Lumpia Shanghai Cheese Flavor / Lumpia Shanghai – Cereal Roll (Original Cheese Flavor)
Lumpia Shanghai – Cereal Roll Original Cheese Flavor is a type of snack widely distributed in the Philippines. Although its name evokes the traditional Filipino spring roll known as Lumpia Shanghai, it is actually a stick-shaped puff snack made mainly from corn cereal and wheat flour. The exterior is crisp-fried and coated with cheese-flavored powder. This snack is popular as a convenient treat and is enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to adults. In recent years, it has become an established staple snack available at supermarkets, variety stores, school canteens, and various other locations.
- Taste Rating
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In a word, it's like a downgraded version of Umaibo Cheese Flavor. But that's just because Umaibo is so good—this snack is still definitely tasty. The puff is harder than Umaibo, and there's only about half as much cheese powder. It goes well with beer. Some pieces were a little stale. Given the volume and super low price, if it were lined up next to Umaibo, I'd choose LUMPIA.
- Price
- 24 Philippine Peso
- Meal Date
- 4/27/2025
- Food Travel Log
- Recommended for those who want Japanese-style snacks in the Philippines: "Lumpia Shanghai Cheese Flavor" In short, it's like a crunchy, mildly flavored cheese Umaibo. And the price? Just 24 pesos for 12 sticks! That's a very wallet-friendly product design. And as for me? Approaching 40 with zero girlfriend experience! That's a pretty harsh life plan for my family line.
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview
LUMPIA Shanghai – Cereal Roll Original Cheese Flavor is a popular puff snack that is enjoyed for its convenience in the Philippine snack market. Although its name derives from "Lumpia Shanghai," a type of Filipino spring roll influenced by Chinese Fujian cuisine, the product itself is made by shaping and frying cereal dough (from corn or wheat), which is then dusted with cheese powder. Thus, it differs from authentic spring rolls. Locally, it has gained support among a wide range of people, from children to adults, not only as a party staple or quick snack but also as a universally loved treat.
History and Background
The culture of snack foods in the Philippines diversified rapidly during the 1980s and 1990s. The entry of multinational companies into the corn snack and cheese-flavored product market, along with the rise of local brands, led to a proliferation of affordable snacks in supermarkets and local “sari-sari” stores. This product emerged from that trend, offering both familiarity and uniqueness by bearing the name "Lumpia Shanghai." Its name’s roots—Shanghai-style spring rolls—symbolize the influence of Chinese immigrant culture in the Philippines, and the new snack projects the idea of an everyday finger food into a modern treat.
Characteristics and Manufacturing Process
LUMPIA Shanghai Cheese Flavor is characterized by dough—mainly made from wheat flour or corn grits—shaped into cylinders, then fried or baked and generously coated with cheese-flavored powder. Depending on the manufacturer's recipe, the snack offers a crispy texture, a mild combination of salty and sweet undertones, and a distinct yet subtle richness of cheese. Its stick-like shape is praised for its ease of eating and storage. Recently, in response to demand for variety and healthier options, many new flavors have emerged, but the cheese flavor remains a classic.
Comparison to Similar Snacks
Throughout Asia, stick-shaped snacks like Japan’s “Umaibo” or Korea’s “Bungeoppang” are widely distributed, and their influence is significant in the Philippines as well. LUMPIA Shanghai Cheese Flavor shares the characteristic light, airy texture of Umaibo, yet it differs in that it is slightly crunchier and features a more subdued cheese powder. The product pairs well with drinks such as beer or calamansi juice, making it a popular choice for snacking during breaks or as a bar snack.
Relationship with Local Food Culture
These types of snacks are an indispensable part of everyday life in Filipino households, during school lunch breaks, and at public venues like movie theaters. Their low price and satisfying quantity make them not only suitable as a children’s snack or casual gift but also place them in an important position from a societal consumption perspective. The product is also a noteworthy example of the fusion between uniquely Filipino food culture—shaped by Chinese and Malay influences—and Western snack trends.
Ingredients and Nutrition
The main ingredients include corn cereal, wheat flour, vegetable oil, cheese powder, sugar, and salt, and in some cases, products are fortified with calcium and vitamins. Each stick typically contains about 10–20 kcal, so moderate consumption is recommended for those mindful of fat or sugar intake. In the Philippines, products enriched with vitamins A and B groups are also available for growing children.
Summary
LUMPIA Shanghai Cheese Flavor is an everyday snack deeply rooted in Philippine snack culture, valued for its convenience, great value, and universally appealing flavor. Connected to many topics—such as Asian snack history, local food culture, multinational influences, and the evolution of modern variations—it continues to offer moments of everyday satisfaction.