On our second day in London this summer, we decided to take a break from the usual sightseeing and hunt for something familiar. While we enjoy exploring new cuisines, especially Japanese and Korean food, there are moments when you crave the comforting flavors that remind you of home. For us, Jollibee has always been that place. It is where we shared quick weekday meals in the Philippines, where some special days were celebrated over crispy chicken, and where our little family created simple, happy memories. So, when we saw that there was a Jollibee branch in Earl’s Court, we knew we had to go.
Walking into the restaurant felt like stepping into a tiny corner of the Philippines. The atmosphere was lively with families and groups of friends chatting over familiar meals. Even though we were miles away from home, the bright red and orange Jollibee colors instantly made us feel comfortable. We found a spot to sit, set our daughter in her stroller where she was fast asleep after a long morning of exploring London, and looked over the menu. While everything looked tempting, we already knew what we were craving.
I ordered my all-time favorite combination: the jolly hotdog and spicy chicken with rice. The jolly hotdog has always been a go-to snack for me in the Philippines, with its sweet-style hotdog, cheese, and that signature sauce. The spicy chicken meal, on the other hand, is something I can never skip because Jollibee’s chicken is simply different from any other fried chicken I’ve tried. My husband opted for a burger meal with fries, something simple yet satisfying, especially after a long day of walking around the city. We also decided to order a jolly spaghetti for our daughter, knowing she would love it once she woke up. To complete the meal, we both had pineapple juice, another nostalgic choice that brought back memories of weekend family lunches back home.
When our tray arrived, it was filled with all the familiar red Jollibee boxes, golden fries, crispy fried chicken, and the sweet aroma of spaghetti and hotdog toppings. It was comforting to see these meals even in a foreign city. We dug in immediately, happy to finally have lunch even if it was already late in the afternoon. Traveling can make you forget meal times, but hunger catches up quickly when you smell fried chicken that good.
The jolly hotdog, however, was not exactly as I remembered it from the Philippines. The taste was a little different, maybe because of the ingredients used here in London or perhaps the way it was prepared. I could not finish it this time, which was a little disappointing, but it was still nice to have that familiar flavor, even if it wasn’t perfect. The spicy chicken, on the other hand, was everything I had hoped for. Crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful inside, with just the right amount of heat to make it exciting without overwhelming the taste. It was exactly how I remembered it, and each bite felt like a little piece of home.
My husband was happy with his burger meal. It was simple, tasty, and paired well with the fries and pineapple juice. We both agreed that while the prices were higher than what we were used to in the Philippines, it was not surprising given that we were in London. We paid 29.38€, which might seem expensive for fast food, but considering how much we enjoyed the experience, it felt worth it. Eating something that reminded us of home while traveling made it more than just a meal, it became part of our vacation memories.
Our daughter was still sound asleep while we ate, but we knew she would love her jolly spaghetti later. That sweet, savory sauce with cheese on top is a childhood favorite for many Filipino kids, and we wanted her to enjoy a little taste of home even while abroad. It felt special to share these familiar flavors with her, even if she didn’t get to join us at the table just yet.
What struck me most during this visit was how food can instantly transport you back to where you feel most comfortable. We had been enjoying Japanese and Korean dishes throughout our travels and loved every bite, but there was something about this Jollibee meal that brought a different kind of happiness. It wasn’t just about the taste. It was about the memories attached to it, the times we laughed together over fried chicken, the times we grabbed a quick meal after a busy day, and the simple comfort of knowing exactly what you’re going to get when you order your favorite combo. Being far from home made this experience even more meaningful.
After finishing our meal, we sat for a while, just enjoying the relaxed moment before heading out to see more of London. It was nice to pause and take a break from the busy pace of traveling. The meal wasn’t perfect, the jolly hotdog left me a little unsatisfied, but the spicy chicken made up for it and more. My husband was content, and our daughter would soon wake up to her favorite spaghetti. We left Jollibee with full stomachs and warm hearts, grateful that we found a little slice of the Philippines in the middle of a big European city.
If there’s anything this experience reminded me of, it’s that sometimes the best travel moments are not about the new things you see or the fancy restaurants you try. Sometimes, it’s about finding comfort in the familiar, sharing a simple meal with the people you love, and feeling at home even when you’re thousands of miles away. Jollibee in Earl’s Court gave us that little moment of home, and for that, it was worth every euro we spent.
