Filipino actor and restaurateur Joel Torre. ARCHIVE

Celebrated Filipino actor and entrepreneur Joel Torre is expanding the reach of Filipino cuisine to the Middle East. His Ilonggo-style chicken inasal brand, JT’s Manukan Grille, is set to launch a branch in City Center Deira Mall this August. In the teaser post, Torre declared: “JT’s Manukan Grille – Dubai. Soon to open this August at City Center Deira Mall!!!” Filipino foodies and OFWs in the UAE have greeted the news with excitement, anticipating the taste of Bacolod's signature grilled chicken abroad. This marks the brand’s second international location after its Singapore debut. Since launching in 2003 in Quezon City with his wife Cristy Azcona Torre, JT’s has grown to over 40 branches across the Philippines. Torre was recently seen in Dubai coordinating plans with fellow Ilonggo celebrity chef JP Anglo of Kooya Filipino Eatery, suggesting a collaborative vision for establishing Filipino flavors in the UAE scene. This international expansion not only broadens JT’s culinary footprint but also affirms the growing demand for authentic Filipino food in global diaspora communities—bringing home flavors closer to OFWs thousands of miles away. CAM/Expat Media
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