Fried spring rolls (Thai: ปอเปี๊ยะทอด, Po Pia Tod) are one of the representative snacks or appetizers of the Kingdom of Thailand and are widely served in urban restaurants, street stalls, and markets. Originally derived from Chinese spring rolls, they were introduced to Thailand and subsequently evolved by blending with local food culture, ingredients, and seasonings. Characterized by their crispy texture, flavorful fillings, and being served with special chili sauce, fried spring rolls are popular both in Thailand and internationally for their convenience and approachability.
Singha Beer is a lager-style beer originating from the Kingdom of Thailand. First introduced in Bangkok in 1933, it has been widely enjoyed both domestically and internationally. Recognizable by its distinctive golden label and the ""Singha,"" a lion from Thai mythology, Singha Beer is known as the country's first domestically produced beer and holds high brand recognition. Brewed by Boon Rawd Brewery, it is distributed not only throughout Southeast Asia but also in various countries worldwide. Its unique taste and compatibility with Thai cuisine have made it an integral part of local food culture and everyday life.
Jollibee is a fast food chain originating from the Philippines, founded in Manila in 1978. It has gained widespread popularity both domestically and internationally through its unique menu and services. The chain is known for offering dishes tailored to local tastes, such as its signature fried chicken, ""Chickenjoy,"" and sweet-style Filipino spaghetti. Today, Jollibee has expanded its network of stores worldwide and is enjoyed by a diverse range of customers, not only Filipinos.
Grilled Chicken is a dish that typically involves marinating chicken and cooking it over an open flame or on a grill. While there are various styles found around the world, the version from the Philippines is noted for its unique marinade and method, resulting in a fragrant and juicy dish. In the historic district of Intramuros in Manila, local versions of grilled chicken are enjoyed alongside the traditional streetscape, making it popular among both tourists and residents. Served at eateries and food stalls in Intramuros, this dish is considered a symbol of Filipino food culture and daily life.
Gelato is a type of frozen dessert originating from Italy, widely enjoyed for its smooth texture and emphasis on the natural flavors of its ingredients. The name means ""frozen"" in Italian, and the dessert is characterized by its relatively low milk fat content and limited air incorporation, resulting in a rich and dense mouthfeel. In recent years, gelato specialty shops have opened around the world, offering a diverse range of variations tailored to local food cultures and preferences. In places such as Gelatissimo, located in Greenbelt in Makati, Manila, Philippines, a variety of gelato flavors are especially popular.
The hamburger steak set is a plate meal featuring a Western-derived hamburger steak as the main dish. It is widely enjoyed, especially in Japan and various Asian countries. Traditionally, the hamburger steak is made by blending ground meat with onions, breadcrumbs, and eggs, then forming into patties and grilling or pan-frying them. It is typically served alongside rice, salad, garnish vegetables, and other side dishes. In recent years, localized adaptations and unique variations have appeared in different countries and regions, leading to a diverse range of hamburger steak sets offered at local eateries and restaurants. In Makati, a district of Manila, Philippines, for example, one can also enjoy hamburger steak sets with distinctive local twists at places such as Greenbelt Mall.
Pinkberry is a frozen yogurt chain that originated in Los Angeles, California, United States. Founded in 2005, it has gained popularity for its healthy yogurt-based desserts and a wide variety of customizable toppings, expanding its network of stores around the world. Known for its tangy and refreshing flavor as well as its low-fat, low-calorie characteristics, it is especially favored by health-conscious consumers in urban areas. Pinkberry has become a familiar presence in major cities worldwide, including a store located in Greenbelt in the Makati district of Manila, Philippines.
Halo-halo is a representative dessert of the Philippines, consisting of a cold, layered sweet treat based on shaved ice and a variety of ingredients. The name means ""mixed together"" in Tagalog, and halo-halo is characterized by its diverse toppings, such as ice cream, pudding, sweetened beans, jelly, and fruits. It is widely served at cafés, street food stalls, and fast food chains throughout the Philippines, and is particularly popular during the hot season.
The set menu of Chowking is a meal option offered by the Filipino-Chinese fast food chain ""Chowking,"" which combines a variety of Chinese dishes. Founded in Manila in 1985, the chain is characterized by its unique style that blends Chinese cuisine with Filipino food culture. The set menu typically features items such as Yang Chow fried rice, Chow Mein, fried chicken, and dim sum served on a single plate. Chowking's set menu is known for its convenience and variety, and it is widely popular throughout the Philippines as an example of the country's casual dining style.
Pan de Coco is a traditional sweet bread widely enjoyed in the Philippines. It is made by encasing a sweet coconut-based filling in a dough primarily composed of wheat flour and baking it. Its name derives from Spanish, reflecting the influence of the Spanish colonial period, with ""Pan de Coco"" meaning ""coconut bread."" Consumed across the country as a common snack, breakfast item, or treat, Pan de Coco is enjoyed by many people, from urban centers to rural areas and even in low-income communities, making it a familiar and accessible sweet bread.
