Jollibee — Restaurant in Toronto

For me, it all began here. The first Jollibee location I visited, and fittingly, the last*. Curious to try after hearing about the hype, I ordered a spicy 10-piece bucket to share with my family.

It was love at first bite.

Hot, spicy, and overflowing with juices, it was the perfect fried chicken. Everything about it was immaculate, it was greasy but did not leave the stank aftertaste of Popeye’s. At the same time, it was spicy yet it wasn’t only spicy. It had its own unique flavor profile, one not offered by any other fried chicken offered at any chain. The flavor sparked a feeling I had not felt for any fried chicken chain before.

I had to let my friends know. I sang the praises of Jollibee’s spicy fried chicken to all my close friends and distant acquaintances alike. My friends visited, initially pessimistic and distrustful of my high respect for the chain. Everything changed when they began to eat. Some messaged me, letting me know that this was the best fried chicken ever. They told me about how the chicken was actually spicy, and that the flavour seeped far into the juicy meat. Even one who had unfathomably dissed the pineapple quencher quoting it as “incredibly average” eventually came to the habit of purchasing 3 per visit.

Sadly, not all my friends are as lucky to have lived in Ontario near a Jollibee location. Those who have the misfortune of living in other “provinces” such as Prince Edward Island expressed their rejection of the bee.

“Popeyes is better”, they confidently spoke yet without the knowledge of the happiness of eating a 3-pc chickenjoy. Sour grapes. The rest of us who did know the righteous path never stepped back into another Popeye’s again. We promised those in other provinces that when they visit Ontario, we may go to Jollibee so they too can become enlightened and see their faith in Popeye’s has been misplaced all along. With rumours of expansion plans for more franchisees, the future of fried chicken appeared bright and one I looked forward to.

Until one day, it happened.

My father was visiting Canada in November as he typically works out of the country. We aren’t of Filipino descent, but I was excited to share with him the magic of Jollibee’s spicy fried chicken as he was a man of uncultured taste who only visits American fast-food chains. His favourite fried chicken chain? KFC. A meaningless life.

I told him about the spicy fried chicken at Jollibee and he agreed to try it. We visited this location. They were out of spicy chicken. No problem since we were heading towards Centerpoint Mall later anyways and they also had a Jollibee location. Centerpoint, curiously, was also out of spicy chicken. Strange, but perhaps Promenade Mall will be the savior in these bleak times. We made one last drive and sadly, our goals were never met that day.

The mild chicken was fine, but Church’s fried chicken would get the same job done. I told my dad this was just a bad day, and that the next time he visits again I can take him to experience true chickenjoy.

In early December, the spicy fried chicken finally returned. I was beyond hopeful and rushed to the nearest location with my friends to order a bucket to share. We saw the chicken marked with the red flags and excitement grew. The king had finally returned. We picked up our orders and found a place to eat. Disappointment set in as we each picked up a piece.

It looked… different.

Denial struck and we commented that perhaps the appearance is just off, and the taste will be the same. We began to eat, each took a bite, and then chewed nothing but misery.

The recipe had changed.

Gone are the powdered spice and flavoured chicken. It was bland and unrecognizable. I went home, and later that night, I wept.

Looking at some other reviews, one states that he ordered spicy and they mistakenly given him mild. Fool. That IS the spicy fried chicken.

Hug your loved ones. You won’t ever be certain about the day they might be suddenly taken from you.

*Modifications to statement at discretion of potential reverting of spicy...

Jollibee Kennedy Commons is a highly popular Filipino fast-food chain located in Scarborough, Ontario, within the vibrant Kennedy Commons shopping plaza. Having gained a reputation for its unique and flavorful offerings, it attracts not just the local Filipino community but also people from various cultural backgrounds eager to try something new. Here’s a review of this specific branch, reflecting my experiences over multiple visits.

Ambiance and Atmosphere: The Kennedy Commons location offers a cozy yet bustling atmosphere, which is typical of fast-food chains that serve a large crowd. The dining area is clean and well-maintained, with enough space to accommodate families, groups, and solo diners. Despite the fast pace of service, the ambiance feels welcoming and family-friendly. During peak hours, it can get quite busy, and the seating may fill up quickly, but the staff ensures that tables are cleared efficiently.

Food Quality: Jollibee is known for its unique and somewhat unconventional menu items when compared to traditional North American fast-food chains. The Kennedy Commons branch delivers on all of its signature dishes with consistency. The most popular item is, of course, the "Chickenjoy" – a crispy, juicy fried chicken that stands out for its distinct seasoning and perfect crunch. Every bite is flavorful and well-balanced, making it a favorite for many.

Another standout item is the Jolly Spaghetti, which combines sweet-style tomato sauce, sliced hot dogs, and grated cheese. Although the sweetness may be unusual for first-timers, it grows on you, providing a comforting and satisfying experience. The Palabok Fiesta, a noodle dish topped with shrimp, ground pork, and a rich garlic sauce, offers a more traditional Filipino flavor profile, and it's always served fresh at this location.

In addition to these, Jollibee also serves the Yumburger and Jolly Hotdog, both of which feature slightly sweet buns that pair well with their respective toppings. The burger patty is tender, though it might not be the star of the show compared to other menu items. Don't miss out on the Peach Mango Pie, a delicious dessert with a crispy exterior and warm, gooey filling. It’s often the perfect way to finish off your meal.

Service: The staff at Jollibee Kennedy Commons are consistently friendly and attentive. Even when lines are long, they manage the flow of customers efficiently, ensuring a smooth and relatively quick dining experience. However, during peak hours or special events, the wait times can extend due to the high demand, which is something to be prepared for. Despite the occasional longer wait, the team handles the rush with a positive attitude, making customers feel valued.

Pricing: In terms of pricing, Jollibee Kennedy Commons offers good value for money. Most items are reasonably priced, particularly given the portion sizes and the quality of the food. It’s easy to see why families and groups return here for affordable yet satisfying meals.

Final Thoughts: Jollibee Kennedy Commons is a must-visit for those looking to try something different from the standard fast-food offerings. With its unique Filipino flavors, friendly service, and reasonable prices, it’s a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re craving crispy fried chicken, sweet spaghetti, or a delightful dessert, this location delivers on all fronts. Just be prepared for the occasional crowd, especially during weekends, as it remains a beloved destination in...

Wow okay first thing is first. There will be a line up. I went after 9pm on a Saturday night and there was a long line. But, Jollibee is so well run, so efficient, its not an issue at all. The staff were top notch. They had someone organizing the line and moving it along, mid way someone took your order on a score card to speed up ordering.

The cashier was quick because they already had your order. You get those devices that calls you up, and someone double checks your order for you.

Okay onto the food. The chicken they had there is legit. Go spicy if you can, Id say its pound for pound better than Popeye's. The skin is perfect, not too bready, very crunchy, and lots of flavour. The meat is steaming and moist and doesnt have that weird chicken taste you sometimes get with fried chicken. Order a bucket.

The Ahola burger is very good for fast food. The beef is very juicy, I almost think they steam the beef to keep it nice and juicy then grill it. I could be wrong but theres something there that makes the beef taste that juicy. The burger is solid and unique enough that there is no comparable because of the beef and the pineapple. Bread is super soft, like McDs.

Fries are very similar to McDs but less salty.

Butter corn, mash potatoes are great sides but make sure to pick up the extra gravy. The gravy is very good and elevates everything on the menu. I mean everything.

The pasta is surprisingly good for a place like this. Its like a better Chef Boyardee, more tangy. So don't expect much but it won't let you down.

The juice they serve is good, and i like the Peach Mango pie, which is like an eggroll deep fried but with a sweet fruity filling. Which makes so much sense because everyone douses an egg roll with sweet and sour sauce anyways. I recommend dunking the egg roll in the gravy to push it into a savoury, umami heavy territory.

Finally the one really important thing about Jollibee is their quality control. I can't tell if it was because everything was fresh due to the huge demand. But the food we had, the temperature and moisture levels were perfect. Like the temperature is so well regulated that the food comes out perfect, its hot but didn't burn my mouth or tongue. It stayed warm enough that 15-20 minutes later the chicken was still perfect to eat, and the skin didn't lose its crunchiness.

Very happy to...