Ube conquered the Emirates

Is ube the new matcha? How this purple Filipino ingredient is taking over UAE

Sweet yam has become cafe staple for its distinctive flavour and striking colour

Hala Nasar
The National News (United Arab Emirates)
September 26, 2026

What goes into the making of a viral food trend? Is it the colour? Texture? Its versatility as an ingredient? Or is it a memorable flavour?

And what makes ube, a starchy yam root vegetable native to the Philippines, fit these criteria?

Ube, a starchy yam root vegetable native to the Philippines

Its vibrant purple shade is an obvious reason, but ube's popularity is also owing to its velvety texture and sweet flavour. Much like how matcha has made its way into practically every coffee shop and cafe in the UAE over the last few years, ube is now the ingredient being incorporated into every sweet treat recipe and hot drink order.

As a matcha lover, I set out to put its rival to the test, speaking to chefs behind the bakes. Here are some ways UAE eateries are incorporating ube into their menus – and my verdict.

Nina's Bakes

Christina Tamayo, the Filipina owner of Nina's Bakes, says the purple yam is connected to some of her best childhood memories.

“We put it in all our desserts, such as halo-halo, ice cream, leche flan and cakes. Everyone in our village planted them in their backyards.”

As its use becomes more prevalent in the UAE, Tamayo has folded it into her recipes, creating an ube and white chocolate chip cookie (Dh25).

Tamayo began by taking ube roots to make ube halaya, which has a jelly-like consistency. After boiling and mashing the yam, it takes about an hour of stirring to turn it into a smooth jam for filling.

The heart of the bright purple cookie is creamy – a blend of sweet and savoury that jumps between the distinct flavour of the yam and the sweet vanilla. The white chocolate chips are a pleasant addition.

“It’s pretty safe to say that the ube’s popularity is due in large part to its photogenic nature,” Tamayo says.

I love the rich and gooey texture of Nina's Bake's indulgent cookies, and the uber-jam centre is moreish.

Available for order through Zomato and Talabat in Abu Dhabi

Nette

Not satisfied with one viral food trend, Nette in Dubai has created an ube matcha drink (Dh36) in a colour combination straight out of Beetlejuice.

It's an unexpected duo, but I find it strangely comforting. The ube adds a sweetness, but that earthy taste remains, with neither feeling overpowering.

The French-Japanese restaurant also lists cloud ube (Dh36) on its drinks menu – adapted from the popular cloud matcha – which consists of coconut water topped with an ube and oat milk mixture to form a smooth cream. This is milder, more refreshing intro to the ube flavour.

Nette also offers two dessert options. First, its crinkle cookies with coconut cream cheese filling (Dh30). I appreciate the perfect cookie-to-cream ratio, although the creamy flavour overpowers the ube essence. It's enjoyable nonetheless and a great sharing option.

As its use becomes more prevalent in the UAE, Tamayo has folded it into her recipes, creating an ube and white chocolate chip cookie (Dh25).

The vibrant burnt Basque ube cheesecake (Dh50) feels smooth and melts in the mouth. The ube's flavour pairs really well with the coconut vanilla Chantilly cream, miso butterscotch sauce and toasted coconut flakes, making it one of my favourite ube-inspired dishes so far.

Nette's culinary director Craig Small says he saw ube becoming a popular trend long ago.

“To me, ube is purple gold – it has an incredible natural colour and flavour, but it also naturally contains anthocyanins – powerful plant pigments known for their antioxidant properties, along with fibre and other beneficial plant compounds,” Small says. “It has heritage, versatility and real nutritional value, and I think we’re going to see ube become a much bigger ingredient across the UAE.”

Al Barari, Dubai

Jun's

“It’s easy to use ube in simple desserts and drinks, but it can also be a little finicky,” says award-winning Chinese-Canadian chef Kelvin Cheung. “If you’re working with artificial ube flavouring or essence, it can be very powerful, so you have to use it carefully to ensure it doesn’t overpower the palate.”

Cheung, whose food is rooted in “third-culture cuisine”, prioritises collaborating with his Filipino team members “to create dishes that celebrate their culture, food and heritage” at his restaurant, Jun's, which has been ranked eighth among the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Jun's ube menu includes an ube calamansi spritz, a gluten-free coconut ube pie, the signature Ube Kelvin cake made with brown-butter taro root spread, and ube flan cookies. After sampling several of those items, I notice that Cheung uses ube to magnify and complement each dish with a subtle rather than overpowering flavour.

The coconut ube pie (Dh55) offers comfort with familiar textures and memorable flavour combinations. The pie crust is not too thin nor too thick and the layers come together in harmony. The creamy coconut mousse hits first, followed by the toasted meringue, while the ube mousse is smooth and airy.

The ube calamansi spritz (Dh35) is a cool, refreshing summer drink. Both ube and calamansi oranges are native to the Philippines and they create a sweet and sour blend.

Lastly, the soft ube flan cookies (Dh30) are a sweet treat, combining chocolate and ube in every warm bite.

Cheung believes ube could become popular just like matcha on a global scale, especially as a caffeine-free drinks option.

“The region is always excited to embrace new flavours and dessert trends, and cafe culture is such a big part of life here. With its vibrant colour and unique taste, ube is the perfect ingredient to take over right now,” he says.

Cheung also highlights that beyond driving creativity and visually appealing dishes, viral ingredients can foster a new appreciation for culinary traditions.

“I only see positives when an ingredient rooted in a particular culture is given a global spotlight, because it encourages people to discover more about the cuisine it comes from,” he says.

Filipino sardine brand Mega to be distributed by Kroger in US markets

Filipino sardine brand reaches US mainstream market

Jan Milo Severo
Philstar Global
30 August 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino food brand Mega Sardines will soon be more accessible in the United States with its products set to reach around 2,750 stores under Kroger and its affiliated supermarket chains.

The products are already available in stores across the US, with nationwide availability targeted by mid-September.

Calling it an "exciting time" for the brand, the expansion is seen as a major step in the Filipino brand's move to grow its international business to a wider global market. 

Mega Prime Foods chief executive officer Michelle Chan said the US has been one of their key priorities, with the team working on its US expansion for nine months that includes investment and participation in major US food shows. 

Mega Sardines will be available through Kroger and its affiliated banners, including Mariano’s, Fry’s, Dillons and Pick ’n Save.

According to the company, Mega is currently the only Filipino brand listed by Kroger.

The US market is considered particularly important because of its large Filipino-American population, as well as the potential to introduce the brand to mainstream American consumers.

The company has been working with international sales partner The Turnaround Artists (TTA) as it expands overseas.

Aside from the United States, the company has recently entered markets including Azerbaijan, Kenya and Jordan, with at least 10 other countries reportedly in its development pipeline.

“Our dream is not simply to become a successful Philippine sardine brand. Our dream is for a Filipino brand to become the number-one sardine brand in the world,” Marvin Tiu Lim said.

Jollibee named 'best fast food fried chicken' in the US for third straight year

Jollibee named 'best fast food fried chicken' in the US for third straight year

Brooke Villanueva
Philstar Life
20 July 2026

Here's some news that could trigger your next Chickenjoy craving...

Jollibee has again claimed the top spot on USA TODAY's list of "Best Fast Food Fried Chicken" in America for the third consecutive year. The annual rankings were determined through public voting among its readers for the publication's 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. 

"With around 100 stores in North America and more than 1,700 stores internationally, Jollibee is the largest and fastest-growing Asian restaurant company in the world. They're best known for Chickenjoy, the signature juicy, flavorful fried chicken. Order it in buckets or accompanied by sides—and don't forget to dip it in their silky gravy," its description read.

In a statement sent to PhilSTAR L!fe, Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global President and CEO of the Jollibee Group, described the recognition as "meaningful."

"It reflects the consistency of the quality, taste, and customer experience that we work hard to deliver with every serving in Chickenjoy,” he said. "It gives us even greater confidence in Jollibee’s ability to deepen customer trust and brand love in more markets, as we continue bringing the products and experiences that have made our brand a source of joy for many families."

For her part, Maribeth dela Cruz, President of Jollibee Philippine Brands North America, expressed her gratitude to the USA TODAY readers for the recognition, saying it "reflects the dedication of our teams who prepare and serve Chickenjoy every day, helping ensure a joyful and satisfying experience with every visit."

Dela Cruz added that the feat inspired them "to keep delivering the Jollibee experience people love, while introducing it to even more customers across North America and beyond."

Jollibee now has around a hundred stores in North America and over 1,800 branches globally.

The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards puts the spotlight on standout destinations, restaurants, attractions, and travel experiences in different parts of the US. 

Filipino chef crowned as Young Chef England 2026

Filipino chef Stephen Raymundo crowned as Young Chef England 2026

Jude Cartalaba
ABS-CBN News
June 26, 2026 

In the high-stakes, pressure-cooker world of global gastronomy, the Philippines has found its newest torchbearer in Stephen Raymundo.

The young Filipino chef, currently part of the team at Claridge's in London, was recently crowned Young Chef England 2026. 

While the accolade places him among the country's most promising culinary talents, his path to the award began far from professional kitchens. He did not study in an elite culinary institute or undergo traditional culinary training. Instead, his passion for cooking started at home at the tender age of 13.

“My mum was the first person who taught me how to cook, and the first dish I ever made was adobo, a Filipino classic,” Raymundo shared, looking back with a smile. 

“From that moment, it became something special between us. Whenever she was not home or was on her way back, she would text me and say, ‘Cook me adobo!’ Looking back now, that was the beginning of my connection with food.”

Today, while he spends his days mastering the rigorous, meticulous techniques of British and French haute cuisine at Claridge’s, his heart remains anchored to his roots. For Raymundo, the ultimate goal is to weave his heritage into his cooking, serving up world-class dishes inflected with a distinct Filipino twist.

Flavor and emotion

For this young chef, cooking is far more than a display of technical skill — it is an exercise in empathy and human connection.

“My philosophy as a chef is to make a memory for the guest,” he explained. “I want my food to be something people remember, not only because of how it tasted, but because of how it made them feel.”

“I love seeing people react to something I have cooked, especially friends and family who do not know I am a chef. Seeing their faces light up and hearing them say, ‘Wow, this is nice’—is one of the most rewarding feelings. Food has the ability to bring back memories, create new ones, and connect people through flavour, smell, and presentation,” Raymundo said.

It is this profound understanding of individuality that sets him apart in a sea of talent.

“You could give three chefs the exact same ingredients, garnish, and brief, and each one would create something completely different,” he noted. “That is what makes food so exciting. Every plate carries the personality, creativity, and perspective of the chef behind it.”

Working in Claridge’s

Raymundo attributed the sharp trajectory of his growth to the unforgiving, elite standard of his current culinary home.

“Much of my development has come through real kitchen experience, especially through the daily trials and standards at Claridge’s. Working there has taught me discipline, consistency, speed, flavour, presentation, and respect for ingredients,” he said.

That rigorous discipline was put to the test at the World Young Chef Young Waiter (YYY) England Finals 2026. Facing down an esteemed, eagle-eyed panel of industry titans — including celebrity chef Calum Franklin, Simon Attridge of Claridge's, Mario Perera of Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Tom Booton, and Roy Ner — Raymundo excelled under immense live pressure.

The competition goes far beyond the plate, evaluating emerging professionals on technical prowess, organization, creativity, teamwork, and mental fortitude.

Established in the UK in 1979, the YYY competition is an internationally revered platform celebrating the finest hospitality talent aged 28 and under. Designed to champion hospitality as a noble vocation, it fosters mentorship and opens global doors for the industry’s future leaders.

Raymundo shared the 2026 England podium with two equally formidable peers: Alex Coward from London's Hide, who claimed Young Waiter of the Year; and Juni Guthrie from Sexy Fish, who secured Young Mixologist of the Year.

Together, this trio will proudly represent England at the upcoming World Finals, where they will face off against the absolute best young hospitality talent on the planet.

As Raymundo prepares to take his place on the global stage, he carries with him the discipline of Claridge's, the prestige of England's culinary elite, and the unforgettable aroma of a mother's home-cooked adobo.

That fascination with the emotional resonance of food drives his daily hustle.

Filipina chef Rhoda Magbitang wins Top Chef season 23

Filipina chef Rhoda Magbitang wins Top Chef season 23

GMA Lifestyle
11 June 2026

Filipina chef Rhoda Magbitang strengthened the country's place on the map after she clinched the title of the American television series Top Chef Season 23.

Rhoda wowed the editor-in-chief of Food & Wine magazine, Hunter Lewis, chefs Eric Ferguson, Camari Mick, and Nok Suntaranon, and Top Chef alums Sara Bradley, Joe Flamm, and Stephanie Izard with a four-course meal.

The Filipina chef prepared sweet potato and uni, lugaw, and a grilled eggplant omelet with lap cheong XO and pork belly. She also served caldereta braised in liver instead of dessert to honor her father.

“This is a toast to my dad— caldereta braised in liver and vegetables,” Rhoda told the judges.

She added, “After we talked about all the courses being a 'toast to something,' it was important for me to honor my parents.”

After an excruciating showdown of grit and talent in the kitchen, Rhoda ultimately won against Sherry Cardoso and Laurence Louie.

According to reports, Rhoda will take home $250,000 (P15,366,125.00), a feature in Food & Wine magazine, an appearance at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colo., headline her own exclusive dinner at the historic James Beard House in New York, and have the opportunity to present at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards in Chicago.

Jollibee is on Time’s 2026 most influential companies

Jollibee lands spot on Time’s 2026 most influential companies list

Richmond Mercurio
Philstar Global
03 May 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Jollibee continues to assert its global dominance, with the homegrown fast-food giant earning a spot on Time’s list of the 100 Most Influential Companies of 2026.

The Time 100 Most Influential Companies list recognizes the world’s most influential businesses of the year.

Companies on the list are those whose impact, innovation, ambition and success are setting new standards for the world.

This year, Time introduced the Time100 Companies: Industry Leaders lists, an expansion of the Time100 Most Influential Companies issue that dives deeper into 20 sectors to highlight organizations shaping their industries.

Jollibee was named among the 10 most influential food and drink companies of 2026.

It is joined by the Ferrero Group, OpenTable, Mixue Group, Farmer’s Fridge, Wonder, Celsius Holdings, Pairwise, Fishwife and David Protein.

Jollibee is the flagship brand of Jollibee Foods Corp., one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies, which manages and operates a portfolio of 19 brands with over 10,000 stores and cafés across 33 countries.

Jollibee was recently ranked by Euromonitor International as the No. 1 Chicken Quick Service Restaurant in Southeast Asia, based on 2025 value sales.

The brand operates 1,658 stores across Southeast Asia as of end-2025, including 317 outside the Philippines, with potential for expansion in priority regional growth markets.

Its growth has been driven by localized product innovation, mainstream customer appeal and a consistently strong guest experience.

Signature products Chickenjoy and Jolly Spaghetti remain among the brand’s top-selling items across markets and continue to drive repeat visits and strong customer affinity.

Jollibee crowned No. 1 chicken QSR in Southeast Asia

Jollibee crowned No. 1 chicken QSR in Southeast Asia

Richmond Mercurio
Philstar.com
01 May 2025

MANILA, Philippines — Jollibee, the flagship brand of Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp., has been ranked the No. 1 chicken quick-service restaurant (QSR) in Southeast Asia by Euromonitor International.

The Jollibee Group said the recognition underscores the brand’s sustained growth and strong consumer demand across multiple Southeast Asian markets.

Euromonitor International’s assessment draws on comprehensive research methods, including in-country research, store checks, trade interviews and company analysis to determine market size and competitive positioning across the region.

Jollibee has built broad market appeal across Southeast Asia by balancing menu localization with a consistent core brand experience.

Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group global president and CEO, said the recognition reinforces Jollibee’s role as a key driver of international growth and highlights the group’s capability to scale restaurant brands across diverse markets through strong fundamentals and execution discipline.

“This milestone underscores the strength of Jollibee as our flagship brand and our ability to build brands that connect across markets. It reflects years of disciplined execution — deep consumer understanding, strong operating systems and a growth strategy that balances relevance with consistency,” he said.

Tanmantiong said Jollibee is well-positioned to scale significantly over time, supported by disciplined expansion and strong market fundamentals.

He added that the group would focus on scalable brands that stay meaningful to customers as it expands across Southeast Asia and other regions.

“With 317 stores across Southeast Asia outside the Philippines, we have a solid platform for continued expansion in this high-growth region,” Tanmantiong said.

Jollibee was recently ranked No. 1 QSR in Vietnam by Euromonitor International, despite not having the largest store network.

In Singapore, Jollibee was previously recognized by The Straits Times as the No. 1 fast-food brand in customer service, based on a nationwide consumer survey.

Jollibee also stands as the No. 1 QSR by store network in Brunei.

“There’s a common perception that Jollibee primarily serves Filipino customers outside the Philippines, but what we’re seeing on the ground is very different,” Dennis Flores, president of Jollibee Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia, said.

“In markets like Vietnam and Brunei, nearly all our customers are locals, and in Singapore and Malaysia, locals make up most of our customer base. This tells us that great taste and a strong brand experience resonate beyond borders — it’s something consumers choose, regardless of culture,” he said.

Pinoy chicken dishes named among world's best by Taste Atlas

Chicken inasal, adobo named among world's 50 best chicken dishes by TasteAtlas

GMA News
27 April 2026

Chicken inasal and chicken adobo were named among the 50 best chicken dishes in the world by TasteAtlas! 

According to the international publication's list, released this April, chicken inasal ranked third with a rating of 4.4 stars, while chicken adobo ranked 40th with a rating of 4.1 stars. 

It described chicken inasal as "a unique Filipino grilled chicken dish which originated in Western Visayas and became the signature dish of the entire region." 

TasteAtlas also recommended places to have some of the best chicken inasal, including Aida's Manokan and Nena's Beth at Manokan Country in Bacolod, Island Chicken Inasal in Bulabog, Barrio Inasal in Iloilo, and Balay Dako in Tagaytay.

Meanwhile, the publication described chicken adobo as a "traditional stew" made with chicken, garlic, onions, bay leaves, peppercorns, oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, and white vinegar. 

"The dish is simmered over high heat until the chicken is fully cooked, and adobong manok is then served with white rice on the side," it said. 

Previously, chicken inasal topped TasteAtlas' list of Top 100 Filipino food for October 2024. 

TasteAtlas also included chicken inasal in its list of best Filipino food for September of the same year, where it ranked second to sinigang. 

Jollibee is America's best fried chicken year 2

America’s Best Fried Chicken Is Filipino—Again

Metro.Style Team
July 22, 2025 

At this point, Chickenjoy doesn’t need an introduction.

The crispy, golden fried chicken from Jollibee—known for its sweet, savory flavor and cult following—has once again beaten out America’s biggest fried chicken brands to claim the top spot in USA Today's 10 Best Fast Food Fried Chicken list. For the second year in a row, Jollibee outranked fan-favorites like Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, and KFC.

Because for many, Chickenjoy has always been more than just fried chicken.

It’s Filipino flavor wrapped in crispy skin, deep-fried with nostalgia, and often served with rice and gravy. For millions of Filipinos around the world, it's a taste that carries memory, comfort, and home.

A bee outflies the birds

This year’s USA Today Readers’ Choice poll, voted on by thousands of Americans, confirms just how far Jollibee has come. Since opening its first U.S. store in Daly City, California in 1998, the Filipino fast food chain has expanded to over 90 locations across North America, drawing long lines and loyal fans wherever it lands.

The top 5 winners in the 2024 list were:

1. Jollibee
2. Pollo Campero
3. Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
4. Church’s Texas Chicken
5. Guthrie’s Chicken

Meanwhile, major U.S. brands KFC (#8), Chick-fil-A (#9), and Popeyes (#10) found themselves edged out by regional favorites and, at the very top, a Filipino juggernaut.

Jollibee’s staying power lies in its flavor profile: unapologetically Filipino. Where most American fast food chicken leans heavily into salt and spice, Chickenjoy balances crisp texture with a subtle sweetness and umami depth that speaks to Filipino culinary tradition.

The joy that travels

For Filipinos abroad, Jollibee often carries deep emotional resonance. It's not uncommon to see long lines at openings across the U.S., Canada, or even the U.K.—many waiting not just for a meal, but for a connection to home.

The brand’s growing international presence has helped introduce Filipino cuisine to wider audiences, often starting with Chickenjoy as a gateway.

Toyo Eatery wins Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award 2025

Toyo Eatery Wins International Award, Proves Filipino Hospitality Is Next Level

Metro.Style TEam
via ABS-CBN News
Feb 25, 2025 

Toyo Eatery just made history—again! This already multi awarded restaurant just bagged the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award 2025 at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. 

Toyo Eatery | Toyo Eatery on Instagram

Toyo Eatery is no stranger to the spotlight. Since opening, it has consistently ranked in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, earning praise for its modern take on Filipino cuisine. In 2018, it won the Miele One to Watch Award, marking it as a rising star in the region. At the helm is Chef Jordy Navarra, a culinary visionary known for reinterpreting Filipino flavors with creativity and precision. 

Toyo Eatery celebrates local ingredients and heritage through standout dishes like its iconic Three-Cut Pork BBQ, inspired by a classic Filipino children’s poem, and its beautifully plated Bahay Kubo Salad, which features all the vegetable ingredients listed in a Filipino folk song—a tribute to the country’s rich biodiversity.

Chef Jordy Navarra | Toyo Eatery

The Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award is a special recognition for excellence in restaurant service and dining experiences. According to the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants website:

“From the husband-wife duo Jordy and May Navarra, Toyo presents local Filipino ingredients in modern ways, playing with fermentation and preservation techniques to create a bold palate of flavours. With the unique Kamayan menu, guests are encouraged to ditch the cutlery and use their hands to enjoy a feast on banana leaves, creating a convivial atmosphere that encourages guests to be present at the table.

“This comes with a happy byproduct, says head chef Jordy Navarra: “It makes your hands busy, this menu really brings us back to basics, where it’s no longer about what is trendy or what looks good on social media,” he explains. “We want to remind people that this is really about just having fun.”

PH tortang talong ranked 2nd best in the world

PH's eggplant omelette ranked 2nd best egg dish in the world

Aric John Sy Cua 
Manila Times
20 February 2025

MANILA, Philippines — Popular food and restaurant guide TasteAtlas on Thursday ranked the eggplant dish tortang talong (Filipino eggplant omelet) as the second best egg dish in the world.

It is one of six egg dishes in the food guide's 100 list of best egg dishes, ranking 4.4 out of 5 stars, behind the Japanese egg dish Ajitsuke tamago, which also had 4.4 out of 5 stars.

"Tortang talong is a simple Filipino dish made with a combination of roasted eggplants and lightly beaten eggs. Whole eggplants are dipped into the egg mixture and are then shortly pan-fried until the entire dish starts to resemble a crispy omelet," TasteAtlas described the dish.

"This versatile delicacy is easily adapted with additional ingredients such as ground meat and vegetables, and it is traditionally served accompanied by steamed rice and tomato or banana ketchup. Inexpensive and quickly prepared, tortang talong can be enjoyed at any time of day as a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner," it added.

A similar dish, torta, is the 2nd best Filipino dish in 51st place, with 3.9 out of 5 stars.

"Torta is a popular Filipino dish consisting of an omelet filled with ground meat and vegetables such as diced potatoes. Savory and extremely satisfying, the dish is usually served as a main course, preferably over rice. It is recommended to pair torta with condiments such as banana ketchup," said TasteAtlas.

"There are numerous variations on the Filipino torta, such as tortang talong (eggplant omelet) and tortang gulay (onion, bell peppers, and garlic omelet). The reason for the unusual name of this dish is a strong Spanish influence in the Philippines."

"There is one other dish named torta in the country, but it is altogether different and refers to a small, muffin-like dessert cake," it clarified.

Breakfast dishes Bangsilog, Chicksilog, and Daingsilog, which consists of garlic rice and egg accompanied by bangus and fried chicken, were ranked 65th to 67th, respectively, all of which with 3.8 out of 5 stars, while the street food tokneneng is 89th with 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Meanwhile, other dishes like the duck embryo delicacy balut, chosilog, and the Ilocos-based poqui poqui both finished outside the top 100.

PH cafes among the world's best shops

Four PH cafes among the World's 100 Best Coffee Shops

Story by Yoniel Acebuche

Philstar Life

19 February 2025

Four cafés from the Philippines have earned spots in the inaugural World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list.

This was revealed during the Coffee Fest Madrid 2025, which took place from Feb. 15 to 17. 

The country's Yardstick Coffee clinched the 18th spot, followed by El Union Coffee at 61st, Single Origin at 83rd, and Crema & Cream Coffee Roasters at 86th. 

Yardstick Coffee is a specialty coffee company in Manila. It was established in 2013 to bring "inherent sweetness and brightness of specialty-grade coffee." The café has branches in Legazpi Village, MOA Square, Podium, Rockwell, Salcedo Village, SM Aura, Otaku Room BGC, Opus Mall, and the Corner House in San Juan.

Yardstick Coffee is a specialty coffee company in Manila. It was established in 2013 to bring "inherent sweetness and brightness of specialty-grade coffee." The café has branches in Legazpi Village, MOA Square, Podium, Rockwell, Salcedo Village, SM Aura, Otaku Room BGC, Opus Mall, and the Corner House in San Juan.

El Union Coffee, on the other hand, is located at Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union. It serves Philippine coffees, Baguio-made pastries, and its signature dirty horchata. As you sip your cup of joe, you get to enjoy a gorgeous backdrop of Itogon Valley views and a laid-back beach vibe.

Meanwhile, Single Origin serves specialty coffee, comfort food, and craft cocktails. It has branches all over the metro at Rockwell, Salcedo, Greenbelt 5 in Makati, Bonifacio High Street in Taguig, Molito Lifestyle Center in Muntinlupa, MOA Square in Pasay, and Opus Mall and Ayala Malls Vertis North in Quezon City. 

Lastly, Crema & Cream Coffee Roasters, nestled at Brgy. Sacred Heart, Diliman, Quezon City, is a specialty coffee roaster and consultancy place. 

"From roasting to brewing, to serving and even teaching, we make sure we deliver our very best not only in quality but hospitality and professionalism as well," it said. 

Meanwhile, Toby’s Estate Coffee Roasters in Australia gained the first spot. This was followed by Onyx Coffee LAB (USA), Gota Coffee Experts (Austria), Proud Mary Coffee (Australia), and Tim Wendelboe (Norway), respectively. 

Apartment Coffee (Singapore), Kawa (France), Coffee Anthology (Australia), Story of Ono (Malaysia), and Tropicalia Coffee (Colombia) were hailed at the 6th to 10th spot, respectively. 

According to its website, the organizers established a "comprehensive set of criteria" to ensure a thorough and fair assessment to identify the finest coffee shops worldwide. 

They took into consideration factors such as the quality of coffee, barista expertise, customer service, innovation, ambiance and atmosphere, sustainability practices, food and pastry quality, and consistency. 

The organizers have also implemented a robust voting system consisting of public voting, an expert panel, vote weighting, a nomination process, and a final selection. The highest combined scores from public and expert votes will be honored as the World’s Best Coffee Shops.

2 Pinoy restaurants make it world's iconic restaurants list

2 Pinoy restaurants make it world's iconic restaurants list 

Aric John Sy Cua
The Manila Times 
23 December 2024

MANILA, Philippines —Two Filipino restaurants made the list among the world's most iconic restaurants by food and restaurant guide Taste Atlas.

In its top 100 list, Taste Atlas ranked The Aristocrat, which originated at Roxas Boulevard in Manila, in 73rd place and Malate's Cafe Adriatico, 90th on the list.

In 2023, the Aristocrat was also named among the 150 Most Legendary Restaurants in the World by Taste Atlas, ranking 108th.

Founded in 1936, The Aristocrat is known for its boneless chicken barbecue and Lumpiang Shanghai.

"The Legend is now also an Icon!" the restaurant said on its Facebook page on Monday.

"We rose the ranks to 73rd in this year's 100 Most Iconic Restaurants in the World according to TasteAtlas! We couldn't have done this without you," it added.

Café Adriatico on the other hand, is known for its adobo and its pancit palabok, which Taste Atlas named among its most iconic dishes.

Occupying the top spot is the Figlmüller restaurant in Vienna, Austria, known for its signature Wiener schnitzel dish.

Crosta Pizzeria climbed to the 12th spot on the World list

The 12th best pizza in the world comes from the Philippines

By Pauline Miranda

Inquirer.net| Lifestyle
September 11, 2024

Pizza is one of the most consumed food products in the world, so it’s no surprise to find exceptional pizzerias across the globe, even miles away from its home country of Italy. In the Philippines, two pizzerias have been recognized by the Italy-based 50 Top Pizza World list for making outstanding pies.

In the recent 50 Top Pizza World awarding ceremony, Crosta Pizzeria climbed to the 12th spot on the World list, more than 40 spots up from when it first entered the list in 2023. It’s also second in the Asia-Pacific list. It is the second top pizzeria located in Asia, following Tokyo’s The Pizza Bar on 38th, which ranked third.

The pizzeria, under the helm of award-winning Filipino-Japanese chef Yuichi Abellare Ito, was cited for the well-thought-out menu. “The products, of excellent quality, are a mix of Italy, the Philippines, and Japan.”

According to the award-giving body, the most noteworthy are Crosta’s Roni Sicilian with salami, and four cheese pizzas. 

Ito also received the Pizza Maker of the Year 2024 Ferrarelle Award.

A Mano, helmed by Amado Fores, was also recognized, securing the 70th spot on the World list. The restaurant climbed 26 spots from its initial placement at 96 in 2023. Fores’ pizzeria was recognized for its modern and bright interiors, with its Neapolitan-style pizza. Must-tries according to the award-giving body are their Spicy Salami and Carbonara pizzas.

Aside from their pizza, A Mano was also given the Best Pasta Proposal 2024 Pastificio Di Martino Award.

Sinigang and bulalo named among 50 Best Soups in the World

Sinigang and bulalo named among 50 Best Soups in the World by TasteAtlas

By GMA Integrated News

August 12, 2024 

Sinigang (collectively), bulalo, and sinigang na baboy all made it to this year's rankings, which was recently released by the international online publication.

Sinigang (collectively) was ranked 17th this 2024, a huge jump from last year's 42nd spot, whereas bulalo climbed to 37th from last year's 43rd. Sinigang na baboy also got a separate entry on its own, trailing behind bulalo on the 38th spot.

The versatile sinigang can be flavored by different souring agents, but tamarind or sampalok is among the more popular ones. This traditional soup can also include various types of protein, from pork and fish to shrimp and beef.

"With its sour lightness perfectly matching the harsh tropical heat of the country, sinigang is a unique soup that is a true representative of Filipino cuisine," TasteAtlas said of sinigang.

TasteAtlas also recognized bulalo for its simplicity and robust flavor, thanks to its broth "prepared by cooking beef shanks and marrow bones until the fat and collagen dissolve."

Most bulalo versions include vegetables like cabbage, string beans, onions, and corn, although some variations add carrots.

For sinigang na baboy (pork sinigang), this variety of the savory and sour soup comprises different cuts of pork simmered slowly with tamarind as its souring agent.

Sinigang na baboy was likened to a similar dish in Malaysian cuisine called "siniggang." Another version, of pork sinigang, sinigang na miso, also makes use of a fermented Japanese seasoning made from fermented rice and barley or soy beans as its souring agent.

"Nowadays, sinigang mix is available in supermarkets, but enjoying the dish made from scratch represents the full experience," TasteAtlas said.

Aside from being named among the Top 50 soups in the world in 2023, sinigang also made it to TasteAtlas' 100 Best Dishes in the World list in 2023, ranking 97th. Dishes included on the list received the highest ratings based on more than 395,000 user ratings.

Sinigang na baboy was also named best soup in the world by TasteAtlas in 2021.

Taste Atlas is an international online publication that explores the world through local food. It regularly publishes lists of the best foods in various categories, with Philippine dishes and delicacies often ranking on its lists.