This composite shows Daily Beer’s menu items, Chef Josh Boutwood, Afternoon Tea Set at World Kitchens. (Daily Beer/Released, The Bistro Group/Released, Araneta City/Released)
From Italian flavors and Japanese mastery to meaningful campaigns that feed both stomach and soul, the local food scene has been nothing short of inspiring this month.
Here’s a quick taste of what’s cooking in the Philippine dining scene from late October to this month:
Doña Elena brings Italy home with new premium pasta sauces
Cooking at home just got a gourmet upgrade with Doña Elena’s new line of 100% Italian Pasta Sauces: Marinara, Arrabbiata, Artichokes & Walnuts, and Pesto with Pecorino Cheese. Each flavor is crafted from fresh, preservative-free ingredients designed to pair perfectly with the brand’s Al Dente Pasta.
Made from 100% durum wheat semolina and bronze-cut for that authentic Italian texture, The brand makes it easy to serve restaurant-quality dishes at home, whether for a quick weekday dinner or a festive family meal.
The Bistro Group celebrates Chef Josh Boutwood’s historic Michelin wins
Philippine gastronomy reached a new high as Chef Josh Boutwood’s flagship restaurant, HELM, earned two Michelin Stars, the country’s first ever. His other restaurants — Ember, Juniper and The Test Kitchen, were all included in Michelin’s “Selected” listings.
Boutwood and The Bistro Group mark this as a victory for Filipino culinary artistry and innovation, proving that world-class dining has a proud place in the Philippines.
READ: FULL LIST: Michelin-selected restaurants in Philippines | FULL LIST: Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand and Special Award recipients in the Philippines | FULL LIST: Michelin-starred Restaurants in the Philippines
Daily Beer from Korea lands in Manila
The Korean chimaek (chicken + beer) craze has officially arrived! Daily Beer, with over 400 stores worldwide, opens its first Philippine branch at Arcovia City. Diners can now enjoy authentic Korean fried chicken and freshly brewed craft beer, all served extra cold for that satisfying sip.
Among their signature items is the Daily Chicken fried to a golden crunch
and served with flavorful sauces and seasonings, allowing Fiipinos to experience a slice of Seoul in the city. Other crowd favorites include Gimbap, Tteokbokki and the signature sweet and sour Chicken Gangjeong.
Jollibee launches ‘Jolliskwela’ for joyful learning
In partnership with the Department of Education and the Jollibee Group Foundation, the fast-food giant unveiled “Jolliskwela,” its first education-focused employee volunteer program.
The initiative aims to empower 91,000 children nationwide through literacy programs, teacher support and joyful learning spaces, proving that the fast food chain’s “joy” extends far beyond its meals.
Foodpanda fights hunger and food waste on World Food Day
Foodpanda Philippines marked World Food Day with a month-long outreach in Metro Manila, serving various communities including children, women persons deprived of liverty (PDLs), delivery partners, and volunteers.
In partnership with Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Philippines, they delivered meals to 500 beneficiaries in Quezon City, turning surplus food into nourishment to combat both hunger and food waste. foodpanda employees also volunteered in cooking and distributing meals, demonstrating the company’s hands-on commitment to sustainability and compassion.
“Food waste and food insecurity are two sides of the same coin,” Bianca Alarcon,
Executive Affairs Management Officer of SOS Philippines, said.
In Taguig City, they supported the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s Women’s Dormitory by providing food packs, hygiene kits, and essentials to women deprived of liberty, reinforcing dignity and care.
These initiatives, under foodpanda’s “Let’s Do Our Pau-rt” advocacy, highlight the company’s mission to foster empathy, inclusivity and community through shared nourishment.
Mang Inasal’s Halo-Halo Campaign Wins Big at 2025 Dragons of Asia Awards
The viral #MangInasalCreamyYESSummer campaign has taken home major honors, including the Blue Dragon Award for Best Campaign in the Philippines and Black Dragon for Social Media.
Led by rising star Fyang Smith, the campaign showcased the brand’s Extra Creamy Halo-Halo.
Pizza Hut’s 11.11 Treat: P1 Pizza Deal
Your 11.11 wish just came true. If you purchase one Pan or Stuffed Crust Pizza, you can get a 9” Regular Pizza for just P1.
Available until today, November 11, this unbeatable deal is valid for online, app, and hotline orders using the code FREEDELPISO. The promotion started running on November 7.
JM Granado spreads holiday cheer one ingredient at a time
TikTok chef JM Granado is challenging himself to create five holiday recipes around one key ingredient, starting with rice.
From Tapuy Sangria to Ube Cheese Tupig Rolls, his creative spin on Filipino staples has fans glued to their screens. With 138,000 followers and brand collaborations under his belt, Granado proves that great food content starts with heart and a little Pinoy ingenuity.
Japan’s famous Hikiniku to Come opens in BGC
Brace yourselves for the Philippines’ first Hikiniku to Come, Japan’s original “hamburg-over-rice” concept.
Opening at Uptown Mall, BGC, the restaurant features freshly ground Wagyu patties grilled over binchotan charcoal, fluffy sake-infused rice, and signature sauces, all prepared with Japanese precision.
It’s the brand’s largest branch in the world, marking a new era of interactive Japanese dining in Manila.
Rediscover merienda at Araneta City’s World Kitchens
Araneta City’s World Kitchens is redefining the Filipino merienda experience with a new menu that combines local comfort with global flair. From Ube Champorado with Gourmet Tuyo to Mango Sticky Rice and Chef Jessie’s Special Halo-Halo, the lineup celebrates familiar mid-day favorites with creative twists.
For those craving something elegant, the Afternoon Tea Set features a three-tiered selection of savories, scones, and sweets, best enjoyed with Janat tea or coffee. Other highlights include Indian-inspired bites from PRANA, Italian indulgences from Dario Pizza & More, and SHINSHIMA’s light, savory Okonomiyaki.
Created by Singapore F&B expert Andrew Tan Hock Lai, World Kitchens brings 15 show kitchens and international chefs under one roof at Gateway Mall 2, offering an elevated yet accessible global dining experience.
—With Rosette Adel
RELATED: Singapore’s Chef Fung to bring gastronomic expertise in soon-to-open show kitchen concept
Dining and Cooking