Get ready to savor the taste of Filipino culture in every bite as you explore the popular items of food chains that have captured the hearts and palates of the Philippines.
While the paradisiacal beaches are what attract tourists to come visit the Philippines, the country also boasts a vibrant culinary scene characterized by a rich blend of flavors influenced by its indigenous culture, Spanish colonization, Chinese trade, and American occupation. Local food chains play a significant role in shaping Filipino gastronomy, offering a variety of delicious dishes that cater to the taste buds of the masses and at the same time make use of various local ingredients.
There are several food chains available in the Philippines, some international while some are homegrown and have made a name for themselves not only in the Philippines but abroad as well, particularly in countries with large Filipino populations.
From every Filipino children’s favorite Chickenjoy to Mang Inasal’s grilled chicken with unlimited rice, here are some popular items from local food chains in the Philippines:
Jollibee
Chickenjoy and Yumburger | Image Source
Chickenjoy
Its iconic red bee mascot is not the only thing that makes Jollibee popular. Its fried chicken continuously attracts many Filipino children and adults alike. Jollibee’s signature fried chicken, called Chickenjoy, is known for its crispy golden skin and juicy meat. It is often served with rice and gravy but it can be partnered with spaghetti as well.
Yumburger
Another flagship offering of Jollibee, Yumburger is a classic Filipino-style burger made with a seasoned beef patty and Jollibee’s signature dressing that is delightfully tangy and slightly sweet. If you want the upgraded version you can order Yumburger, Bacon Cheesy Yumburger, Champ, and Amazing Aloha.
Mang Inasal
Chicken Inasal and Pork Sisig | Image Source
Chicken Inasal
The flagship offering of Mang Inasal, Chicken Inasal is a grilled chicken dish marinated in a blend of local spices, vinegar, and annatto oil, giving it a distinct flavor. It is commonly served with unlimited rice and a dipping sauce which is a combination of sauce, calamansi, vinegar, and chili.
Pork Sisig
Pork sisig is a sizzling dish made from minced and seasoned pork parts including the face, ears, jowls, and liver, which are then cooked until tender and flavorful. The dish is seasoned with onion, garlic, chili, and calamansi.
Chowking
Chao Fan and Meat Wonton Mami | Image Source
Chao Fan
Chao Fan is made of steamed rice and then stir-fried usually served with various toppings including vegetables and meat of choice. Chao Fan comes in various versions – Spicy Chao Fan, Pork Chao Fan, Siomai Chao Fan, and Beef Chao Fan.
Meat Wonton Mami
Chowking’s Wonton Mami boasts of fresh egg noodles and savory broth simmered with aromatic broth and spices. It is garnished with vegetables including onions and Chinese cabbage.
Max’s Restaurant
Max’s Fried Chicken and Beef Kare-Kare | Image Source
Max’s Fried Chicken
With their flagship offering known as Max’s Fried Chicken, the restaurant definitely deserves the tagline “The House That Fried Chicken Built”. The signature dish is known as being crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor that is a perfect blend of spices and marinades. It is usually served with a dipping sauce which is a combination of banana ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.
Beef Kare-Kare
This classic Filipino dish is made with oxtail, tripe, beef chucks, and ox skin that are cooked until tender. It is even made delicious with fresh and crispy vegetables such as eggplant and string beans, then topped with chopped peanuts, and served with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) on the side for that authentic Kare-kare taste.
Greenwich
All-in Overload Pizza | Image Source
All-In Overload Pizza
As the name implies, the pizza contains every topping available – mix of meats, vegetables, and cheeses.
Goldilocks
Goldilocks Assorted Polvoron | Image Source
Polvoron
A popular Filipino treat, polvoron is one of the iconic offerings of Goldilocks. It is made of toasted flour, powdered milk, sugar, and butter, blended together and pressed into molds to form their distinctive oval or round shapes. Goldlilocks Polvoron comes in a variety of flavors – classic, pinipig, peanut, cookies n’ cream, ube, cashew, and coffee crumble.
Red Ribbon
Uber Overload Cake | Image Source
Uber Overload Cake
Uber Overload Cake celebrates the Filipino love for ube, a vibrant purple yam that is used in various Filipino treats. The cake is composed of layers of soft and moist ube chiffon cake, creamy ube halaya (jam), and then frosted with a delightful blend of cream cheese and ube flavors.
These local food chains, along with their most popular menu items, have become an integral part of the dining culture in the Philippines – connecting people and reminding them of family, friends, love, and home.
READ MORE: Popular Fast Food Chains in the Philippines
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