By James A. Loyola
Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) announced that the first Panda Express in the Philippines will open on December 12 at SM Megamall.
This new dining destination is expected to draw customers for a taste of its well-known Original Orange Chicken, a wok-tossed crispy chicken in a sweet and spicy sauce.
It’s the best-selling dish on the menu in over 2,200 stores of Panda Express in several countries including Spain, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and Japan.
JFC also announced that the same menu from the United States will be served here, which includes other American Chinese classics Kung Pao Chicken, Broccoli Beef, and Asian Grilled Chicken.
Vegetarians can also try the Eggplant Tofu, lightly browned tofu, eggplant, and bell peppers tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce.
First opened in Glendale California, Panda Express has since popularized American Chinese cuisine, which is inspired by authentic Chinese recipes adapted to suit the global palate.
It is now the largest Asian dining concept in the US, as well as the largest American Chinese dining concept in the world.
The brand’s foray into the Philippines was made possible by a joint venture between Panda Restaurant Group (PRG) and homegrown Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), now one of the fastest growing Asian restaurant companies in the world.
To date, Panda Express has more than 2,000 restaurants all over the world, and with close to 39,000 associates.
Outside of the US, it is present in Canada, Guatemala, Aruba, Japan, Mexico, El Salvador, South Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
“With proven track records in providing great tasting food at a great value, JFC and Panda join hands to introduce American Chinese food, a globally-influenced cuisine inspired by authentic Chinese culinary principles, to the Philippines,” Jollibee said.