What's cooking: New and upcoming food offerings worth checking out this week

The food scene is an exhilarating place to be in. 

It comes with endless possibilities: from riffs and fusions to incredible discoveries. Some may be the same to a certain degree, but different in their own ways. Others, meanwhile, yield magical results despite their bizarre flavors and complex combinations. 

Here’s what’s new in the world of dining—because we'll never stop loving food and the thrill that it gives. 

Calling all ice cream and donut lovers: For its 84th birthday, Krispy Kreme has released ice cream-inspired donut flavors such as Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chunky Monkey, Strawberry Funfetti, Cotton Candy, Vanilla Swiss Almond, and Pistachio, giving you a good way to celebrate not only its 84th birthday but also Ice Cream Month.

Pantry Project MNL takes the classic carbonara to the next level with its own take (P375/P750). Sure, Italian sausage and bacon add more depth, texture, and flavor to this dish. But that’s not yet the best part—it’s later tossed in an oven and baked with cheese (cheddar) and more cheese (Swiss), resulting in a rich, robust, and oh-so-good delight.

The hype for the ube and cheese combo is not yet over. It's quite evident in Jollibee’s new ube cheese pie (P35/P100/P199), which showcases the goodness of creamy cheese when it marries nutty ube inside a crispy pie crust. It may taste bizarre at first, but you might dream about it after your last bite.

Excited about the opening of the very first branch of Liang Crispy Roll in the Philippines? A gastronomic adventure is in store for wrap lovers like you—texture starts from its crispy mouthwatering outside to your chosen savory flavor inside. Officially launching on Saturday, July 17, foie gras, lobster, sausage, chicken, and tenderloin are among the hot items in its wide-ranging menu.

At Starr’s Famous Shakes, galaxy shakes are satisfying kids and kids at heart. A sweet collaboration with Candy Corner, the astronomical series consists of the Blue Starr (cotton candy crunch, whipped cream, and vanilla blue milkshake) and Candy Galaxy (shimmer turquoise crunch, whipped cream, and milk berries milkshake). They’re priced at P190 each, but you’re lucky if you’re among the first 100 to get it in-store or on its website as you’ll be treated to a special discount. 

Mama Foods is a new cloud kitchen concept that boasts of various cuisines you can enjoy. While it is most popular for its Italian restaurants like Mama Lou’s and Nonna’s Pizza Napoletana, its new brands such as Rainbow Village Milk Tea, MexiGo!, Chicken Gaga, and Persialive! Biryani are worth a try. Don’t waste your time deciding on what to eat first—just prep your appetite and then get one (or two) from each food spot altogether. Trust me, it’s going to be splendid. 

Can’t get enough of steamed rice cakes? Chloe Creations Bakeshop has desserts made only for real puto lovers. Available in classic, strawberry, mocha cashew, and chocolate, each is a unique treat that you and your family can devour for merienda or any time of the day.