Filipino eating habits?

Question

This is one in a series of questions concerning my opening a diner in the Philippines.

I was wondering if in general Filipinos linger over food or just eat and get out? Also, do Filipinos tend to eat out in groups or in 2s or even alone.

I want to know the best way to set up a diner, ie is counter seating enough or do oyu think booths are better.

Also, I saw an article on the Filling Station, seems that it is the closest to what I want to have, but I dont want so much crappy decorations. Do filipinos like that? because to a Kano eye, it is a little, okay way too much.

Anyway thanks for your answers in advance.

Answer 1

Filipinos like to eat out a lot. They don' t linger , as soon as they are done, they will be gone. If they want to hang out , they will go out in bars. What I have noticed is that trends are indeed changing (not fads) , now Filipinos want good decor and aside from food is excellent SERVICE.

Counter seating is okay but do have good table floor plans.

Good Luck

Food and Bev Mgr in the Country Club Business

Answer 2

if what you are planning is leaning toward fastfood, people might not linger or "eat and run". and also come alone or in groups. But if its leaning toward restaurant then they will linger and enjoy the food, ambiance and company. there will usually be company. many people like eating in groups.

i don't think counter seating will work here. if people are sitting in a row then they won't see each other and it would be hard to talk. i saw a McDo with counter-like seating some years back and i noticed that it was the last choice for people to sit in. only loners would sit there.

but then again, if your plan is "fastfoody" it could work...

i think Filipinos like "american decor" hahaha!

Answer 3

Filipinos like to eat a rice and dried fish.

Answer 4

in diner-type eating places, filipinos would generally come in groups, and yes, they do tend to linger over food as eating out with a group of friends is also an occasion to catch-up on the latest on each other (and on those absent from the group ;-)).  booths would be preferable.

Answer 5

in Couples they go by 2 but if you set up a diner near a University or college possibly your customers go by groops

FooD: you must have rice, some roasted beef and chicken

Setting up a diner counter seating is not enought, customers may go with children (philippines law allow children to go to restaurants )  and your diner counts too so you should have some tables and chairs

Decorations: i agree too much decoration is not good

just get simple but not very simple

and i suggest you set your up diner not near a fastfood restaurant

Good Luck

Answer 6

I am a Filipino! Hehehe. Filipinos love to eat in groups. They eat a lot. It always have to have rice. And sweet dishes. The best tastes are sweet, sweet-salty and saucy. We love beef, pork and chicken. Meat. Fish. Spaghetti.  Hehe. In vegetables, we prefer chopsuey and other kinds of soup. Sinigang is a good example. Don't worry about the decorations, Filipinos don't really mind that, as long as the food tastes great.

Answer 7

actually Filipinos like to eat rice with different kinda fish,beef and hot-dog.

Answer 8

In my opinion, Filipinos would try a place (fastfood, restaurant, diner, B.B.Q. & Grills, buffet, sidewalk fares, front/backyard eateries, ambulance/jeep-borne eats, etc.) at any time.

Though shop ambiance, location and general layout is what they would look for, the food presented to them remains the REAL DEAL for returns and recommendations. I'm a Filipino and I don't mind trying any place once. Foreign foods don't scare me because I have had far more experience in exotic sidewalk delicacies around Manila in the past. I bet no other skin-crawling fares could boot me out of the FEAR FACTOR show (where questionable aperitifs are given freely). As for decors-- have areas with medium to slightly dim lightings. You never know when a date is a date, or it's just another occasion.

Indeed you can open a business where ever you deem fit to the buying public. Make sure you have the right location, menu to offer, feel, affordability, taste, presentation, is clean and sanitary plus no time limit for great numbers of customers duking it off your long tables. Good luck!