There are no two ways about it: we Filipinos are hearty eaters. To cater to Pinoys, US-grown casual dining restaurant, IHOP has introduced new additions to its Filipino Classics line. These limited-edition creations are the Longganisa Scrambler (P250), Breakfast Bangus (P295), and the Corned Beef Hash (P275).
The Breakfast Bangus is a big serving of fried boneless milkfish, sourced from Sarangani. I was surprised by the size of the fish. It was not your typical bangus.
The fish was meaty, and the yummy fat was thick and large. Calorie counters and summer time dieters, beware. IHOP servings are almost always good for two, and it’s true even for the Filipino Classics line. The perfectly fried milkfish is served with garlic rice and eggs, with vinegar and atchara on the side.
The Corned Beef Hash has generous servings of actual corned beef, not the thin shredded beef in canned products. IHOP’s corned beef consists of huge chunks of meat and hash browns, served with garlic rice and eggs.
The last, and my favorite, the Longganisa Scrambler, was an absolute delight. Scrambled eggs mixed with locally sourced chopped longganisa, green bell peppers, and onions, the dish was unique, innovative and scrumptious.
IHOP first introduced the Filipino Classics last year. Its beef tapa, chicken and pork tocino, longganisa, and chicken sausage dishes proved so popular that now IHOP is testing the waters again with these new creations.
“We have five Filipino breakfast offerings on the menu and are excited to be offering more. These are distinctly Filipino dishes with IHOP-sized servings and IHOP quality,” said Archie Rodriguez, president and CEO of Global Restaurant Concepts, Inc., the Philippine partner of IHOP. The three new items will be available for a limited time.
Sweet summer treats
After that rich Filipino meal, something sweet is in order. Perfectly timed for the summer season are new Summer Treats such as the Ice Cream Waffle Sandwich (P245), Funnel Cake a
la Mode (P175), Soda Floats (P145 each) and the Banana Split Sundae (P225).
The Banana Split Sundae is a goblet full of chocolate, vanilla, mango ice cream balls, candied pecans and glazed strawberries. It is drizzled with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and garnished with sliced bananas with a cherry on top. This goblet of delights is definitely for sharing.
The Soda Float is an all-time American classic made of soda topped with vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce and served in a beer mug. Guests can choose from MUG, Pepsi or 7UP for their soda.
The Funnel Cake a la Mode is six pieces of mini funnel cakes topped with creamy vanilla ice cream, then crowned with a choice of cinnamon apple compote, blueberries, or glazed strawberries and garnished with whipped cream and powdered sugar.
The last and my favorite Summer Treat is the Ice Cream Waffle Sandwich—vanilla ice cream with chocolate chips and mango ice cream mixed with cheesecake cubes in between freshly made waffles. It is served on a bed of chocolate and vanilla sauce.
Steady growth
“We’ve been doing very well and steadily growing in the Philippines,” said Rodriguez. “Since IHOP’s arrival on the local dining scene, I think we can be credited with changing the way people think of their comfort food. IHOP has shown that we can enjoy this concept, that special IHOP dining experience, any time of the day whether for breakfast, lunch, snacks or dinner.”
IHOP Philippines is in Bonifacio Global City, UP Town Center in Katipunan, SM Mall of Asia, Century City Mall, Filinvest City in Alabang and Araneta Center. A seventh store in Ayala Fairview Terraces is opening soon.
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