Often referred to as “the McDonald’s of the Philippines”, this fast food giant has over 1000 branches all over the country, and hundreds more overseas. Through its four decades in the business, Jollibee has managed to create a place of comfort for Filipinos, so its food has become closely associated with milestones and good times with family and friends.

Considering the country’s long trade history with China (the Philippines’ Chinatown in Binondo is actually the oldest in the world), it is no surprise Filipinos have taken a liking to Chinese food and flavors. Another massive fast food joint in the country is Chowking. They serve Chinese dishes like dimsum, fried rice, and noodle soup albeit with a Filipino taste but they also make a tasty halo-halo, which is one of their most favored menu items among locals.

Chicken inasal, an especially tasty and juicy grilled chicken, is another well-loved local dish. Mang Inasal took this and Filipinos’ absurd love for rice, gave the public what it didn’t realize it wanted, and became an instant hit. Aside from perfecting the inasal taste, this food chain began a gimmick that was impossible for locals to resist unlimited rice. Thus began the brand’s inevitable road to success.

Zark’s Burgers began with a man’s mission to bring affordable, quality hamburgers to Filipinos. And this he did, starting with a small hole-in-the-wall in 2009. Zark’s burgers hit all the marks in taste, portion size, and price, and it quickly expanded. Its resistance to any pretence and focus on improving its products and growing its menu is one of the main reasons locals continue to love the chain.

Though often mistaken for a foreign chain, Yellow Cab actually started in the bustling city of Makati, Metro Manila early in 2001. 17 years later, their New-York-style pizzas have never waned in quality, and there are now over 100 branches nationwide. Get a box of their best-selling Original Dear Darla Pizza on your next movie night in who knew rolled thin crust pizza dipped in chilli oil could be this good