Fans of tacos would probably have heard of Taco Bell before. Taco Bell opened its first branch in the Philippines at the ground floor of Gateway Mall in Araneta Center, Cubao in 2004. I have passed by this location almost every day for a year when commuting to and from work way back in 2009. However, because I was always in the hurry to go to the office and catch the last train to home, I have never tried eating at Taco Bellβuntil last Thursday, thanks to Zomato’s invite. π
With its value-for-money offerings of food and drinks, Taco Bell now feeds people’s lives with its slogan, “Live MΓ‘s.” MΓ‘s means more. It is in the process of redesigning the ambiance of its restaurants all over the world. In Asia, first store to be redesigned was Korea, and the Philippines, specifically this one in Gateway, came as second. We were one of the first batches of people who learned the new things found in the outlet.
with Ms. Aira and Mr. Lorent Adrias of Taco Bell
Review of Taco Bell Philippines (Gateway Mall, Cubao, Quezon City)
Ambiance: β β β β β
Taco Bell in Gateway Mall looked like an ideal place to simply sit and chill. Compared to the old ambiance, the new vibe is brighter, more hip, and more colorful. I was most pleased with the electrical outlets installed on the bar tables where customers who are gadgets-savvy can charge their mobile devices while enjoying their meals.
I also love the casual dining theme, with accents of violet everywhere, and the open kitchen (enclosed with glass) which follows the growing trend of food establishments showing transparency in the way they prepare food. This helps to drive away fears associate with food horror stories about nauseating things that take place behind closed kitchen doors. As an observer, having visual access on how the staff prepare our orders was fascinating.
Service: β β β β β
Operational efficiency and food freshness are two of the main reasons why patrons should check out the revamped Taco Bell. In relation to Taco Bell’s new open kitchen concept, the management has also improved the designation of tasks of the staff working behind the counter. Instead of one person doing everything to complete orders, everyone is assigned to do a unique task just like in a manufacturing factory.
The order-takers key in the items ordered by the customers, hands over the receipt, and advises to waits until their number is called.
The kitchen team is notified on the order through an LCD screen projected against the kitchen wall. Each has a role in making and assembling the food. Once done, a staff serves the order by calling out the number which is reflected on the screen visible to the waiting customers.
Food: β β β β β
The first appetizer to titillate our appetite was the Nachos Supreme (PhP 89). The platter consisted of “crispy-style” nachos with consistent crisp and cheesy toppings. It’s best eaten as soon as it’s served, otherwise the nachos become soggy with rubbery cheddar on top after sitting for a bit.
Next we had the Crunchy Wrap Supreme (PhP 69) “Meal 4” which was made with a warm, soft, flour tortilla filled with seasoned beef, warm nacho cheese sauce, a crunchy toasted shell, cool sour cream, lettuce and tomatoes wrapped up and grilled. It has robust flavors with a balanced touch of sweetness and savoriness.
XL Cheese and Beef Quesadilla (PhP 189) “Meal 5” is perfect for anyone who has a big craving. It was filled with the cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack three-cheese blend, topped with nacho cheese sauce. This simple dish had an alluring aroma from the melted cheese that I so love.
The Crunchy Taco and Beef Burrito (PhP 189) “Meal 6” was another good option that was done the way it should beβcrisp on the outside, warm and soft on the inside. You can’t go wrong.
Note that all meals include sides and drinks.
For desserts, it would be a shame to walk away not having a bite of Taco Bell’s Chocodilla with Nutella (and marshmallows) (PhP 49) as it’s only available in the Philippines as of now. It was not too sweet but just right.
We also tried Churros with Dip (PhP 49). About the size of a breadstick, the light and airy churros can be eaten plain or dipped into the chocolate sauce. It’s a treat that’s great for a quick snack on-the-go.
Price for Value: β β β β β
Prices are totally inexpensive and wallet-friendly. Taco Bell in Gateway Mall must be a local treasure beloved for its tasty food and modern ambiance. This restaurant is recommended to those who want to try traditional Mexican food with a twist. π
Other branches:
3/F Gateway Food Express, Araneta Center, Quezon City
2/F Trinoma Mall, Quezon City
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
You know what’s funny? As much as I eat out (a lot of fast food – because I love McDonalds), I have never eaten at a Taco Bell. It’s probably because I didn’t realize what was on their menu and I didn’t grow up with it around me.
Ummm… I love the side order of chips, and you’re making me crave a big glass of pepsi!
It was also my first time to try out Taco Bell here in the Philippines. π I don’t normally drink soda, but this event had me try it. The taste of the soft drink was refreshing, paired with tacos and chips.
I love Taco Bell! This is such a good move for their brand. I like the new look, it’s very pleasant and the store’s well-lit. It does remind me a bit of Project Pie and Army Navy, lol. The redesigning of the store will allow a better dining experience for their patrons. I wish though that they have a branch in the South.
Oh yes, I think that they did a pretty good job in remodeling the ambiance and this affects their branding as well. I heard that they will be building a branch in Alabang so that’s good news for you! π
I haven’t been to a Taco Bell in years. Here, they don’t have a very good reputation, so I was really surprised when I saw how good the food looks at yours.
I thought they have the same menu worldwide. Only the desserts are special here with us. π
Taco Bell for the win!!! I mean, who doesn’t know Taco Bell? I love the ambiance of the resto, and I like that transparency idea. I feel better and secured if I can see how people in the kitchen prepare my food. This is a must visit place in Cubao.
Taco bell is a really yummy “Western” take on Mexican food. I love the light colors and the transparency in the kitchen, too! But guess what I love the most… it’s that their food prices are cheap. π
Living in the states, I’ve had Taco Bell about a zillion times. It sounds like they’re doing a great job, but if I ever get to the Philippines, I’ll probably hit up a traditional Philippino restaurant. Probably one that you’ve featured!
That’s a great choice. Of course you have to try Filipino cuisines and discover how delicious our local delicacies are. On the other hand, trying out Taco Bell here sounds good too so that you can compare or learn how the food differs from that of your hometown. π
The food looks about the same as here but that location is super fancy!! Go Taco Bell!!
After visiting for the first time, I agree that Taco Bell must be on the best low-cost fast food restaurants. π
They dΓ©cor is a lot nicer than what we have here. It looks like most of the food is the same. The Chocodilla with Nutella sounds yummy.
Yup, you have to try the Chocodilla with Nutella! It’s truly one of a kind.
Wow that is one fancy taco bell! I haven’t ever seen one so nice before. I can’t believe it’s a taco bell! I’m not a huge fan of TB so I never eat there. My husband does though and loves it. The food actually looks really good from your photos. Making me wonder what I have been missing!
Taco Bell is a good place to eat. I was also delighted to know that they have set meals so I don’t have to think much about what items to pair to get a guaranteed satisfaction.
What a modern looking Taco Bell! We have many here but none are like this, I love the bar stool type seating. Perhaps ours will catch up and remodel as well π I always love Taco Bell’s pricing I can literally feed my entire family of 6 for not much over $20 USD
Yup, I was surprised that their prices are low considering that the restaurant’s exterior and interior looked classy. For that, you won’t have to break the bank to treat your entire family or a bunch of friends here. π
My daughter loves their cheese rolls and quesadillas. In my family we really enjoy Mexican food all around, hubby loves fajitas!
The quesadillas are best eaten when hot. π
Taco Bell is one of my favorite indulgences when I don’t care to cook and just want something simple…usually late at night, too! When I was pregnant I practically lived in the drive thru of our local Taco Bell. I have to try those churros!
Wow, your baby now must have grown his liking for Taco Bell. Yes, you must grab an order of the churros. π
I am so totally jealous of you! I have never seen a Taco Bell that looks that nice anywhere here in the States!
Don’t worry. π Other branches of Taco Bell will catch up on the redesign soon!
Your Taco Bell looks nothing like ours!! How excited to get to finally try it, its hard to imagine not having one close by!
Every Taco Bell branch in the world will look like this. The management aims for uniformity and seamless branding. π
Wow! That’s one super nice Taco Bell. They went all out with the remodeling in the Phillipines. I’ve had Taco Bell maybe once and it didn’t leave a lasting impression. The ones here aren’t that nice.
I love the transparency with the food prep.
Try it out again. I highly recommend the crunch wrap supreme. The sour cream (add on) makes it taste impeccable. Their quesadillas are out of this world! π
Your Taco Bell is nothing like ours here in Canada. That actually looks like a place I would like to chill at if I was visiting.
Yup, you should definitely visit to enjoy the ambiance. The food isn’t authentic Mexican, but most people don’t come here for that anyway.
That Taco Bell is super nice! I still love their nachos so much!
Last time I read somewhere that they discontinued churros. I’m glad that it wasn’t for a long time. π Many people here love it!
Wow! Taco Bell in Philippines that’s good to know they expanded it there. The place looks so inviting.
Yeah but then we only have three branches. Hope that they expand to more locations particularly in Manila so we can visit more often. π
Oh you went… uhm.. how was the churros’ dip? I mean the chocolate? hmmmm …
the first time taco bell was brought in manila, their very first branch was in araneta… hmmm I wonder, what made them do a reboot? looking at the pics, its far more relaxing now..
and having cellphone charging stations.. is a bit plus.
The chocolate didn’t taste anything fancy. It’s not too sweet so that’s good. You can try it. π I’m not sure what sparked the idea for them to redesign their spaces, but whatever that is, they’re going to the right direction. Learning that they have cell phone charging stations made me thank God I brought my charger with me that day. π
Iβm not a big fan of tacos. But Taco Bell is an exception, of course!!!
The competent customer service is what you would also want to come here for. π
I’m not a fan of Taco Bell or most fast food places for that matter, however it’s amazing to me how these places have literally been popping up ALL over the world, sometimes in the most remote places!
Its owner and management team had done a great job with their vision. I wish all fast food places could be as great as this one. π
I love the beautiful setting of Taco Bell there more than here. Parang mas masarap kumain lol. I love their churros though.
You can stay hours here and chat with your friends over good food and drinks. π
I have always enjoyed going to taco bell for a quick bite, I’m lucky to have one near me. Quesadillas are always my favorite and I love that I can customized it a bit and get extra stuff put in.
You must have a great experience with Taco Bell every time. π Their quesadillas are really good, definitely worth the drive.
Wow this Taco Bell looks like a fine dining establishment for sure. It looks as if you are eating high end. I love the fact that they have taken their own spin on how to make it look more inviting and a place where people really want to be.
That’s good news for all of us. You know that I don’t usually review fast food restaurants, right? π Taco Bell may be an exception because this is no ordinary fast food experience.
We have a Taco Bell right around the corner from us but don’t go there very often, if at all. Trying to stay away from fast food as much as possible.
If you’re thinking about health and nutrition, don’t keep your hopes up on fast food. π Taco Bell is Taco Bell. Nevertheless, trying it once in a while won’t hurt.
I have been to Taco Bell many times, but it doesn’t look nearly that nice! The open kitchen makes it look more appealing and the food looks fresh! The desserts are enticing and we don’t have anything like that in the states that I am aware of.
The new designs are coming to you soon. π Watch out for it!
I love to see how different restaurants in the US look around the world. The new Taco Bell has a much more modern and trendy feel.
The food is typical Taco Bell fare, but the ambiance here looked better. Also, their employees make this place great! π
I haven’t been to Taco Bell in so long – This reminds me how tasty everything there is – will have to go back sometime soon!
Yup! They now offer better ambiance and food with better value. π Find time to visit a branch one of these days.
I have never seen a Taco Bell as nice as this one. Everything is so clean and modern looking.
I hope they keep up the good work in properly maintaining the neatness of the place. It’s also worth to mention that Taco Bell have a restroom inside. That’s so convenient for customers as they don’t have to rush and go out.
We love Taco Bell and I always get the Nachos Supreme. Your resteraunt looks more cleaner and friendly then the ones here.
The place is super clean and the food is assembled with care. If you like Taco Bell, this one is the best. Go here because the people that run the place take pride in what they do and they do it well. π
I would have to say this Taco Bell’s decor rocks. I haven’t been to a Taco Bell since my older kids were teens. This is the first I have heard of these changes. I wonder if they will be doing the same here in the US.
It’s your basic Taco Bell food and that is going to be the same no matter what location you go to. But if you want to have a pleasant fast food experience, this one was a stand out. Don’t worry, other branches will also have their own time for the remodeling. π
Taco Bell is a very well known place in my country. Our local one was destroyed and then re-built last year within 3 months! I think Taco Ball has been giving their franchise owners specific requirements for their facility to either upgrade or shut down. The new one looks great… just as great as the one you went to. π
Oh there’s no doubt on Taco Bell’s popularity. It’s been established for years. π The name always rings a bell.
Wow – I haven’t eaten at a Taco Bell in years but this one looks so fancy! The locations in my area aren’t nearly this nice. And they are always so congested because of the combination with Pizza Hut. Great review. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, they combine food items with Pizza Hut? We don’t have that kind of arrangement here. I just learned from this event that Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Dairy Queen are in one umbrella.
Sounds like you were super excited for the Taco Bell to open up in the Philippines. Love the pictures you shared.
I was quite excited because it’s my first time. π Thanks, Shannon!
Here in the US, Taco Bell is my favorite fast food restaurant. It’s very reasonably priced here, too, which makes it even better.
Taco Bell there must be the buzzword when it comes to fast food chains. The food is prepared quickly and actually looks like the pictures on the menu.
Good to know there’s already Taco Bell in the Philippines. And tell you what, their restaurant looks a lot better than here. And huge too.
Taco Bell has been here for the longest time however it was just recently that they considered redesign. Other locations will follow. π
It’s really cool to see how others living in a different country view a restaurant chain that is so popular and easily accessible where I live. I can definitely tell you that my experience with Taco Bell hasn’t ever looked that good. I am TOTALLY JEALOUS that you have the Chocodilla with Nutella (and marshmallows). Lucky!
Hehe. I hope that it continues to be part of the regular menu. They are just testing how the Chocodilla with Nutella will be appreciated by customers.
I havent been to taco bell in ages but this really makes me want to! I used to love eating there!
Yes, go for it. π
I love their taco supremes and nachos bell grande! I love how you a see them making them π
For that open kitchen, this place is a real deal. π
You have Taco Bell in the Philippines? I’m jealous *LOL*. We’re definitely not super familiar with Mexican food, but at least there are a few Mexican restaurants popping up in my town haha (and every cafes seems to serve nachos anyway), but we’d love to have a Taco Bell here too :p
Haha now I feel lucky after hearing that. Taco Bell truly deserves more attention now that it has redesigned. π
Idk what it was called but I only have one favorite snack there – those small cheesy potatoes stuff, too delicious!
Ohh I’ve seen that! I’ll try to order that next time. π
Wow, I didn’t know they had churros. It’s also the most affordable churros I have ever seen. I hope the chocolate sauce is good.
You have to try it. π
Wow, that’s the fanciest Taco Bell I’ve ever seen! I’ve never seen one in a mall before either. Very neat!
Here in the Philippines, all three branches of Taco Bell are housed in a mall. π
Now here’s another good hub for friends to unwind besides meeting at Starbucks Gateway Mall
Yes, for a change! π