Jollibee and McDonald's are two of the most powerful players in the fast food industry. While the Big Mac of the United States is a well-known favorite, the Philippines has its own home-grown brand that has become a hit with Southeast Asian taste buds. Felix, an 18-year-old from Hoboken, New Jersey, recently experienced Chickenjoy for the first time at a Midtown Jollibee. McDonald's did not respond to CNBC Make It's request for comment.
While some may prefer Jollibee's chicken and McDonald's fries, this is not always the case. Surprisingly, Jollibee's unique flavor has been well-received by non-native customers as well. The reception in Manhattan, where there is not a large Filipino population, has been especially encouraging according to Minana. When it comes to breakfast meals, McDonald's takes the lead.
Jollibee offers meals such as burgers, spaghetti and crispy chicken, but McDonald's breakfast meals are more varied. However, when it comes to crispy chicken, Jollibee wins hands down. The natural taste and large portion size make it a clear favorite. This year, Jollibee opened its first branch in Manhattan, New York.
Currently there are only 37 outlets in the U. S., but the chain plans to expand aggressively in the coming years. Prices are comparable to other fast food restaurants and Jollibee can be found in California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia and Washington. Jollibee began as an ice cream shop in Quezon City in 1975 and has since grown substantially.
The wide variety of foods offered is likely one of the reasons why it has become so popular. Additionally, many foreign Youtubers have expressed their preference for Jollibee over McDonald's.
