La Lola reopens with a mix of old favorites and new treats
Few snacks have left as lasting an impression on Filipinos as La Lola’s churros, freshly fried and dipped in thick chocolate. After closing during the pandemic, the familiar snack is back, reviving old favorites while introducing new ways to enjoy them.
On Sept. 29, Manila Standard Lifestyle was invited to Evia Lifestyle Mall in Las Piñas for a preview ahead of the brand’s October 1 reopening. The aroma of freshly fried dough greeted visitors, a reminder of why the churros once drew long lines at its counters.
“La Lola has always been a very strong brand,” said the Bistro Group. “When we started announcing the relaunch, the response was overwhelming. We feel like the food and beverage business is bouncing back, so it’s the proper time to bring it back.”
This time, the churros are being served in more flexible portions.
“The new La Lola is friendlier in terms of size. Before, churros came in large portions, but now you can eat them solo or still share if you want. We kept the long 30- and 40-centimeter versions too,” the group explained.
For those who remember La Lola for its churros-and-chocolate combo, the relaunch offers more reasons to drop by.
The dips now come in flavors like salted egg and matcha. The Churro Dog and Churro Dough have also joined the lineup, and drinks have been expanded to include teas, lemonades, and refreshing blends that work just as well for merienda as they do for dessert.
“We worked on the churros first, then updated it to resonate with younger generations. Our fans before were Millennials, and now we’re trying to reach Gen Z as well,” the Bistro Group said.
The way they are cooked has also been refined.
“We’re employing a new way of cooking the churros to make them crunchier but less oily. They’re still fried to order, but with an extra step that gives a consistent crispiness every time,” the Bistro Group added.
Instead of full cafés, La Lola is reemerging as smaller stalls designed for quick stops.
“The idea now is that it’s a snack you can grab on the go, in between errands. It’s not a full sit-down café, but more of a quick-service stall,” the group said.
For many, the reopening is a taste of the past brought into the present. The first bite into a warm churro still carries the same comfort that made it a mall favorite years ago.
