of community. Everyone here is incredibly welcoming and personable, making it easy to strike up conversations and meet new friends at neighboring tables or across the bar.
Happiness Beach Bar is a vision brought to life by an individual from Israel who traded the hustle of city life in Manila for the laid-back island lifestyle in Palawan. The menu is packed with authentic Middle Eastern dishes infused with a Mediterranean twist. Using fresh, local ingredients, this restaurant is an excellent choice for vegetarians and health-conscious diners, with many items easily veganizable.
Must-Try Dishes
On our first visit, we decided to try the Shakshuka, a delightful blend of rich tomato sauce, okra, garlic, and two poached eggs (we opted for it without). It was served with a pita pocket and sides of fresh veggies. Crafting my own pocket was a fun experience, and the unique flavors made for a delicious start to the day.
We found ourselves returning multiple times during our stay in El Nido, becoming hooked on the pita falafel pockets. Patrick particularly loved the fish kebab pita pocket, made with locally caught barracuda and jackfish. The menu also features other tasty plates like hummus eggplant and moringa feta spinach shakshuka. For something lighter, options like chopped salad or Fattoush, a traditional Middle Eastern salad, are available.
Exciting Future Plans
So what’s next for Happiness Beach Bar? They are currently working on opening another location on the stunning island of Siargao. We also had the chance to see progress on their soon-to-open hostel located right above the restaurant! With epic views and a prime location across from the beach, this hostel is sure to become a highly desirable place to stay in El Nido.
A heartfelt thank you to the entire crew at Happiness Beach Bar for their warm hospitality. We wish you all nothing but the best for the future!
Much love, Patrick and Kahala
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