Jollibee

The wait is over Edmonton, it’s our turn to experience Jollibee!

As of last week on August 16th, the world-famous Filipino fast food chain has opened up on 3803 Calgary Trail NW in Edmonton. Known for their Jolly Crispy Chicken, spaghetti, and peach mango pie, Edmontonians finally have the chance to try it after waiting years. Jollibee is the largest fast food chain brand in the Philippines. This is their 5th Canadian location and 1st location in Alberta. Some people might not understand why Jollibee is so popular. Personally, I believe that it’s part of the Filipino culture because it makes them feel like they are at “home”. For some, it was their first time eating Jollibee after many, many years!

Disclosure: Although I was sponsored by Jollibee, my review is 100% unbiased and based on my own, sincere experience. 

Pre-Opening

Jollibee offered a few specials for their Grand Opening date. The main special was that the first 50 people who made a purchase of $25 or more on food would get one year’s supply of Jolly Crispy Chicken every month (one bucket per month for 12 months). At other Jollibee locations, customers usually came hours early before opening time to line up for the special. In Edmonton, the first customer was already there days ahead! When I came to the location on Tuesday of the opening week to take storefront photos before it opened, I realized that there was someone waiting there! Jordan Haworth was the first customer in line. To my surprise, I learnt that he had never actually tried Jollibee. He told me that his mom went to the Philippines and raved about it which inspired him to try it. I hope that he had enjoyed his first taste of Jollibee on the opening day!

Grand Opening

Jollibee opened in Edmonton on August 16th at 7 am. There were already 500 people in line at that time! The other specials they had for those who dedicated enough to be ahead of the line were: first 50 people who arrived with a creative #ItsOurTurn sign would get a special Jollibee Funko Pop and first 300 people who made a $25 purchase would get a Jollibee plush doll. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much hype and excitement for a grand opening in Edmonton before. I came around 10 am and the lines were still long. Honestly, I’m not too sure when the hype will die down. If you’ve never had Jollibee before, I’d say it’s worth the wait for the food!

The line of excitement!

Front counter – where your Jollibee orders are placed and dreams come true.

Lots of seating available inside for dining in!

Jolly Crispy Chicken (6 pc)

The menu is kept simple with a few main items and consists of Filipino fare mixed with Western-influenced items. I tried the Jolly Crispy Chicken, Spaghetti, Palabok, Peach Mango Pie, and Pineapple Juice. Other items on the menu are Burger Steak and Yum Burger – both very popular as well. It was actually my very first time trying Jollibee! The Jolly Crispy Chicken was very juicy and tender. I really enjoyed dipping it into their Gravy. The chicken was delicious and I could see why people waited hours in line for it.

Jolly Spaghetti

A very popular combination at Jollibee is the Jolly Crispy Chicken and Jolly Spaghetti, something you can’t find served together anywhere else. The spaghetti here is a bit different from the traditional pasta dish. The tomato sauce is a bit sweeter and it comes with hot dog slices and grated cheese.

Palabok

Palabok is one of the more traditional Filipino dishes on the menu. It consists of noodles seasoned with shrimp sauce and topped with garlic sauce, chopped pork, shrimp, and hard boiled eggs. I found this dish to be very savoury and tasty! It wasn’t like any other noodle dish I’ve had before.

Peach Mango Pie

Peaches are one of my favourite fruits so I was pretty excited to try the Peach Mango Pie! The exterior was crispy while the interior was oozing with peach & mango goodness. Definitely pick some of these up when you stop by Jollibee for lunch or dinner.

Pineapple Juice

There’s no better way to wash down that Jolly Crispy Chicken than with Pineapple Juice!

Overall, I had a very fun and enjoyable first time at Jollibee! It definitely is a memorable experience, unlike at other fast food restaurants where you simply eat the food and don’t look back. The food is very affordable too and great for sharing with others. I’ll definitely be back, once I don’t have to wait hours in line (which probably won’t be for awhile!).

Address & Hours

3803 Calgary Trail NW #914

Edmonton, AB

Mon to Sun: 7 am – 11 pm