MANILA, Philippines – There is something very global with Korean food that it’s almost a universal taste. It seems that no matter what form it takes, be it Korean-Mexican, Korean-Japanese, or even Korean-Chinese, it’s a flavour that is just simply palatable to the taste buds of every nation. But what probably takes the cake as the best Korean food fusion is the confluence of Korean and Italian flavours—a rare but somehow apt merging of Western and Eastern tastes that leave wonders inside the mouth and stomach, and Mr. Pizza, Korea’s number 1 pizza chain, offers exactly that, and more.
Wait…what?
It is but natural for first time diners of Mr. Pizza to feel a bit bewildered, what with all the sensory overload that comes with the restaurant’s dining experience. But it isn’t a unique experience for nothing. The moment guests set foot inside the store they are welcomed by a very earnest “On Air!” cheer from all the staff—an allude to the warm hospitality of South Korean culture, and also an affirmation to the freshness of all things cooking and baking inside the restaurant (“On Air” basically means “Welcome! we’re ready to serve!” It’s a Korean thing, and it’s cute as heck.)
Mr. Pizza, established in South Korea in the 90s, may have stumbled upon a league of its own. While Korean cuisine is normally not the first thing that comes to mind when speaking of pizzas and pastas, the group behind the brand has been able to solidify its affinity with adventurous foodies and fans of Korean dishes and culture here and abroad, thanks to its unique identity and equally unique eats that know how to please both the tongue and the pocket. The restaurant’s Operations Manager, Kate Navarro, confirmed this: “We are nonetheless positive. Getting good results over the months inspires us to win the Filipino hearts by serving nothing but the finest, if not the best Korean gourmet pizza set to every guest’s tables. We make sure to bring our guests an experience. The feel and taste of Korea right here – as this has been our paramount goal,” mentioned Kate. It seems the regular Korean dishes have found harmony with Italian dishes, and the results are impressive.
Signature Korean food, but with cheese
Really, who knew Bulgogi and Kimchi would taste amazing as pizza flavours? The restaurant’s resident culinary rockstar, Chef Renan, knows all his pizzas and can whip one right in front of any customer who’s eager to check out how the pies at Mr. Pizza are made. “We want people to know and see for themselves that whatever pizza they order, we create here and we create from fresh ingredients,” Kate explained the apparent transparency in the restaurant’s operations. To really stay true to the vision of the brand, Chef Renan had to train for three months at the restaurant’s headquarter in South Korea, where he was able to perfect the creation of Mr Pizza’s key dishes.
One key element about the restaurant’s pizzas that really draw in positive reviews from diners is how the dough is covered. “Here at Mr. Pizza, we follow the 300% principle. 100% hand kneaded dough–made daily, 100% full-hearted topping and 100% grill baked, not a single drop of oil on our pizza,” Kate said. “It’s a trademark here. It is important for us to know that people who dine here leave the restaurant feeling like they really got bang for their buck. We find fulfillment in the fact that they eat everything, even the outer crust.” At 400 to 500 pesos range for a delicious eleven-inch wide pizza that a group of four can share, it’s definitely got value for money.
K-pop and the best of Korean culture
“Ladies first.” It’s a noticeable trait within all the staff. The staff is trained to accommodate women first, as well as the elderly and kids. “I’d like to think that this is something unique to us,” Kate related, “this is a quality instilled to us by the company’s president, Mr. Moon Young Joo, which was also instilled to him by the owner, Mr. Jung Woo Hyun. These people have high regards for women.” Another noticeable concept within the restaurant is the playback of K-pop (Korean Pop) music. All Mr. Pizza restaurants have dedicated screens playing nothing but K-pop music videos, somewhat of a hat tip to the massive contribution their local artists have made in making South Korean music a global phenomenon.
Made for the Noypi taste
Admittedly, a lot of Mr. Pizza’s dishes have been adjusted to suit the Filipino taste. Kate disclosed, “Our most in demand Seafood Island pizza, embellishes of shrimps and squid with a crust of your choice. Equally famous is our Potato Gold that is uniquely served with chunk of potatoes and bacon. A personal favorite is the Macho Grande, that stays true to its title, having those beef streaks topped and partnered with a cream cheese crust in a mocha bun. Bulgogi pizza carries a very Korean signature that also most of our guests has gone back for. We have a unique taste that doesn’t fail to entice our regulars. When you’re here, you will want to explore on our different kinds of gourmet pizza.Some of the flavours have been modified a bit for Pinoy consumption. Adjustments in seasoning and spices were made, especially to our Kimchi Pizza where we had to make it 20% less spicy,” she related. “But one thing we will not compromise is the grease-free nature of our pizzas. Our dishes are not oily, and we’re proud of that. We take pride that we can be a healthy alternative to fatty food.” Kate said.
Soon enough, Filipinos will know why Mr. Pizza is such a big, beloved Korean brand. And all it will probably take is a bite of the restaurant’s best-selling mas-issneun pizza. ADVT
