Looking for the best food or the best smoothies in San Juan? La Union local Jay-R Esquivel knows all the best places.
Filipino surfer Rogelio “Jay-R” Esquivel was born and raised in San Juan, La Union. When he was younger, the city was much quieter than it is today, but over the years, the World Surf League contender tells The GAME that it has evolved into one of the country’s most popular beach destinations, known for its surfing, as well as its great food and friendly locals.
As someone who grew up with the Great Northwest — La Union’s best-known surf spot, where most competitions are held — as his backyard, Jay-R has witnessed this growth firsthand. So, who better to get recommendations from?
These are Jay-R Esquivel’s places in San Juan, La Union that you should visit on your next trip.
Tagpuan sa San Juan
Tagpuan sa San Juan is one of the most popular food spots in San Juan, La Union, and Jay-R has been a fan of their rice bowls ever since its establishment. “Sobrang sikat ng Tagpuan,” he tells us. “Halos lahat ng tao dito sa Surftown, Tagpuan talaga ang pinupuntahan.”
Tagpuan is known for serving some of the best comfort food in the city, perfect for literally any time of day — rice bowls for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or late-night bowls of lugaw or mami. Jay-R loves everything on the menu, but his favorites are the Chix Adobo and Surftown Pares.
This is a must-visit for anyone going on a trip to La Union. As a Surftown staple, Jay-R shares, “Parang everyone dito sa Surftown, nagkikita dito sa Tagpuan para kumain.”
Seabuds
Looking for something healthy to eat while on vacation? Located within the well-known San Juan Surf Resort, at Seabuds, you can savor a healthy meal while enjoying the view of the Great Northwest.
“Dito kami minsan nagti-training, and after ‘nun, kumakain kami sa Seabuds,” Jay-R shares.
With Seabuds’ philosophy of mindful and healthy eating, you can enjoy everything on their menu without guilt, from their plant-based rice meals to their vegan sandwiches, and from their cooling fruit juices to their delicious smoothie bowls.
But of all the great selections Seabuds has on its menu, Jay-R’s favorites have to be the smoothies, as he loves to use them as a refresher after training sessions.
Surftown La Union
La Union has truly blossomed into one of the Philippines’ top places for surfing, so for those of you headed up north to ride some of San Juan’s waves, Jay-R recommends a visit to Surftown, La Union: a store right in the middle of the city where you can find all your surf essentials, along with some local Elyu souvenirs, too!
From balance training boards to Surftown graphic tees for you to commemorate your stay in La Union, Surftown has you covered, the same way it supports many of the town’s best surfers, including the World Surf League competitor, Jay-R.
When you visit Surftown’s store, you won’t be able to miss the stunning painting of Jay-R, and you can even buy his custom-made merchandise in-store.
El Union Coffee
El Union Coffee is one of La Union’s most popular spots. Even people who have never been to San Juan know about it, making it a must-visit spot, and you can be sure that from the time they open to the time they close, there will surely be a line. But Jay-R assures us, it’s worth the hype.
El Union offers a great selection of drinks for coffee lovers and non-coffee drinkers alike. Jay-R himself doesn’t drink much coffee, but he still shares, “Lagi kami dito...Tumatambay kami dito kasama ng staff nila, kaibigan namin, kwentuhan, kape, and chill lang, relaxing after surfing.”
While you can’t go wrong with any item on their menu, after surfing sessions, Jay-R enjoys their horchata the most and loves to pair it with an order of their grilled cheese sandwich.
Salad Stoke
Salad Stoke is another surfer’s staple in San Juan, La Union. Located inside Monaliza Surf Resort, one of the oldest surf resorts in the area, surfers can easily get out of the water and find this stall for a perfect healthy snack.
“Dito kami lagi tumatambay after namin mag-surf, especially sa morning. Sobrang sarap ng smoothies nila dito,” Jay-R tells us.
Just a few steps away from the sand of the Great Northwest, this is where Jay-R and his friends also love to hang out in between their heats during local competitions. “Habang naghihintay kami ng heat sa contest namin, dito kami lagi.“
For anyone looking for a quick re-energizer in the middle of the day, Jay-R recommends their peanut butter banana smoothie — his favorite order, especially as a treat after surfing.
Banner image by Kieran Punay.
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