In 2021, Tony Tan Caktiong’s Jollibee opened a branch in Leicester Square in the middle of London. Not surprising, really, since all over the UK, there are approximately 200,000 Filipinos, and it is estimated that 70% of them reside in London.
For those who do not know, Jollibee is the Philippines’ counterpart to MacDonald’s. Instead of burgers, though, it is famous particularly for its fried chicken, called Chickenjoy, and spaghetti, called Jolly Spaghetti.
As Filipinos overseas, we dropped by… both to support and also to gratify the Pinoy food craving particularly for those homesick.
@outragemag How does the food at #Jollibee in #London taste like? Not as you'd remember. So temper your #LGBT expectations, just come for the #Pinoy ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine
Una, ultra accessible ang branch, as it’s right there, in Leicester Square. Near West End, Soho, Chinatown, and so on.
Ikalawa, the actual resto is typical of Jollibee, including those branches in the Philippines. There are machines for ordering, then you wait for your order to be called for you to pick up.
Oh… it tends to get busy, so it’s best for others in your group to find seats or tables while you order. Sure seating at least.
Ikatlo, presyong UK dito. Yung one piece of Chickenjoy, £2.99. From £7.99 naman for a 2-piece meal. Jolly Spaghetti costs from £3.99. Oh… ang rice is £1.00.
And ika-apat, pag-usapan natin ang lasa because it’s with the actual taste kami may issue. Best example: the chicken doesn’t taste like a Jollibee chicken. And yes, this was tried more than once. Taste-wise, it’s just like any pritong manok. The spaghetti naman hardly had sahog, and was way sweeter than is usual for Jollibee. At least the Peach Mango Pie (from £2.19) tasted just like those in the Philippines, sweet and tarty and all that.
Should you drop by?
If you are so homesick and the cure is to be in a place that’s Filipino-focused, sure. If you want to be surrounded by a lot of other Pinoys, yes.
But if you want to get that Jollibee taste, lalo na of the chicken and spaghetti, while you’re in London, then… challenging yan. We didn’t get that after repeated visits. So temper your expectations when here para di ka ma-disappoint after spending not-to-cheaply.
Kami, off we go for more LGBTQIA+ rampa…
Jollibee’s pioneering branch in London is located at 22 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7LE, UK.
