The 10 Best Fast Food Joints in the Philippines

Best Fast Food: A Tasty Welcome to the Philippines

Say hello to the Philippines – a country known not only for its stunning beaches and colorful festivals but also for its mouth-watering array of fast-food outlets. Famous for serving up delicious and diverse cuisines guaranteed to tickle your taste buds, these fast-food institutions are considered to be the lifeblood of Filipino food culture. If you’re looking for meals that provide both quirk and quality, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive in and explore the top 10 must-visit fast-food restaurants in the Philippines!

1. Jollibee

Jollibee Foods Corporation is the largest fast-food chain in the Philippines, which began as an ice cream parlor founded by Tony Tan Caktiong and his family in 1975. The company’s hot meals and sandwiches became so popular that it led to the redirection of the business towards fast food. The iconic Jollibee, a large bee character dressed in a blazer, shirt, and chef’s hat became the brand’s mascot.

Facts

1. A distinctive aspect of Jollibee’s menu is its Western-style fast food with a Filipino twist, offering items like “Chickenjoy”, which is a crispy fried chicken, and “Jolly Spaghetti”, spaghetti with a sweet-style sauce and hotdogs.
2. Jollibee Foods Corporation also owns and operates other restaurant brands including Greenwich, Chowking, and Red Ribbon, solidifying its dominance in the fast food industry in the Philippines.
3. The chain has pursued an aggressive international expansion plan and as of early 2023, operates over 1,500 stores worldwide, including locations in the United States, Canada, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

2. Mang Inasal

Founded in Iloilo City, Philippines, in 2003 by Edgar “Injap” Sia II, Mang Inasal rapidly grew in popularity with its unique offering of grilled chicken, called “inasal” in the Hiligaynon language. The term “mang” is a term for “mister”. The brand is known for its distinctive combination of traditional Filipino cuisine served in a quick-service setting.

Facts

1. Mang Inasal is well-known for its unlimited rice offer, which became a major selling point attracting a broad base of rice-loving Filipino customers.
2. In 2010, Jollibee Foods Corporation acquired a 70% stake in Mang Inasal in a deal valued at PHP 3 billion, reflecting the brand’s significant growth and potential.
3. There are over 500 Mang Inasal outlets throughout the Philippines as of 2023, testimony to the brand’s success and popularity among Filipinos.

3. Chowking

Chowking is a Philippine-based restaurant chain founded in 1985 that combines Western fast-food service with Chinese-influenced dishes. The brand reflects a cultural blend that caters to Filipino tastes and is recognized for creating a quick-service style of serving Chinese cuisine, which was relatively new in the Philippines at the time of its inception.

Facts

1. Menus typically feature noodle soups, dim sum, rice toppings, and “Lauriat” sets which are combo meals that are intended to be feasts reminiscent of traditional Chinese banquets.
2. Like Jollibee and Mang Inasal, Chowking is part of Jollibee Foods Corporation, which has helped the brand to expand within the Philippines and to overseas markets with large Filipino communities.
3. Chowking has also introduced breakfast meals and local desserts like “Halo-Halo” to cater to the diverse preferences of its customer base.

4. Greenwich

Greenwich started as a small over-the-counter pizza store at the Greenhills Commercial Center in Metro Manila in 1971. It was initially known for its American-style pizzas and entered the Philippine fast food market to compete with international franchises.

Facts

1. The brand emphasizes its “Barkada” (group of friends) culture, promoting its food as an ideal choice for group-sharing meals such as double-sized pizza and pasta platters.
2. In 1994, Jollibee Foods Corporation acquired Greenwich, contributing to its fast expansion. As of 2023, Greenwich is one of the largest pizza chains in the Philippines.
3. Greenwich has periodically refreshed its menu to include more Filipino-style flavors in its pizza and pasta offerings, reflecting the local taste preferences.

5. BonChon Chicken

BonChon Chicken is a South Korean-based international fried chicken restaurant chain founded in 2002 by Jinduk Seh. The brand is known for its signature Korean-style fried chicken, which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. BonChon, meaning “my hometown,” has successfully penetrated markets outside South Korea, including the Philippines.

Facts

1. Apart from its famed fried chicken, the menu often includes other Korean favorites like bulgogi, Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), and kimchi coleslaw to provide a rounded Korean culinary experience.
2. BonChon Chicken prides itself on its unique frying technique, which involves frying the chicken twice to achieve a crispy skin without being greasy.
3. As of 2023, BonChon Chicken has a significant presence in the Philippines, where it has tailored its offerings to cater to the local palate, including the introduction of rice meals and seafood options.

6. KFC Philippines

KFC, short for Kentucky Fried Chicken, made its foray into the Philippine market in 1967, marking one of the earliest American fast food chains to establish a presence in the country. The Philippine franchise is known for its signature fried chicken recipe, which includes a blend of 11 herbs and spices, created by Colonel Harland Sanders in the 1940s.

Facts

1. KFC Philippines is popular for localizing its menu to suit Filipino tastes, offering items like Chicken a la King, which combines their fried chicken with savory local sauces.
2. The brand is also known for innovative marketing campaigns, such as the “KFC Double Down” and the clever adaptation of their meals into rice bowls, aligning with Filipinos’ staple food preference.
3. Some KFC branches in the Philippines feature unique offerings like the “Shotgun Combo,” which pays homage to American Southern food traditions alongside its regular menu.

7. Burger King Philippines

Burger King, a global chain of hamburger fast-food restaurants, embarked on its journey in the Philippines in 1997 under the franchise ownership of BK Titans Inc. The brand boasts flame-grilled burgers as its unique selling point, in contrast with competitors who typically fry or steam their patties.

Facts

1. Burger King Philippines caters to the local palate by offering menu items like the “King Rice Meal,” a burger meal served with rice, and “Pinoy BBQ Burger,” featuring a distinct Filipino barbecue taste.
2. Over the years, it has been involved in witty advertising wars with other fast-food giants, playing on the strengths of their flame-grilled burgers.
3. The chain also periodically collaborates with franchises like Marvel and DC to bring in themed toys and collectibles that coincide with movie releases, attracting a broader range of customers.

8. McDonald’s Philippines

McDonald’s, often colloquially known as “McDo” in the Philippines, opened its first store in Morayta, Manila, in 1981. It has since grown to become one of the most beloved and widespread fast-food chains in the country, known for its Big Mac, McNuggets, and Happy Meals.

Facts

1. McDonald’s Philippines has a diverse menu that includes items such as “McSpaghetti,” which caters to Filipino preferences for sweet-style spaghetti.
2. The company adapted to local dining habits by introducing breakfast meals with garlic rice, fried eggs, and a choice of tapa, longganisa, or tocino – popular traditional Filipino breakfast meats.
3. The chain is locally franchised by the Golden Arches Development Corporation and has successfully launched a commercial series known for tugging at Filipino emotional and familial values.

9. Kenny Rogers Roasters

Kenny Rogers Roasters is a chain of chicken-based restaurants that was originally founded in the United States by country musician Kenny Rogers and former KFC CEO John Y. Brown, Jr. in 1991. The brand was introduced to the Philippine market in 1995 and became famous for its wood-fired rotisserie chicken, a healthier alternative to traditional fast-food options.

Facts

1. Despite the brand’s struggle in the U.S., Kenny Rogers Roasters has flourished in the Philippine market, remaining popular among consumers seeking a more nutritious dining option.
2. The restaurant chain offers a variety of side dishes that appeal to the Filipino market, including its signature corn muffins, side salads, and local desserts like Bibingka and Turon.
3. Kenny Rogers Roasters Philippines often introduces limited-time offerings that incorporate Filipino flavors, showing flexibility in adapting to local tastes while maintaining its signature dishes.

10. Barrio Fiesta

Barrio Fiesta is an established name in the Philippines, known for its traditional Filipino cuisine since it was founded in 1958 by the Ongpauco family. It started as a modest restaurant and became a pioneer in offering a true Filipino dining experience, celebrated for its authentic renditions of native dishes like “Kare-Kare” and “Sinigang.”

Facts

1. Barrio Fiesta was crucial in popularizing “Kare-Kare,” a Filipino oxtail stew, by serving it with a special peanut sauce that became a hit among diners.
2. It is not just a restaurant chain; Barrio Fiesta has expanded into the production of bottled goods and condiments, such as the well-known shrimp paste “Bagoong,” allowing consumers to experience Barrio Fiesta dishes at home.
3. With a reputation for hosting large family occasions, Barrio Fiesta plays an important role in Filipino celebrations and gatherings, emphasizing the cultural significance of shared meals and familial bonds.

Conclusion

Exploring the best fast food is a journey worth embarking on. These iconic establishments not only serve up scrumptious meals but also offer a glimpse into the rich and diverse culinary landscape of the Philippines. Remember these top 10 fast food restaurants on your next visit, and drool over the delectable delicacies that the Philippines has to offer. Kainan na (it’s eating time)!

Note: This article includes a wide range of fast food joints in the Philippines based on popularity and unique offerings. It’s subjective and primarily intended to provide an entertaining and informative perspective on the diverse Filipino fast-food scene. The inclusion of any restaurant does not represent an endorsement or advertisement.

Best Fast Food Joints in the Philippines FAQ

Here are the most common questions about the best fast food in the Philippines.

1. Are there any healthier fast food options in the Philippines?

Yes. Aside from the traditional fast food chains, there are places like SaladStop! and Juju Eats that offer healthier fast food options.

2. Are there vegetarian or vegan fast food options in the Philippines?

While not prevalent, some fast food chains do offer vegetarian or vegan options. Kenny Rogers Roasters has veggie meals, and some places have salads and vegetarian pasta dishes.

3. What are some local dessert fast food joints?

For local dessert joints, the chains that stand out are Red Ribbon, Goldilocks, and Chowking, offering delicacies like Halo-Halo, cakes, and pastries.

4. Are there 24-hour fast food joints in the Philippines?

Yes, most popular chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Jollibee have branches that are open 24 hours.

5. Are American fast-food chains popular in the Philippines?

Yes, American fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Starbucks are quite popular in the Philippines.