Food trends travel across the world following migrations and wars. A few recipes survive the move and become popular in their adopted countries, to the point where they are considered a natural part of the country's native culture. That’s the story of the egg drop sandwich, currently sweeping across Asia.
The current popularity of the egg drop sandwich traces back to several centuries, beginning in 1644 during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912), when egg drop soup was a popular dish. Inevitably, the Japanese adapted the recipe, adding their own twist by serving it as a sandwich, called tamago sando or egg drop sando. Koreans adopted the dish, adding spicy kimchi and naming it gyeran-ppang or egg bread.
And now, at last, the egg drop sandwich – hailed as a classic comfort food in many Asian cuisines – has landed on Philippine shores.
Eggdrop in the Philippines
Eggdrop, Korea’s original and premium gourmet egg sandwich brand, is now in the Philippines. Known for its mouthwatering sandwiches, the restaurant is bringing its authentic Korean flavors and heritage to Filipino food lovers, who are in for an exciting culinary experience.
Comfort and nostalgia
The sandwich basically consists of two slices of toasted white bread, 1 to 2 softly scrambled eggs, butter, mayonnaise, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Some recipes include additional ingredients like diced vegetables, meat (e.g., bacon, ham), or cheese. It is easy to prepare, evoking memories of family and childhood.
Simply nutritious, creative
Nutritional information per serving (2 slices of bread, 1 egg, salt, and pepper) only contains 250 to 300 calories, 15 grams of protein, 10 grams of fat, and 30 grams of carbohydrates. The sandwiches can be as varied as one’s imagination would allow:
• Brioche egg drop sandwich: Uses brioche bread instead of white bread.
• Spicy egg drop sandwich: Adds spicy elements like kimchi or sriracha.
• Vegan egg drop sandwich: Replaces eggs with tofu or plant-based alternatives.
International sensation
Eggdrop, the company, first made waves in Korea in 2017, revolutionizing the country’s food scene with its gourmet egg sandwiches. The brand has since grown to 290 locations in South Korea alone. Eggdrop’s exposure through K-Dramas, K-Pop culture, and mukbang channels has only increased its global appeal. Now, the brand is ready to bring its beloved recipes to the Philippines, promising a premium, authentic Korean food experience that has already captured the hearts of millions worldwide.
Mr. Young-woo Noh, CEO of Eggdrop Korea, says, “The Philippine market, with its deep appreciation for high-quality food and the growing influence of Korean culture, is the perfect place for us to continue our global expansion. Eggdrop’s launch in the Philippines is a celebration of the cultural exchange between Korea and the Philippines, and we are proud to share the flavors that have become a staple in Korean food culture.”
Original Korean Brand
Eggdrop’s arrival in the Philippines is about creating an experience that resonates with Filipino tastes and preferences. The Philippines, known for its love of eggs and comfort food, makes Eggdrop’s menu a perfect fit for the local market.
“We’re excited to bring Eggdrop to the Philippines, where food lovers have already shown a strong affinity for global food trends, especially those influenced by Korean culture,” says Stewart Lee Ong, president of Butter and Salt Group, Inc., and the franchisee of Eggdrop in Manila.
Iconic Menu
Eggdrop’s menu, which includes classics like Mr. Egg, Bacon Double Cheese, and Garlic Bacon Cheese, reflects the heart of Eggdrop’s philosophy—simple yet flavorful, high-quality sandwiches that satisfy every craving:
• Mr. Egg: A delightfully simple yet satisfying sandwich featuring fluffy scrambled eggs, cheese, and Eggdrop’s signature sauce for a creamy, savory finish.
• Bacon Double Cheese: A savory indulgence with crispy bacon, melted cheese, scrambled eggs, and a touch of Eggdrop’s signature sauce, layered on its signature brioche bread.
• Garlic Bacon Cheese: A bold favorite, combining the rich flavors of garlic butter, crispy bacon, and melted cheese with scrambled eggs, creating a uniquely savory experience.
Expansion Plans
The launch of Eggdrop Philippines marks the brand’s commitment to further expanding its presence in Asia. With a growing demand for authentic Korean dining experiences, the brand plans to open multiple stores across the Philippines over the next three years. “We are confident that the Filipino market, with its love for food and strong connections to Korean culture, will embrace Eggdrop and make it a beloved brand in the years to come,” says Stewart.