Have you tried Korean-style pizza?
How do you measure a commitment to pizza?
For someone living in Cavite, traveling to Quezon City is quite an expedition. I consider riding the MRT to SM North Edsa to try a new pizza brand as proof of my dedication. All this effort is because I was curious to eat something.
Like many trends in South Korea, the popularity of sweet corn on pizza was boosted by Korean dramas. The brands that support product placements in these dramas are often food-related, including those for pizza, sandwiches, and coffee.
The characters in these dramas don’t always discuss serious matters while at these locations. Sometimes, they work there as part-timers, or they are the owners. These spots serve as places for dates or quick meals.
One thing K-dramas have mastered is the art of making viewers salivate over food. Even though the country is known for its outrageous toppings that make pineapple look basic, they know how to balance the visuals. They showcase familiar toppings like pepperoni, ham, mushrooms, ground beef, and cheese alongside toppings like kimchi, bulgogi, mashed potatoes, and of course, sweet corn.
This technique effectively sparks viewers’ interest.
This brings me to my commute. Eat Pizza recently opened its first branch in the Philippines at 2/F main mall of SM North. Among the first 10 flavors they offered is Sweet Corn Cheese.
Unique packaging
Established in 2021, the pizzeria now has 120 stores, including locations in Thailand and Singapore.
One reason for its success is the unique packaging. All pizzas come in a 10-inch-long rectangular cut and are considered a single serving. They are delivered in a sliding box that allows diners to eat without touching the pizza inside.
Scott Tan, managing director of Scottland Food Group Corp., the distributor of Eat Pizza, said that franchise owners allow adjustments to their offerings. Thus, only in the Philippines will you find combos that include pizza, drinks, and a side. Tan noted that this decision was made because Filipinos enjoy eating pizza with friends.
Initially, the other toppings they offered were all from the Korean menu, including Sweet Milk, Bulgogi, Korean Sausage, Sweet Potato, Aloha, Pepperoni, and Classic Cheese. The Samgyeopsal topping was developed for Filipino diners due to their preference for grilled pork belly. Tan also stated that they would introduce more flavors that cater to Filipino tastes in the coming months.
The side options include Tteokbokki with Cheese, Spaghetti, Carbonara, Sweet and Spicy Corn Cheese, and Sweet Potato Corn Cheese.
I’m happy to report that sweet corn on pizza is not a strange flavor combination. The corn adds a delightful crunch and provides a nice balance to the saltiness of the cheese. Next time I see a drama character oohing and aaahing over a bite of it, I’ll believe that they really like it.
