During a sightseeing trip to Reading, United Kingdom, we came across something unexpected: a Jollibee! We spotted it while walking through the city center — its iconic red logo featuring the smiling bee face immediately grabbed our attention. For those who aren’t familiar, Jollibee is a fast food chain with a unique twist that hails all the way from the Philippines.
The Origins of Jollibee
Jollibee was founded in 1978 by Tony Tan Caktiong in Manila, Philippines. What started as a small family-run ice cream shop quickly evolved into a fast food restaurant when they realized how much Filipinos loved fried chicken, sweet spaghetti with sausage, and burgers with a flavor completely different from the American style. Tony Tan, with vision and drive, decided to tailor the menu to local tastes — and it created a deep connection with customers.
Jollibee is part of the Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), which has since acquired other international brands like Smashburger, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and more. Today, Jollibee is one of the most loved brands in the Philippines and has started expanding internationally with great success — especially among Filipino communities living abroad.
Jollibee in the UK
What surprised us most was that there are currently 13 Jollibee locations in the UK. That shows how well the concept has been received — not just by Filipinos, but by Brits as well. The Reading branch had a modern, colorful, and super family-friendly vibe, with cheerful decor and cultural references on the walls. The in-store experience was excellent, from the easy-to-use self-service kiosks to the well-presented menus and spotless environment.
The staff were kind and attentive, and the open kitchen gives you a clear view of how orders are prepared, which is always reassuring. We saw families and young people alike enjoying their meals, which shows Jollibee has struck a chord with a variety of customers.
What About Spain?
Spain, meanwhile, has just one Jollibee — located in Madrid. Even though Barcelona is home to a large and very active Filipino community, the brand hasn’t arrived in the Catalan city yet. Personally, I think opening a Jollibee in Barcelona would be a smart move, since its menu offers something completely different from chains like KFC or Popeyes.
The flavor is truly special and authentic. For example, the “ChickenJoy” is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and the gravy (a classic Filipino brown sauce) adds a comforting touch that’s hard to find at other chains. The spaghetti has a distinct sweetness that might be surprising at first, but wins over anyone looking for something different. And the hot dog, topped with shredded cheese, ketchup, and mustard, delivers a simple but tasty flavor combo.
Honestly, I like Jollibee more than other fast food chains in the same category. It has its own identity, story, and a menu that breaks away from the same-old fast food options. I’m confident that a Jollibee in Barcelona would be a huge hit — not just among Filipinos, but also among food lovers looking for new experiences.
Affordable Prices and Generous Portions
One of the highlights of our visit was the pricing. For an international restaurant, the prices were pretty reasonable — especially considering the portion sizes and the quality of the ingredients. Here are a few examples:
- 4-piece chicken tenders combo with fries and a drink: £8.49
- 2-piece spicy ChickenJoy with gravy, fries, and a drink: £7.49
- Mango and coconut sundae: £1.99
- Hot dog with shredded cheese, ketchup, and mustard: included in combo meals or around £3–4 on its own
All in all, a full dinner for two — dessert included — cost us just £17.97, tax included. That’s surprisingly affordable, especially considering the quality, quantity, and presentation. The restaurant also offered both dine-in and takeaway options, which was perfect for travelers or anyone catching a train from the nearby station.
Jollibee isn’t just a brand — it’s a whole experience. With its fusion of flavors, rich backstory, bold aesthetics, and family-friendly philosophy, it’s a fresh and delicious alternative in the fast food world. More than just a marketing success, Jollibee offers an emotional connection to a vibrant culture and a different way to enjoy a quick bite.
Hopefully, we’ll get to enjoy one in Barcelona soon. I’m convinced it would be a total hit — and I’d definitely be one of its most loyal customers from day one.
