Food brands across the Philippines rolled out new menu items and expansion moves in April, with updates across restaurant dining, fast food, alongside a global campaign featuring K-pop group aespa.
Chinese classics with a twist
At Red Lotus, a modern Chinese resto-bar under The Bistro Group, six new menu items were introduced this April, offering updated takes on familiar Chinese and bar favorites.
The additions include Fiery Xiao Long Bao, XO Seafood Fried Rice, Broccoli and Okra Soup and bar bites such as Buffalo Wings and Garlic Parmesan Wings, positioned for both casual dining and evening drinks.
Singaporean hawker in Metro Manila
Tiong Bahru Singapore Flavours continued its expansion across Metro Manila and nearby areas, bringing its store network to 16 locations in key commercial and lifestyle hubs.
Known for Singaporean hawker-style dishes such as Hainanese chicken rice, bak kut teh and laksa, the brand has recently opened additional branches in Katipunan and Parañaque.
“Our journey reflects more than expansion—it’s a testament to resilience and passion,” Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, co-owner and director of the chain, said.
“Filipino diners have embraced our flavors wholeheartedly. With every new branch, we bring Singapore closer to home, one plate at a time,” she added.
Updated Burger Steak
Jollibee introduced an improved Burger Steak rice meal along with a new variant, Burger Steak Supreme, as part of its efforts to respond to demand for more filling and affordable meals.
The upgraded version features more sauce while maintaining its starting price of P70 for a solo order. It is available until July 31.
“We’re seeing that customers are paying closer attention to taste, how filling a meal is, and price, so we’re giving them a pangmalakasang (power-packed) rice meal,” Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines, said.
Strawberry Cheesecake Halo-Halo
Mang Inasal added a new limited-time offering to its halo-halo lineup with the Strawberry Cheesecake Halo-Halo, combining strawberry, cheesecake cubes and Biscoff cookie crumbs.
The dessert builds on its extra creamy halo-halo base and is positioned as a seasonal variation for summer.
“Taken as a dessert or snack, the new Mang Inasal Strawberry Cheesecake Halo-Halo is yet another effort of the brand to offer new and refreshing treats to its customers,” Mang Inasal president Mike V Castro said.
aespa tapped
Nongshim expanded its Philippine operations through a new distribution partnership with Gymboree Marketing International Inc., aiming to strengthen nationwide availability of its products.
The company also named Korean girl group aespa as global brand ambassadors as part of a wider campaign tied to its 60th anniversary.
“Our 60th anniversary marks a commitment to keep evolving,” Nongshim CEO Antonio Jo said.
“By partnering with a global force like Aespa and a distribution leader like Gymboree, we make ‘Spicy Happiness’ more accessible to Filipinos,” he added.
Nongshim also introduced Shin Toomba, a stir-fry-style noodle product featuring a creamier take on its signature spicy profile.
—With Rosette Adel
