Juicy Buns Siquijor - A Love Story from Rome, a Trip to Siargao, and Some Seriously Good Burgers

There's no shortage of interesting food stories in Siquijor, but the one behind Juicy Buns Burger Bar takes us a little further than expected. All the way to Rome, actually.

But first, the burgers.

Juicy Buns - It's All About the Beef

If you're craving a proper beef burger in Siquijor, Juicy Buns is worth putting on your list.

One thing that sets them apart is how they prepare their patties. Rather than relying on ready-made ground beef, Juicy Buns selects cuts of prime beef and grinds them in-house to make their signature burger patties.

It's a detail that might go unnoticed by someone simply ordering lunch, but it says quite a bit about their approach to food. They have control over the beef that goes into their burgers, and they're willing to put in the extra preparation.

And judging by the orders coming through IslaMove, customers have certainly developed an appetite for them.

As of October 2026, Juicy Buns holds the number one spot for burger orders on IslaMove, making it the platform's most ordered burger restaurant.

Not bad for a business idea that started with a visit to a burger joint in Siargao!

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We've picked two burgers worth trying from the Juicy Buns menu.

Bacon and Cheese with Fries

It's hard to argue with bacon and cheese on a beef burger, especially when fries come along for the ride.

This is our choice when we're in the mood for something a little more indulgent. Nothing complicated, just a combination that has earned its place in burger history.

And if you're the type who believes fries are an essential part of the burger experience, this one's for you.

Classic Juicy Buns

If it's your first time ordering, we'd suggest starting here.

The Classic Juicy Buns puts their freshly ground beef patty in the spotlight. Sometimes the simplest item on the menu is the best way to get to know a burger restaurant.

It's a great introduction to what Juicy Buns has to offer.

A Belgian, a Half-Italian, Half-Scottish Man, and a Romance in Rome

The people behind Juicy Buns are Mieke and Mike, and their story is quite an interesting one.

Mieke is Belgian, although the Philippines has been part of her life since childhood. Her father was assigned to work in Dumaguete, so she spent her younger years traveling back and forth between countries.

And here's something that genuinely caught us by surprise. Mieke speaks fluent Bisaya.

Not just a few words picked up over the years. She's fluent! A Belgian woman who can hold a conversation in Bisaya as naturally as the locals. Personally, we think that's a superpower.

Mike, meanwhile, is half Italian and half Scottish. He comes from a family with a background in professional kitchens, so being surrounded by chefs and good food was part of growing up.

The two eventually met in Rome, fell in love, and decided they wanted to build a life together. With Mieke's connection to Dumaguete, the Philippines became their choice for a new beginning.

And somewhere along the way, the idea of opening a restaurant entered the picture.

So Why Burgers Instead of Italian Food?

With Mike's Italian roots and culinary upbringing, an Italian restaurant would have seemed like the obvious direction.

But Mike looked at Siquijor's restaurant scene and saw something else: competition. There were already several Italian restaurants on the island, and opening another one didn't seem particularly appealing from a business perspective.

It wasn't that Italian food was a bad idea. It just wasn't necessarily the right opportunity.

The inspiration for something different came during a trip to Siargao.

While visiting the island, Mieke and Mike noticed a burger joint attracting quite a crowd. It was getting plenty of attention, and people seemed genuinely enthusiastic about the food.

That got them thinking about Siquijor.

A burger bar could work here, too. Rather than competing in an already busy Italian restaurant market, they could introduce their own take on a familiar favorite.

That idea eventually became Juicy Buns Burger Bar.

It's quite a journey when you think about it. Two people meet in Rome, settle in the Philippines, find business inspiration while visiting Siargao, and end up serving burgers in Siquijor.

And Mike, despite his Italian roots, ends up making beef patties instead of pasta.

Life has a funny way of working out.

A Burger Story Worth Sharing

What we enjoy about visiting restaurants around Siquijor is getting to know the people who run them.

You might order a burger from Juicy Buns expecting nothing more than a satisfying meal, without realizing there's a Belgian woman fluent in Bisaya and a man with Italian and Scottish roots behind the business.

It's these little discoveries that make Siquijor's food scene so interesting. The island brings together people from different places, each contributing something of their own.

In Mieke and Mike's case, that contribution happens to come between two burger buns.

And with Juicy Buns currently leading burger orders on IslaMove, it seems their decision to take a different culinary direction has worked out rather well.

Craving Juicy Buns? Order Through IslaMove!

Whether you're spending a quiet afternoon at home, relaxing after exploring Siquijor, or simply don't feel like going out, your next burger fix doesn't have to involve a trip to the restaurant.

Juicy Buns Burger Bar is available on IslaMove.

Fancy the Bacon and Cheese with Fries or want to try the Classic Juicy Buns?

Browse their menu and order through IslaMove for delivery within our service area.

Good burgers, an interesting story, and the convenience of having your food delivered.

IslaMove - Delivery Done Differently.

Explore more restaurants, local favorites, and the people behind Siquijor's growing food scene through the IslaMove Food Guide.