Travel magazine lists Jollibee among the world's best fast-food chains

Tourists who want a taste of the Philippines will be spoiled for choice, with tasty dishes from adobo to pinikpikan. But for the busy traveler, perhaps a meal of Chickenjoy or palabok will do just the trick.

Filipino fast-food chain Jollibee is one of the best in the world, according to Travel and Leisure's list of the best chains to sample when you're on the go.

 

"Fast food may conjure up those ubiquitous Golden Arches, but the concept has come a long way from frozen burgers and soggy fries," writes Jamie Feldmar for the international travel magazine.  

The list released in May 2012 includes maritime-themed chain Nordsee in Germany, noodle chain Mr. Lee in China, and street snack chain Old Chang Kee in Singapore.

 

At Jollibee, fast food gets a Filipino twist—the burgers come with a sweet, creamy sauce and the spaghetti comes with hotdogs. But it's the fried chicken and local noodle dish that star in Travel and Leisure's list.

 

"There are more than 700 locations across the country, serving everything from fried chicken and hamburgers to local favorites like palabok, rice noodles with meat sauce, shrimp, and hard-boiled egg," they say, recommending the Spicy Chickenjoy.

 

According to Travel and Leisure, "fast-food chains aren't exactly hidden gems...but they have their own quirky appeal and dish out a quick fix of local culture and cuisine."

 

The Jollibee Foods Corporation claims to be the largest restaurant network in the country, with 2,004 stores in the Philippines and 509 stores abroad. 

 

Jollibee has stores in the US, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Brunei, Hong Kong and Vietnam.

 

It began as a two-branch ice cream parlor in 1975, and has grown to be one of the most popular brands in the country, with its mascots starring in their own children's television show. –KG, GMA News