Text by Nikka Sarthou and Photos by Andrew Pamorada
In 2011, The Cheese Steak Shop Manila has brought the original Philadelphia-style sandwich to our shores and allowed us to get a taste of authentic cheese steak. To reach more foodies, it has created its own food truck in 2012 and became one of the pioneers in the local food truck scene.
Gerald Ong believes in the food truck concept because it’s innovative, it offers mobility, and is a cheaper way to expand the business. The Cheese Steak Shop is a franchise of the US brand and is the only branch outside America. Gerald happens to the nephew of franchise owner, Margaret Uy who came across the brand when she studied in the US.
At their food truck, they are serving three variants of cheese steak—the Classic Philly Cheese Steak (P280), Bacon (P320), and Mushroom (P320), all of which come with a 7-inch Amoroso bread roll. It has a special aroma and soft texture—a good complement to the meat, which uses a prime cut of sirloin. Both the bread and beef, as well as the other condiments, are imported from the US.
Flavors of Cucina Andare: Food Truck Series
- TRUCK BUN: Sandwiches with an international flair
- THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP: Authentic Philly Cheese Steak on Wheels!
- KUYANG: Pinoy-style Food Truck (First Franchisable Food Truck in Manila)
- MIO GELATI: Pioneering Gelato Dessert Truck in Manila @MioGelati
- JASPER‘S House of Chicken Food Truck @JaspersHOC
Gerald says, “Our cheese steak is authentic. For the bread, we only use the Amoroso bread because in the US, when they say cheese steak, it should be served in an Amoroso roll.”
The classic variant comes with the 100% beef loin that is sliced thin and chopped on the grill, melted cheese, grilled onions, sweet pepper and hot pepper. It has a nice combination of flavors and textures but I prefer the bacon sandwich simply because everything is better with bacon. The cured meat gives it another layer of flavor.
For a complete eating experience, The Cheese Steak Shop offers sides like Steak Fries and Garlic Fries (P99) for those who want a more filling meal. It can cater to your private parties and serve all these yummy sandwiches and fries.
I look forward to the day when the food truck will offer similar items in their store’s menu. In the meantime, I’ll just look for their food truck in Cucina Andare when I want a tasty cheese steak sandwich to go.
THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP
Telefax: (+63 2) 892-6962
Mobile number: (+63 918) 905-8268
Email: ong.g@cheesesteakshop.com.ph
Website: www.cheesesteakshop.com.ph
Available at Cucina Andare:
CUCINA ANDARE
Address: Glorietta 3 Park, Makati (in front of Makati Shangri-La)
Telephone number: (02) 812-0102
Mobile number: (+63 917) 840-1152
Email: admin@cucinaandare.com
Operating hours: Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 4pm-3am
Flavors of Mercato Series 1:
- CARLO’S KITCHEN: It’s Crunchy Belly Time!
- CUISINIERS: Have you tried the Best BBQ Pork Skewers in Manila?
- MERRY MOO: One of the Best Artisan Ice Creams in Manila!
- WRAP BATTLE: The Pita Wrap of the Filipinos
- JOHNNY STEAMS: Yankee Burger – Peanut Butter, Crispy Bacon, Oozing Mozzarella
- OLVERA’S: Authentic Home Cooked Mexican Cuisine
- AUNTIE MAY’s: U.S Beef Tapa, Angus Beef Salpicao and Home Cooked Meals-on-the-GO
- RICE POTS: The Real Fried Rice Stuff!
- MACHEESEMO: Cheese Stuffed Burgers!
- BUMBLE TEA: The Milk Tea Buzz
- NEW YORK MINUTE: Freshly Made Paninis
- HEY_FISHY_FISHY: Fish & Chips with San Miguel Pale Pilsen Beer Batter
Flavors of Mercato Series 2:
- CHEF BAB’S SISIG: “A lot of restaurants and bars serve sisig but only Chef Bab of @MercatoCentrale can offer eight variants at one time!”
- JUANA BOWL: U.S. Rib-Eye Steak and Norwegian Pink Salmon @MercatoCentrale
- TACLINGS: Bite-Sized Tacos Hit @MercatoCentrale
- B. WINGS: The Home of the Black Mamba @Mercato Centrale
- LU CHI: From Siomai to Shabu-Shabu @MercatoCentrale Midnight Snack
- GIGA-BITE: One-Stop Shop for Barbecue and Kebab @IsaKebab @MercatoCentrale
Flavors of Cucina Andare: Food Truck Series
- TRUCK BUN: Sandwiches with an international flair
- THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP: Authentic Philly Cheese Steak on Wheels!
- KUYANG: Pinoy-style Food Truck (First Franchisable Food Truck in Manila)
- MIO GELATI: Pioneering Gelato Dessert Truck in Manila @MioGelati
- JASPER‘S House of Chicken Food Truck @JaspersHOC
Live an Awesome Life,
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
P.S. Would you like to become the next big food entrepreneur at Mercato Centrale group of markets? Please get in touch with us at (+63 917) 840-1152 or (+632) 812-0102.
You can also email me personally at anton@diaz.ph or text me +63 917 568-3627