Jollibee Scarborough at Kennedy Commons Grand Opening
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Jolibee Scarborough . All opinions expressed are my own. All information is accurate as of time of posting.
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This past Sunday April 1 saw the Grand Opening of Jollibee Scarborough at the Kennedy Commons plaza on William Kitchen Road. If you’ve never heard of Jollibee you’re about to get quite the introduction. Because with lineups 7 hours long and people camping out overnight to be the first in the door on opening day it should tell you something about the cult-like devotion it’s enthusiasts have over their menu.
Jollibee originates from the Philippines and with favorites like their Jolly Crispy Chicken, Jolly Spaghetti, Palabok Fiesta, and Peach Mango Pie it is considered an institution back in it’s home country.
As part of the media preview I was lucky enough to skip the 7 hour lineup and get my chance to dig into their signature dishes. First up is their Jolly Crispy Chicken ($14.99 CAD for 6 piece bucket, 2pcs with 1 side & soda for $7.99CAD, as well as other combos). Everything is prepared fresh and and it looks and smells that way. As for the taste? The batter was extremely flavourful and the chicken super juicy and tender. This is some really good fried chicken. Really good. Back in the Philippines I’m told rice is the popular accompaniment to their chicken by the local patrons but they also offer a gravy sauce for dipping which I personally was a fan of. Washing it all down with their Pineapple Juice was also a treat as it was not overly sweet and gave me that tropical feeling.
In addition to delicious chicken some of their most classic and most popular dishes include Jolly Spaghetti ($5.99CAD with drink, $8.49 with 1 pc Jolly Crispy Chicken and drink) and the Palabok Fiesta ($6.99 with drink, $9.49CAD with 1 pc Jolly Crispy Chicken and drink).
The Jolly Spaghetti comes with a sweet-stye tomato sauce served over spaghetti noodles with ham, sausage, ground beef, and cheese. The sweet-style sauce is a nice twist to what otherwise might be considered a typical pasta dish. Not to worry though, it isn’t sweet like a dessert but just enough that it definitely brings some distinct flair.
As for the Palabok Fiesta, you might be asking yourself what exactly is Palabok? I know I certainly was. Palabok, is a garlic-shrimp sauce and it is served over bihon noodles (a traditional noodle), and then topped with pork chicharon bits, tinapa flakes, sauteed pork, shrimps, and slices of egg. The sauce clings to the noodles giving you bursts of flavour with each bite. As much as I loved the crispiness of their juicy chicken I have to say that the Palabok Fiesta was my favourite item of everything I tried. While a common and much loved comfort dish back in Philippines it is a unique offering even here in Toronto/GTA, which is known for it’s multiculturalism both in population and on in the food scene.
As for dessert be sure to check out their Peach Mango Pie ($2.49 CAD). A flaky golden crust is filled with peach and mango filling and served warm. It’s as drool worthy as it sounds and the peach mango combination gives you fresh, tropical, and indulgent finish to your meal.
Jollibee brings with it it’s Asian roots, which is a very good thing as it is what distinguishes it from your typical North American fried chicken joint. While I wouldn’t necessarily wait overnight like it’s devotees did it’s definitely a strong go-to contender for those looking to satisfy their fried chicken craving or even as a quick lunch with one of their crazy delicious noodle dishes. You may or may not (definitely most certainly will) see me heading out there for one of those peach mango pies (and the palabok fiesta) on a regular basis.
