Gino B.
Yelp
Jollibee is an Overhyped, overpriced, fast food curiosity
Post-pandemic Yonge street is changing a lot and Jollibee has been a long curiosity of mine as it is often hyped, by Filipino ex pats in my entourage.
This newer location has a bright airy feel, with a kindergarten style - yet modern seating area. I found the Ordering experience rather cumbersome, as there was a language barrier with the front counter staff.
I can see how this chain might mean home and nostalgia to my ex pat friends; however, I don't see the hype or the taste, especially when factoring in the very high menu prices for a fast food chain.
I started with the Yum cheeseburger ($5.49), which turned out to be an ultra tiny, slider style, plain, slim thin patty burger with a slice of processed American cheese and a dollop of thousand-islandy type of dressing. It was not great, ultra small and definitely overpriced.
This chain appears to be famous for its crispy fried chicken pieces that are displayed Popeyes style below a heat lamp behind the cashiers. I tried the 2 piece combo which comes with a side of fries, a 2 oz container of gravy and a 20 oz soda for $10.79.
Was the chicken good? Yes it was but not the best Ive ever had, and not that far off from KFC and definitely not as crispy or crunchy as popeyes. The fries were lukewarm, of grocery freezer aisle variety and nothing special - and to me, not to the standard of other fast foods.
Some diners seem to hype the spaghetti with sauce ($7.99 on the menu) and Mc Donald's Style, boxed deep fried peach turnovers ($3.49 on the menu). Both seemed unappetizing, overpriced and unnecessary but I can understand how this May mean nostalgia to a group of ex pat Filipino consumers. To the average Joe, those fried turnovers are about $1 elesewhere with more flavor varieties
So, crispy, juicy chicken; yes - but , terrible burger, lukewarm ordinary freezer fries and definitely overhyped and overpriced fast food as a whole. The big arches, crowns, colonel sanders and other peer chains won't sweat the addition of Jollibee to the fast food landscape and their backyards. Curiosity satisfied. Next!