Taste Potato Corner XP’s Exclusive Glorietta 4 Menu
Manila/ Delish/ Desserts & Snacks

Samgyup Fries, ‘Friescream’, Chicken Skin: Try Potato Corner XP’s Menu

The Potato Corner XP Store is a must visit for everyone

How often do you go to a mall, catch a glimpse of Potato Corner, and instantly line up to grab a bucket (or two)? For most Filipinos, the well-known snack stand is both an indulgence and a treat, marking it as a cult favorite among the masses. It’s no surprise then that the brand has grown to expand beyond local shores – popping up across Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and the United States, to name a few.

Last week, they unveiled a new concept: the Potato Corner XP store. Located in Glorietta 4, it aims to introduce a new experience for even the most avid of Potato Corner fans. This flagship store is more than your usual kiosk – it also offers an exclusive menu that’s sure to appeal to the Filipino palate.

The facade of the new Potato Corner XP
Potato Corner

Take, for example, its four new flavors: Samgyupsal, Onion Butter, Cheesy Jalapeno, and Salted Caramel. Unique and mouthwatering, each flavor was handpicked for its popularity and relatability to Filipino snackers. Not only that but each customer can pair these new flavors with special cuts including Loopys (twister fries), potato crisps, and potato wedges. If you’re not feeling particularly hungry for potatoes, you can also opt for chicken skin.

Try the new chicken skin offering at Potato Corner XP
Potato Corner

A favorite snack among many, the Potato Corner XP chicken skin is as crispy and crunchy as you can imagine. Best paired with soda pop coolers, it’s an indulgent snack that will leave you wanting more (don’t say we didn’t warn you)!

Want to try Friescream? Head to Potato Corner XP in Glorietta 4
Potato Corner

Perhaps the most intriguing offering on the menu is the new "Friescream." You read that right, it is soft-serve ice cream atop flavored French fries. If you’re one of the many who’ve dipped their fries into vanilla soft serve as a kid, you may be interested in trying this new take on it.

Potato Corner executives and Poco the mascot at the official launch of Potato Corner XP
Potato Corner

While this is Potato Corner’s first XP store, you can guarantee that it isn’t going to be their last. More flagship branches will be opening up throughout 2024, with more surprises, snacks, and yes – even Poco merch.

Potato Corner XP is located at 3F, Glorietta 4, Makati City

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This Week's Events In Manila View more

This Week's Events In Manila

Noel Bazaar 2024
Nov 15 - Dec 16, 2024

Noel Bazaar 2024

Manila/ Delish/ Happenings

Omo! Bored & Hungry PH Drops Limited Korean Menu Collab

Untitled design 12 Photo by The Beat Asia

Foodie Chingus! You’ll want to sit down for this. The Manila branch of the cryptocurrency-themed fast-food restaurant from California, Bored & Hungry, just dropped a special collaboration with its South Korean team.

Last Nov. 29, The Beat Manila visited the Bored & Hungry Manila at The Grid Food Market at Power Plant Mall as they launched the Seongsu Signatures from Bored & Hungry South Korea. And yes, we’re talking about the same burger joint featured on the famous variety show, “Running Man.”

Speaking of shows, the Manila branch was recently visited by chefs from the renowned Netflix series, “Culinary Class Wars,” last October, and welcomed Jang Ho-joon, Park Jun-woo, and Lee Young-sook to try their smashed OG burgers. The verdict? They absolutely loved it, so we had high expectations for this exciting new collab.

We had a delectable evening with the brand’s local chefs who even gave us a chance to assemble our own burger sandwiches made up of Filipino and Korean ingredients and condiments such as banana ketchup and pork chicharron and Korean spicy Gochujang aioli sauce and tangy kimchi radish.

But the highlight of the night is getting a taste of their first-ever Korean menu in collaboration with local chefs from their South Korean branch. Featuring their best-selling OG Burgers with a Kimchi twist, we’re telling you all about the special menu items you can get at Bored & Hungry stalls in the metro until Dec. 13, 2024.

Where American Burgers and South Korean Flavors Collide

The Seoungsu Signatures Menu consists of five special items, which you can order à la carte, as a combo (Burger + Fries + Milkshake), and as a sampler set.

The Big Shrimp Burger is a popular Korean special made up of a crispy shrimp patty, lettuce, onion, sriracha, and Myeongranjeot (cod roe) aioli sauce. This burger with a spicy kick truly captures the signature Korean flavors we all know and love and will definitely appeal to seafood lovers. You can get it à la carte from P490 or as a combo meal for P860.

Big Shrimp Burger
Big Shrimp Burger | Photo by The Beat Asia

Another offering is the PBB Burger, which doubles the juiciness with its two smashed OG patties topped with bacon strips, American cheese, pickles, peanut butter sauce, bacon jam, and onion marmalade. This was the closest to a legit American burger and is so packed and indulgent that it’s no wonder Good Morning America named the brand the “Best Burger in America 2022.” You can get this decadent meal for P590 or upgrade to a combo meal for P960.

The real star of the show is the exclusive collab item which is the brand’s OG Burger but with a kimchi twist. The Pinoy OG Kimchi Burger features two smashed Vigan longganisa patties, kimchi, fried egg, and smothered with a spicy Gochujang aioli sauce. This burger provides a delicious blend of Filipino and Korean flavors, and will certainly satisfy your cravings. It’s like a Korean barbecue feast sandwiched between brioche buns. A true 10/10 in the burger scene! This exclusive item is available for P420 with a combo price of P790.

The Pinoy OG Kimchi Burger
The Pinoy OG Kimchi Burger | Photo by The Beat Asia
Sesame Oil Milkshake
Sesame Oil Milkshake | Photo by The Beat Asia

The Seoungsu Signatures also include the crispy Garlic Butter Shake-Up Fries (P220) and the Sesame Oil Milkshake (P320). The latter was a little bit on the sweeter side, so those with a sweet tooth would surely enjoy it! As for our burger standouts, we especially enjoyed the unique taste of the Big Shrimp Burger as the patty provided that crunchy-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside bite, and the special Gochujang aioli sauce gave just the right amount of spiciness to tickle your tastebuds.

Seoungsu Signatures Menu
Seoungsu Signatures Menu | Photo by The Beat Asia

The Pinoy OG Kimchi Burger was a creative collaboration, creating an entirely new burger that combines the signature flavors of the two countries while elevating an original offering. We would love to see it become a permanent offering considering many Filipinos have grown to love Korean food. It was also announced at the event that there might be a new branch coming up soon, so fingers crossed we’ll experience more fun menu collabs in the future!

If you want to try this fantastic lineup, we highly recommend ordering the Seoungsu Signatures Box Sampler set for P1,500 to decide for yourself which burger reigns supreme or get the whole package for P1,950.

This special menu is only available until Dec. 13 so make sure to visit one of the Bored and Hungry stalls and claim the Seoungsu Favorites today!

You can also order them online at their respective branch websites. See below for more details.

Bored & Hungry Branches:

  • Stall 6, Public Eatery, Robinsons Magnolia, Quezon City (Order here)
  • Stall 7, The Grid Food Market, Power Plant Mall, Makati City (Order here)
  • 4/F Food on Four, SM Aura, BGC, Taguig City (Order here)

Follow Bored & Hungry Manila on Facebook and Instagram for updates and more scrumptious details on the latest eats and treats.

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Manila/ Delish/ Happenings

Ring in the New Year with Yamazato Manila's Luxe Osechi Ryouri!

Untitled design 2024 12 04 T113822 794 Photo by Website/ Hotel Okura

Yamazato Manila, the crown jewel of Hotel Okura Manila, is ready to kick off 2025 in style with its exclusive Osechi Ryouri — a traditional Japanese New Year feast that promises to bring luck, prosperity, and plenty of satisfaction to your life (and taste buds).

This year’s offering is a stunning three-tiered feast, expertly crafted by Japanese Executive Chef Keiichiro Fujino, Sushi Chef Ikuma Sato, and Teppan Chef Katsuji Kato. Packed with premium ingredients and exquisite flavors, the Osechi Ryouri is presented in elegant jubako boxes — because starting the year in style is non-negotiable.

first tier
Website/Hotel Okura

The First Tier includes a sweet and savory spread featuring gold-leaf-topped black beans, miso-marinated herring roe, candied sardines, and soy-marinated caviar — each dish steeped in symbolic wishes for prosperity and longevity.

For the Second Tier, dive into oceanic treasures and earthy delights like simmered octopus, abalone with dashi, grilled yellowtail, and seasonal vegetables such as lotus root and bamboo shoots.

third tier
Website/Hotel Okura

Finally, in the Third Tier, the pièce de résistance — a premium teppanyaki selection including Kumamoto F1 tenderloin tataki, Miyazaki A5 sirloin, and Saga A4 minced cutlet. Paired with chirashi and ball-shaped sushi crafted from seasonal fish, it’s a tier worth savoring.

To top it all off, each set comes with a complimentary bottle of Yamazato sake because no celebration is complete without a toast!

Priced at P28,600++ (P31,365.52 nett), this limited-edition feast is available by reservation only. The order deadline is Dec. 15, 2024, so act fast!

For more information, visit their website, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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Manila/ Delish/ Openings

Japanese Dessert Shop Butter Butler Butters Up in Rockwell

20241203 Butter Butler Photo by Instagram/Butter Butler

We love good butter on our breads, don’t we? Well, what if we said that Japan’s best buttered pastries are in the Philippines?

You butter believe it, because Japan’s Butter Butler is finally in the Philippines to spread all their buttery goodness. Now open at the R2 Level of Rockwell Power Plant Mall, Butter Butler is all ready to share their best butter-centric treats.

The launch was attended by executives from iFoods Inc. and Butter Butler, which drew in a crowd that was excited to try all the delicious-smelling desserts and treats.

Bryan Tiu, President and CEO of iFoods Inc. said, “We are thrilled to bring the unique and indulgent world of Butter Butler to the Philippines. Our goal is to elevate the dessert experience by making butter the star of the show, and we believe we’ve achieved that with our delectable offerings.”

Buttery confections from Japan's Butter Butler
Butter Butler Philippines

Butter Butler offers their fan favorites, the Butter Financier, a rich and delightfully tasty pastry with a golden-brown crust, and their signature Butter Galette, a classic French pastry that’ll melt in your mouth as soon as you try it.

The Butter Financier is priced at P640 for four pieces, P1,200 for eight pieces, P1,700 for 12 pieces, and P2,300 for 16 pieces. The Butter Galette, on the other hand, is priced at P690 for 9 pieces.

If you want to try both, the Butter Selection offers eight Butter Financiers and eight Butter Galettes, priced at P1,750 for a set!

Both pastries are made with a mix of European fermented butter and French sun-dried Guérande salt, offering a decadent experience worth ruining your diet for.

Not only that, but Butter Butler is offering a Manila-only exclusive Butter Croffle, a creation that has the buttery and crispy exterior of the croissant, and the soft and fluffy interior of a waffle. And to glaze it all with more butter? Oh, it’s heavenly.

The Butter Croffle sells for P135 a piece, and P550 for five pieces.

If butter is usually just an ingredient in desserts, in the Butter Butler, they’re the main character. Are you ready to give the Butter Butler a try?

Follow Butter Butler PH on their Facebook and Instagram to get updates on their latest promotions!

Location: Butter Butler, R2 Level, Rockwell, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Makati City 1210

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM (Mondays to Thursdays), 11 AM to 10 PM (Fridays to Saturdays), 10 AM to 9 PM (Sundays)

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Manila/ Delish/ Happenings

PH's CIBO Ranks 44th on World's Top Artisan Pizza List

P Hs CIBO Ranks 44th on Worlds Top Artisan Pizza List Photo by Instagram/CIBO

The Philippine culinary scene is soaring to new heights!

CIBO, the Italian restaurant chain owned by the 2016 Asia's Best Female Chef Margarita Araneta Forés, has made it into the 50 Top Pizza’s list of the 50 Top World Artisan Pizza Chains for 2024. The restaurant nabbed the 44th place, making it the only pizza chain from the Philippines on the list.

The restaurant received the award at the World Pizza Summit 2024 during the European Pizza Show, held in London from Nov. 26 to 27, 2024.

In a social media post, CIBO expressed their gratitude over the recognition, stating, “A big grazie to our team and loyal patrons for loving what we do — bringing you the REAL. MODERN. ITALIAN. experience that earned us this honor.”

Topping the list is Spain’s Grosso Napoletano, followed by Italy’s Da Michele, Europe's Big Mamma Group, Brazil's Bráz Pizzaria, and Switzerland-United Arab Emirates' Luigia.

CIBO’s recognition as one of the world’s top artisan pizza chains follows the announcement of the Top Pizza World 2024 last September, where the Philippines’ Crosta Pizzeria and A Mano ranked 12th and 70th, respectively.

CIBO was founded in 1997 by Forés, following her culinary journey in Italy. Today, the restaurant boasts several locations in the country, serving authentic Italian dishes to customers.

To check out their offerings, head over to any CIBO location near you or order online.

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Manila/ Delish/ Openings

Italian Chocolatier Venchi Opens its First Store in the Philippines

20241127 Venchi1878 Photo by Venchi 1878/Instagram

Benvenuti nelle Filippine, Venchi!

Italian Fine Chocolatier Venchi has finally opened its first store in the Philippines, located at the Central Square Mall in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

Local distributor SSI Group, the same one that brought SaladStop! and Shake Shack into the country, collaborated with Venchi to open shop in the Philippines. The chocolatier also revealed that they will be opening their 2nd store in the Philippines at the Podium Mall in Mandaluyong City soon.

President and CEO of SSI Group, Anton T. Huang said, “Recognised all over for our penchant for sweets, we believe that the local market and the Filipinos will embrace the authentic Italian lifestyle brand’s dedicated mastery to creating high-quality chocolates and gelato crafted for your well-being.”

Venchi is a beloved Italian chocolate brand founded in 1878 in Vanchiglia, Turin. Since then, Venchi has been defining what chocolate artistry means, curating a wide variety of chocolate offerings — from extra dark to white chocolate, hazelnut chocolate, pistachio chocolate, caramel chocolate, plant-based chocolate, and even low-sugar options!

Venchi will be introducing 350 exquisitely crafted Italian chocolates to Filipinos and over 90 gelato flavors, including their best-selling Chocoviar, Cremino, and Guianduiotti!

What are you waiting for? Head on over to Venchi for their luxurious and rich-tasting chocolate! Which one are you going to try first?

Follow Venchi Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more updates! To get 10% off on your next order, sign up for Venchi Philippines' newsletter here!

Location: Venchi, Lower Ground Floor, Central Square Mall, 5th Avenue Cor. 30th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig 1634

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM (Sundays-Thursdays), 11 AM to 10 PM (Fridays-Saturdays)

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Manila/ Delish/ People

Yes Chef! Kennedy Alfonso's Secrets to Making Great Paella

Ken Alfonso Photo by The Beat Asia

While the Philippines is proud to have its own culinary identity, one cannot deny Spain's influence on Filipino cuisine. From flavorful arroz (rice) dishes to aromatic soups and viands, the Spanish have brought its indelible fingerprint to local fare.

At Bueno Tapas and Wines, this delicious heritage is celebrated through a rich menu of offerings; these include paellas, chorizos, and of course, tapas. “Filipinos are very familiar with the taste profile of Spanish cuisine, so it wasn’t a challenge for me to introduce [the concept of Bueno],” shared Chef Kennedy Alfonso, the man behind the restaurant.

Aside from being a chef, Chef Kennedy has also worked as a marketing professional, a TV actor, and a non-profit founder. But today, he dons his chef’s toque and takes us through his kitchen and dining room in BGC.

Bueno Tapas & Wines
Instagram/Bueno Tapas & Wines

A former culinary student in San Sebastian, Spain, Chef Kennedy has experienced – firsthand – the magic of European terroir. His time at this culinary capital had introduced him to the richness of diversity. “[In San Sebastian], you get to enjoy the scenery of the beach and the mountains. Then, just a few steps away is the Old Town [where there are] plenty of hole-in-the-wall restaurants that unfailingly serve the best tapas and pintxos. It’s such a magical place.”

Since his return, Chef Kennedy has aimed to recreate the kind of sensorial beauty he’s experienced in those eateries, with ingredients sourced directly from there. “Ninety percent of the ingredients [in our kitchen] are from Spain,” the chef revealed. “The rest we source from local farmers.”

Bueno Tapas & Wines Paella
Paella de Cochinillo | Instagram/Bueno Tapas & Wines

But aside from the ingredients, Chef Kennedy also adheres to traditional cooking methods, especially when preparing Spanish cuisine. One of his restaurant’s staples – paella – is a serious matter in his kitchen. The restaurant serves eight kinds and every one is prepared passionately and meticulously. “When you want good paella, you have to have five key ingredients,” he explained. The first is liquid gold: stock. “There’s no shortcut when it comes to good stock, you have to create from scratch,” he maintained.

The second is the sofrito, which is a blend of vegetables, spices, and aromatics used to flavor the paella. “It’s very typical for the Spanish to have that for paella,” he shared.

The third is rice. For Chef Kennedy this specifically means using varieties that are small and not too starchy; this will allow it to absorb more stock and, thereby, add more flavor. “We also have the protein and the vegetables,” he reminded us.

Bueno Tapas & Wines
Interiors at Bueno Tapas & Wines | Instagram/Bueno Tapas & Wines

Needless to say, every dish in his restaurant is meticulously crafted to include flavors similar to what he himself experienced as a student abroad. The seasoned restauranteur knows that ultimately, that is key to owning a successful restaurant, especially in the cutthroat neighborhood of BGC.

“[We’re situated] in a melting pot and we get to see a lot of different people here: locals, foreigners, different kinds of customers. It’s hard to predict the outcome of business sometimes,” he admitted. “That’s why it’s so important to be consistent. The competition in F&B (Food & Beverage) [industry] is intense.”

As the chef observed, Filipinos nowadays are accustomed to many fine things. Customers are more well-traveled and have access to impressive menus and indulgences. As such, diners nowadays are more discerning and when you step foot in a restaurant, it’s no longer just about the food.

“[Dining out] should be a total experience,” Chef Kennedy mused. “The ambiance should be good, the service should be consistent, and the food – of course – should be great.”

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Manila/ Delish/ Happenings

Kumori Philippines Unveils Holiday Treats for 2024

Untitled design 2024 11 26 T110350 921 Photo by Facebook/ Kumori Philippines

Make your holidays berry merry with Kumori Philippines' latest holiday treats for 2024, which are equal parts visual eye candy and equal parts delicious!

Merry Berry Jelly Cake
Facebook/Kumori Philippines

First up is the iconic Merry Berry Jelly Cake, priced at P899. This limited-edition stunner has four glorious layers — coconut chiffon, strawberry cream cheese frosting, tangy strawberry jelly, and tropical flavors that essentially scream "Christmas in the tropics." Each bite combines comforting traditional recipes with modern flavors. You can grab yours at any Kumori branch or order it online.

Bundle
Facebook/Kumori Philippines

For those hard-to-shop-for foodie friends, Kumori has your back with the Merry Medley Bundle, which is priced at P999, and purchasable exclusively online. It includes a selection of offerings including the Merry Berry Jelly Cake plus fan-favorites like the Coffee Pan, Red Bean Bun, Soft Milk Bun, and Melon Pan. It’s practically Christmas in a box.

Celebrated for their Japanese-inspired pastries and breads, Kumori bakes fresh every day with that unmistakable commitment to quality. These holiday offerings will add a fresh twist to your festive feasts and gift-giving games.

Order online now or visit their branches to bring home some holiday magic! To find out more, visit Kumori Philippines on their website, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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