Jollibee UK is leveling up its menu with a brand new side dish conceptualized by Michelin-background Chef Whyte Rushen, the former chef of Michelin-starred Brat, Scully St. James, and Kerridge’s. It’s no secret that Jollibee stores overseas are being welcomed by long lines and sold-out signs, but it appears even award-winning chefs are curious about the homegrown brand’s international phenomenon.
Together, Jollibee and Rushen recently launched the Jolly Rushen Tater Tots, a limited-time menu time that features hot honey and caramel drizzled tater tots accompanied by smoked chili burger sauce with crispy fried onions and a sprint onion salad. It might be the most extravagant menu item in a Jollibee store anywhere, and customers will only have a limited time to taste it.
The collaboration began when Rushen, like most of London, was intrigued by the hype around Jollibee. His curiosity eventually led him to try out The Spicy Chicken Sandwich, and with just one dish, Jollibee secured the seal of approval from this Michelin-background chef.
“I like the cult status of it all, the buzz, the vibe, the brightness, how unapologetically ‘fast food’ it is, yet, of such a high, high standard. The chicken is ultra crispy, juicy, and so perfectly spicy,” said Chef Whyte Rushen.
Inspired by the sandwich, Rushen approached Jollibee to create a side dish for the Spicy Chicken Sandwich. The Jolly Rushen Tater Tots are the product of that collaboration, which is also Chef Rushen’s largest one to date. It’s also Rushen’s first exclusive partnership with a fast-food brand.
“We are extremely excited about this collaboration. It’s been in the works ever since Whyte came down to try our food and let us know how much he loved the Spicy Chicken Sandwich. It’s great to work with someone as talented and creative in the kitchen as Whyte, who genuinely loves Jollibee. We can’t wait for Jollibee fans to try the Jolly Rushen,” said Rodel Alcantara, Business Head of Jollibee Europe.
Long story short, the Jolly Rushen Tator Tots has been a massive success. When the collaboration was announced, launch event tickets sold out just one hour after release. The Tater TotsÂare exclusively available Jollibee UK’s flagship store in West End, London.Â
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“Getting a Michelin-background chef’s seal of approval shows that Jollibee is indeed world-class. This is definitely a proud moment for us in Jollibee and is something we share with all our customers worldwide,” said Nico Reyes, Head of Marketing of Jollibee Europe.
@jollibeeuk Don’t miss out! Whyte Rushen has been busy in the Jollibee kitchen ???? Jolly Rushen Tater Tots are available from the 12th March at our Leicester Square store. Head over to our insta for more information! #Jollibee #WhyteRushen #Popup #londonpopup ? 27,000 Days – Casey Lowry
This story originally appeared on Esquiremag.ph.
* Minor edits have been made by the Yummy.ph editors.
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