LIST: Global Food Brands Making a Debut in the Philippines

(SPOT.ph) Not too long ago, trying a world-famous restaurant meant hopping on a plane and adding it to your travel itinerary. Today, many of those popular dining experiences are making their way to the Philippines as more international food brands continue to recognize the country's growing appetite for world-class dining.

The best part? There's plenty more to look forward to. While several global food brands have already made their local debut, another wave is getting ready to open its doors to Filipino foodies. Safe to say, we're already counting down the days… and planning exactly what we'll order first.

It's opening at: SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City and Serendra, Taguig City

There's certainly no shortage of Korean flavors to discover without ever leaving the country. The latest to join the growing wave of Korean brands expanding to the Philippines is popular bakery café Standard Bread, which is set to open branches at Serendra in Bonifacio Global City and SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. There are signages that have already gone up at their respective sites, and the Serendra branch indicates an expected opening in the third quarter of the year.

Hailing from Seoul, the beloved bakery has built a loyal following around its philosophy of serving bread at its freshest, aptly captured in its tagline, "Where bread stays warm." You can look forward to some of its bestselling creations, including the Solid Butter Bread, Milk Bread, Tissue Bread, and Crème Brûlée French Toast.

It's opening at: SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City

Good news keeps brewing for coffee lovers. Following its successful pop-up debut in the Philippines, Bacha Coffee is set to expand its local footprint with another standalone branch, giving more Filipinos easier access to its luxurious coffee experience. Given the huge space it will occupy at SM Mall of Asia, coffee enthusiasts can perhaps look forward to more than just coffee. Maybe a full-service dining concept? We sure hope so!

It's opening at: Glorietta, Makati City

Originally from the Borough Market in London, and now with locations across the city and the world, Bread Head will open its first branch in the Philippines. We spotted the signage in the newly renovated Glorietta, right along Fogo de Chão.

The brand is known for filled doughnuts, sourdough breads, and other breads and pastries. If you were to ask us our wishlist, we're crossing our fingers that the Crème Brûlée and the Cinnamon Buns will be part of the PH menu.

It's opening at: Glorietta, Makati City

We know there's already an overwhelming number of coffee shops in Metro Manila, and the growing demand dictates it won't stop anytime soon—not with the Philippine debut of Sydney's Ten Thousand Coffee, opening at Glorietta, Makati City. The name originates from the "10,000-hour rule," the time the speciality coffee brand invested in creating its coffee.

The brand is known for its Einspanner, a Viennese drink made with espresso topped with sweetened whipped cream. They have this in Einspanner Blank and Einspanner Cream.

It's opening at: SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City

The fact that this beloved Hong Kong food spot earned a Bib Gourmand distinction from the Michelin Guide is reason enough to get excited about its upcoming Philippine debut at SM Megamall. In Hong Kong, long queues are a common sight for Cheung Hing Kee's signature sheng jian bao, which the Michelin Guide describes as an "exceptional street food" that's "pan-fried to perfection, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside." It also praises the buns for being "springy, brimming with filling, and crispy on the bottom." While the classic pork-filled version remains the bestseller, adventurous diners can also choose from equally tempting varieties featuring shrimp, mala pork, truffle, and crabmeat with roe.

It's opening at: SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City

The froyo craze is about to get a whole lot cooler with the arrival of Yoajung, South Korea's No. 1 frozen yogurt dessert brand, on the local food scene. Mallgoers have already spotted its boarded-up storefront at SM Mall of Asia, confirming that the viral dessert brand is gearing up for its first store in the Philippines. Yoajung has become a phenomenon in Korea for its customizable frozen yogurt bowls, where customers can pile on everything from fresh fruits and granola to mochi, chocolate, and its famous honey-drenched honeycomb. 

It's opening at: No confirmed location yet.

For fans of pan-Asian cuisine, The Bistro Group's official announcement that it will bring London-born wagamama to Manila is certainly welcome news. The globally loved restaurant has been delighting diners since opening in London in 1992 and has become known for its diverse menu of Japanese-inspired ramen, teppanyaki, curries, fresh salads, alongside an extensive selection of wine and Asian beers. While an exact opening date has yet to be announced, foodies can already look forward to digging into signature dishes such as Prawn Raisukaree, Tantanmen Beef Brisket Ramen, Grilled Chicken Ramen, and Edamame with Chili + Garlic Salt before the year comes to a close.

It's opening at: SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City

Luxury tea brand TWG Tea is set to make its highly anticipated return to the Philippines, with its newest store slated to open at SM Mall of Asia. Renowned for its extensive collection of premium teas, elegant tea salons, and indulgent tea-infused pastries, the Singapore-born brand will once again give Filipino tea lovers a taste of its signature luxury tea experience right here in Manila. While an official opening date has yet to be announced, the spacious location suggests it will likely be a full-service TWG Tea Salon & Boutique, where guests can enjoy not only the brand's bestselling teas—1837 Black Tea, Silver Moon Tea, and Geisha Blossom Tea—but also its refined dining and afternoon tea experience.