Jollibee Fast Food will always be loved for its cheerful, homey ambiance, from its sweet spaghetti to fried chicken. Some say it’s better than the colonel’s KFC.
Described as a “happy pill,” Jollibee never fails to bring Filipino lives joy since childhood.
This is one of the reasons why Jollibee will always be a staple of Filipinos’ lives.
Childhood favorites die hard!
Jollibee, known as “the McDonald’s of the Philippines,” has over 750 restaurant outlets and is capturing the dominant market share; Jollibee fast food is everyone’s favorite in the Philippines.
In the Philippines, the fast-food chain is an absolute sensation, easily beating KFC, McDonald’s, and Burger King in popularity and local market share.
When was Jollibee founded?
Jollibee is a Filipino-speciality fast-food restaurant founded in 1975 and made its way stateside in 1998.
The growing chain now has over 30 U.S. locations and isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
When I landed in Taguig, a highly urbanized city in Metro Manila, the Philippines, this was the first pit stop that lit up in the dark.
Jollibee lights up at night in downtown Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines. Photo: Doris Lim
My first impression of fast-food restaurants in the Philippines was a surprise.
An armed security guard stands at the entrance, opens the door, and ushers in just a few at a time.
Later on, I found out that this is a very standard practice.
Jollibee is Nostalgic
Many Filipinos say that Jollibee played a massive part in their childhood.
Much of the nostalgia is the much-awaited Sunday family meals where the entire family will go to Jollibee.
Much nostalgia is also from favorite collectible toys with a Jollibee Kiddie meal.
Welcome to Jollibee!
My First Jollibee Fast Food Experience
My first experience was queuing up for a meal on Sunday.
The fast-food restaurant is a random ‘barkada’ meet-up and family celebration – especially kiddie birthday parties.
Jollibee Fast Food is excellent for family celebrations. Photo: Doris Lim
As a visitor looking in, I see that Jollibee has become a part of Filipino tradition.
Everyone looks so comfortable here; believe me, it feels like home as I see groups of families gathering, eating, and happily catching up with each other.
You see other families chatting about and celebrating every little success, from a high test score to a promotion.
My friend Daisy tells me that Jollibee freshly brewed coffee, Beef Tapa, Longganisa, Hotdog, and Eggs are the best energy starters.
Jollibee Fast Food is Unique
Whether it’s fried chicken, pasta, burgers, or pies, Jollibee’s presentation is unique and authentic to Filipino taste.
Contents
Jolly Spaghetti
The red sauce on the pasta is sweet and made from banana ketchup (a Filipino staple).
The red pasta sauce has ground meat, hot dog slices, and cheese, adding a tangy flavor.
Jollibee Fast Food Value Meal with Chickenjoy and Jolly Spaghetti. Photo: Doris Lim
Chickenjoy
Fried chicken is traditionally not a Filipino food, but Chickenjoy is a must-try.
Some, including me, say Chickenjoy is even better than Kentucky Fried Chicken.
The chicken comes out piping hot, and it is perfectly battered.
You know, the type with a crunchy exterior and juicy interior.
It was not overcooked or deep to bone dry like other fried chicken.
This is real chicken that tastes like buttermilk fried chicken.
The enzymes in buttermilk help break down the protein in the chicken.
The result is tender, flavorful fried chicken.
Eat that with a delicious gravy, and you know why it’s called ChickenJoy.
Jollibee Fast Food Chickenjoy. Photo: Doris Lim
Jollibee Tuna Pie
Many Jollibee lovers crave this. Early this year, this Creamy Tuna Pie had its much-awaited comeback!
Salted Caramel Choco Sundae
Jollibee’s take on the pricey artisan dessert makes it affordable for all to enjoy for only 29 pesos.
You can indulge in Jollibee’s signature creamy vanilla ice cream smothered in decadent salted caramel and drizzled with luscious chocolate syrup.
Other Jollibee Menu I must try next are
Fiesta Noodles
The “Pancit Palabok” is a Filipino noodle dish with an array of toppings tossed in shrimp sauce.
- Shrimp
- Ground meat
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Green onions
Breakfast Joy Corned Beef
It’s a delicious combination of garlic rice, fried egg, and corned beef.
Desserts
Peach and Filipino Mango Pie
Jollibee makes the ultimate fast food pie.
The pie shell is flaky and buttery.
The pie filling was a wonderful, gooey mix of mango and peaches.
The Spicy Tuna Pie
This has the same old crust as the classic Tuna Pie with a mildly spicy creamy tuna filling.
I had this for my supper.
I would take either pie over McDonald’s classic apple any day of the week.
Halo-Halo
Jollibee fast food’s take on the Halo-Halo, a classic staple Filipino dessert, was delicious.
This dessert has
- Ube ice cream
- Shaved ice
- A mix of mung, garbanzo, and white beans
- Jellies
- A flan
Jollibee’s Mascot
I love the happy Jollibee mascot, which makes me smile. It reflects the positive vibes, life’s simple joys, and the sunny disposition of smiling Filipinos.
Dance along with me, the happy Jollibee’s Mascot. Photo: Doris Lim
SmartDory is just happy to dine at Jollibee Fast Food!
Share your Jollibee experience with SmartDory.
Jollibee
CCP Complex, Blk 4 Harbour Square,
Pedro Bukaneg St, Malate,
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Phone: +63 2 8832 2623
Google: https://g.co/kgs/w4mjvgn
Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. All opinions are mine. The writer and friends paid for their meal.
