Express from the UK: PizzaExpress Philippines Opens Flagship Store at SM Megamall

One of the UK's most beloved restaurant brands comes to Manila. Get ready for another British invasion...

Opened last June 27, PizzaExpress at the Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall is the third local branch of the iconic UK-based pizza chain in Manila following their Uptown Mall in BGC and SM North Edsa stores. The SM Megamall location will also be the largest branch to date with room to comfortably sit 90 diners. That's good news for the metro's pizza lovers. The British are coming...and they're bringing pizza. Lots of pizza.

The remarkable story of PizzaExpress began 54 years ago when Peter Boizot opened his very first store in Wardour Street in SoHo, London driven by a vision of serving authentic Italian cuisine and rustic pizzas to British diners back in 1965. Since then, PizzaExpress has grown to over 630 branches worldwide in 13 countries across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. That's a whole lot of pizza, and now PizzaExpress shares its rustic and authentic take on pizza to Manila's pizza lovers with its third and largest branch at Mega Fashion Hall. And they're bringing all their pizzas to the table. From classic pizzas to the inventive fusion of Asian and Southeast Asian flavors, PizzaExpress brings both traditional and contemporary culinary styles to its signature crust for a new and exciting pizza experience.    

The bold black & white logo and graphic stripes on its boxes and uniforms of the staff are just some of the visual cues that differentiate PizzaExpress from the rest. From the semi-open kitchen, diners can get a glimpse of the traditional and old-school approach of PizzaExpress with their handmade signature pizzas... 

One of the many secrets of PizzaExpress is proudly displayed at the open kitchen. The rich and homey passata used in all their tomato-based pizzas worldwide still comes from the same family in Italy, the Greci family. The thick Passata di Pomodoro still follows the same family recipe of mashed tomatoes with basil leaves, salt and pepper made exclusively for PizzaExpress since 1965. This is where that distinctive zing from their signature tomato-based pizzas come from, made from the finest and freshest Italian ingredients. That's more than just tradition, it's a brand's and a family's rich legacy in a can that's endured for over fifty years. From that signature crust to the fresh toppings and the passata, it's stories like these that make your dining experience at PizzaExpress special.  

It's the delicate layering of the different components that makes each pizza at PizzaExpress so tempting. And it all comes down to that crust. Topped with that rich passata, everything else is really a bonus. While the pizzas are in the oven (since everything is handmade and made-to-order at PizzaExpress), cool down with a refreshing Smoothie made with fresh fruits, yogurt, milk and garnished with mint like the Mango Smoothie (P 235)...

...the Mixed Berry Smoothie (P 235)...

...and Pina Colada Smoothie (P 250).

Or go for the classic Italian lager, the Peroni (P 220). Each crisp and refreshing sip opens up the palate...

...just in time for some of the signature starters at PizzaExpress, like the Kale & BaconSalad (P 310)...

...or the soothingly sweet Chicken & Apple (P 380) with chunks of tender chicken, apples, crisp garden-fresh greens and cherry tomatoes drizzled with a creamy dressing.

PizzaExpress also offers a selection of comforting pasta dishes to pair with your pizza. The Spaghetti Frutti Di Mare (P 495) is an ocean harvest of plump prawns, clams, mussels and squid draped in a mildly spicy pomodoro sauce with fresh cherry tomatoes. Other tasty pasta options include the Penne Pollo Piccante (P 340), Lasagna Classica (P 385), Spaghetti Bolognese (P 320), Spaghetti Carbonara (P 355), Spaghetti Al Pesto Genovese (P 290) and Penne Al Funghi (P 445).

Fresh from the ovens, the first of many pizzas arrived...

...starting with their classics from the Romana selection. The Liguria (P 490) is an all-seafood pizza draped with creamy bechamel topped with prawns, mussels, squid and clams. Capers and olives add that sharpness to temper the richness for balanced flavors. Added texture from the breadcrumbs and flavors from the garlic, parsley and lemon complete the pizza. The pizza has no tomatoes or mozzarella, the classic foundation of a traditional pizza yet the flavors are equally rich. The medley of seafood combine to deliver a briny sweetness with each bite, while the capers, olives, lemon, garlic and parsley add bright counterpoints to the flavors. This one's perfect for meatless Fridays.  

The American Hottest (P 645) brings on the heat with pepperoni, spicy 'nduja salami, fresh green peppers, jalapenos and red chili on a crisp crust. If you prefer your pizza without the numbing heat, you can have them prepare a customized version with none of the spicy peppers and chili (indicated by a black olive in the middle).  

Even without the heat, the flavors from the pepperoni and 'nduja salami deliver a mildly salty and savory punch with each bite. Clearly, the crispness of the crust carries this pizza way beyond the usual pepperoni pizza. And the deep notes of the passata rounds out the flavors. If you're looking for more heat, try the Diavolo (P 480). 

That crust. Thinner, crispier, inspired by the iconic pizzas from Rome. And you can see it in their Romana selection.

The blistered lumps of charred surfaces on the crust adds to the crispness along with mild smoky hints. The Campana (P 510) brings intense flavors with each bite with beef and fennel sausage crumbles, kale, mozzarella, Grana Padano and oregano. 

The Grana Padano adds a layer of sharp notes balanced by the mozzarella, while the kale and oregano infuses an earthy freshness to complete the flavors.

The Le Rose (P 520) is one of my personal favorites and top pick at PizzaExpress. Pancetta, prosciutto, Calabrese sausage and grilled chicken, all the proteins you love on a perfectly crisp thin crust. Add some of that hearty passata from the Greci family topped with fresh basil and you've got a winner right here.

The combination of pancetta, prosciutto and Calabrese sausage is a trifecta of porky goodness that's complemented by the tender grilled chicken, capped by the fresh and clean notes of basil.

There is an elegance with the way the flavors blend together. In their own words, "it's a meat pizza made magnificently." And that says it all.

The Calabrese (P 655) is another signature pizza creation at PizzaExpress, the only one with that distinctive rectangular shape. Loaded with Calabrese sausage, 'nduja salami and fresh chili, the Calabrese delivers a flavorful punch capped by the rich tartness of the passata and perfectly finished by the thin and crisp crust. Jalapenos, green chili, and roasted peppers add a soothing heat with subtle hints of smoky sweetness with the fresh mozzarella, pesto Genovese, Parmesan and rocket completing the layers for a creamy, nutty and salty finish. Classic flavors, masterfully executed. If you're up for trying something totally non-traditional and playfully inventive, PizzaExpress has that covered too...  

For a limited time, Pizza Express will be offering their International Favorites drawing inspiration from Asian and Southeast Asian flavors for a unique pizza experience. Laksa on a pizza? Absolutely. Chicken Satay, Beef Rendang, Peking Duck, Chili Crab and Laksa? Bring it on. PizzaExpress is known to create new variants inspired by their international branches. From their stores in Singapore, Indonesia and China, PizzaExpress presents five creative pizza expressions to surprise and tease your palate...

The Laksa Romana (P 650) is surprisingly flavorful, and why not, when you top your pizza with the familiar tart flavors of the Malaysian classic along with fresh and succulent seafood and fresh cilantro, you just know it's different. And it works. The vibrant notes of the traditional laksa are recreated perfectly transforming your pizza experience.

The Beef Rendang Classic (P 590) is another masterful fusion of flavors with the savory richness of the Indonesian favorite laid on a slightly thicker crust to absorb the sauce. The bold notes of the spice blend with the richness of coconut cream and beef combine well with the mascarpone cheese for a balanced finish. Laksa and Beef Rendang are not what you'd expect on a pizza. But Pizza Express executes both variants perfectly. 

But it's the Peking Duck Romana (P 590) that impressed me the most. Tender slices of Peking Duck bring an indulgent savory richness to the pizza, kicked up by the sharp hints of hoisin and perfectly mellowed by the refreshing slices of cucumber.  

The vibrant colored leeks add both texture and flavor to the pizza, one more layer to the rich blend of flavors of this unique pizza. Each bite drapes your palate with the juicy richness of the Peking Duck that's tempered by the sharp hints of the hoisin, followed by the cucumbers and leeks. Sweet, savory and salty, all the different flavors come together seamlessly. 

And that thin and crisp crust just ties everything together. You'll want one more slice...

...and another. If you still have room for more Asian and Southeast Asian flavors, try the Chicken Satay Romana and the Chili Crab Romana. But better hurry. The International Favorites are offered for a limited time only. Now that PizzaExpress is in Manila, can you guess what Filipino flavor will be highlighted on their next international pizza?

Meticulously handcrafted, the pizzaiolo's craft is alive and well at PizzaExpress. PizzaExpress brings the entire package to the table, starting the minute you enter for a tightly linked chain of experiences.  

"We are very excited to open the biggest Pizza Express store in the country at a premier dining destination like SM Megamall. It's always been our mission to create a fun dining experience through delicious, handmade pizza, beautifully designed restaurants, and great service, as they are the foundations of our worldwide growth. We can't wait to show our new customers why we're one of the UK's most beloved brands," said Liam Collette, the General manager of Pizza Express International & Franchises. 

For dessert, cap your feast with the Banana Nutella Iced Milkshake (P 180)...

...or some indulgent, thick, dense and creamy Gelato (P 120/scoop) available in Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry.

In a creative collaboration with Type A, Pizza Express also offers cold brewed coffee made from premium Panama beans like the Iced White for a limited run. Other soothing cold brew creations include the Cold Brew Soda and Iced Black.

Satisfied from a hearty feast, your thoughts go back to that first slice and first bite at PizzaExpress. Each pizza variant has its own character, and any of these variants would work on any given day. But it's the Le Rose...

...and the Calabrese that will definitely draw me back again and again, classic flavors binded together by the deep tart notes of the passata and that perfectly thin and crisp crust. And you can bring home the experience too. That black box with its distinctive stripes and ornate logo is your ticket to handmade pizza happiness at home... 

The British are coming. And their pizza rocks. See you at PizzaExpress for another tasty encounter with Le Rose and the Calabrese. And the Peking Duck Romana too...