The IHOP Hype

Pancake and I go well together. We go so well together that if you ask me out for brunch, the first place I would blurt out is a pancake-serving restaurant. That happened last Saturday. We welcomed a dear friend back for her short break from graduate school and I recommended the newest kid on the block: International House of Pancake or more famously known as IHOP.

According to IHOP's website, "International House of Pancakes began making breakfast memorable in 1958 when it opened its doors in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Fifteen years later, a new marketing campaign introduced the acronym "IHOP", and since then it's been the name people know as the place they can enjoy their favorite breakfast experience - any time of day.

Throughout our 54-year history, we've celebrated over 1,550 restaurant openings across the country, and around the world. And we've introduced iconic favorites - like our Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity - that people have grown up with, and now enjoy with their own families, making new memories.

Let's all walk through our orders and see if it's worth the hype.

The Place

The place is packed: probably because it is the newest kid on the block and with its good reputation, food-crazed Manila is quick to pick up. Expect to wait 30-40 minutes before you get seated. Nonetheless, the place is well-designed though not necessarily optimized. The first floor is a high-ceilinged waiting area with around 5 tables. I suggest you don't choose this area as the waiting crowd gets rowdy - you want to enjoy your meal in peace.

The second floor is warmly designed. Quirky lamps and dainty wall posters adorn the area.

As I say, the area is packed but welcoming.

The Food and The Pancake

IHOP offers a wide range of breakfast selections. From eggs, omelette, sausages, pasta, sandwiches, and steaks, they got it all. Add pancakes, waffles and French toast, what more can you ask for?

Pick-a-pancake combo (PhP 385)

Your choice among their pancake selection served with two eggs served with your choice of sausage or bacon and hash brown. Tip: order this if you want the flavored pancakes (not the buttermilk) with the standard breakfast savory.

The pancake I chose is New York Cheesecake. Two fluffy buttermilk pancakes loaded with rich, creamy cheesecake pieces and crowned with fresh strawberries, powdered sugar and whipped cream.

Serving size is huge, can be shared by 2 individuals. The pancake is fluffy, creamy soft. The saltiness of the cheesecake with the sourness of the strawberry and sweetness of the rest of the ingredients make this a winner. It is a good pancake but not to die for. Also worth noting that the strawberries are large, frozen strawberries -(",)-*wink* Yummy!

The savory are savory. I had the eggs scrambled... soft, fluffy, moist and done just right. Same with the bacon, it's crispy but not overcooked and not too salty. I also love the fries-styled hash brown. 

Big Steak Omelette (PhP 325)

Tender strips of steak, hash browns, fresh green peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes and cheddar cheese. Served with salsa. 

I haven't personally tasted this but according to Person A, it is heavy breakfast. The beef is decent and the serving size is huge.

Please don't forget that it comes with buttermilk pancake or fresh fruits.

As described by Person A and my friends, the pancake is decent but not something that you will crave for. 

Split Decision Breakfast (PhP 325)

Two slices of french toast, two buttermilk pancakes with a hearty combination of two eggs, two bacon strips and two sausage links.

Pretty much the same as the previous orders. I haven't personally tasted it and all I know is that the serving size is huge. 

Tip: If you are with a group, try to vary your orders and share them up. You will cover more dishes from the menu.

French Vanilla Coffee (PhP 145)

I like my breakfast with coffee. Most of the time brewed with minimal sugar but over the weekend I wanted something with milk and so I ordered French Vanilla.

I was surprised that it is one huge cup! 

Bigger than my eyebags and keloid. Slightly smaller than my smile =P

The coffee is again decent. It tastes good especially when piping hot. Alternatively, you can order a drink-all-you-can brewed coffee for a lesser price.

Tropical Twist (PhP 105)

Lemon, lime, bitters and mango soda. 

It's refreshing and loaded with lotsa sugar. Person A liked it. I am not a fan of junk drinks.

In Summary

1. The place is good for a very casual gathering with family and friends. The ambiance is warm, casual and expect the place to be packed. I like the interiors, the design is well thought-of. I don't think it is a romantic date place... if you are still wooing your girl... unless she likes to go to IHOP.

2. The food is decent. It is not to die for but if you want good pancakes and good breakfast in general with huge portions, then IHOP is the place to be. You can also get the same taste from other breakfast places.

3. For the serving size and its location, the price is acceptable. 

IHOP (International House of Pancakes)

W Global Center, 30th cor 9th Street

Bonifacio Global City

Taguig

63.2.687.5611

Mon-Sun, 6AM - 12 AM