Social media platform TikTok has revolutionized the global circulation of trends. From its humble beginnings as a platform for dance videos, TikTok has evolved into a hub of diverse and engaging content that caters to a wide range of interests. One such example is the emergence of FoodTok, a community of food enthusiasts with their informative, entertaining and innovative food-related creations.
In Cebu, Chef Marquin’s Burger House has gained immense popularity through the FoodTok community. It is owned by Chef Van Marquin Espiritu, a very hands-on chef driven by his unwavering passion for cooking and his determination to succeed despite starting jobless. Chef Van, 37, turned his passion into a thriving business, delighting customers with his unique culinary creations.
Cebuanos’ love for burgers has made the burger business a booming industry in the city. A good, juicy burger is unbeatable. Chef Van endeavors to craft outstanding dishes and incorporates floral elements into his creations, adding a touch of creativity. The presentation of flame and smoke adds to the attraction, and he has redefined the traditional burger to offer a unique experience that cannot be found elsewhere.
Upon entering the establishment, guests are greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere, expertly crafted by the talented Chef Van himself. The wall decor features old newspapers added with a heart-warming message on the wall that encourages one to “Surround Yourself with Burgers, not Negativity.”
Despite the limited space, customers can still enjoy the delectable burgers in a warm atmosphere. There is a wide range of options, from budget-friendly to luxurious. If you happen to have a tight budget, you can opt for Cheesemosa Burgers, ranging from P99 to P425, a delectable treat that will satisfy your taste buds. For those with a budget, you might be interested in trying out the best-selling burgers: The All-in Burger, known as the Big Mountain, is priced at P750, while the Cheese Cornell is at P650. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, the Red Hot Chili is available for P449. Additionally, the Steve Vai and Gwen Stefani burgers are priced at P399. Once you set your eyes on these cheesy burgers, those numbers won’t matter anymore.
Chef Van supports local products, as he believes that quality is synonymous with locally sourced goods.
“I greatly appreciate Cebuano products—Talisay and Carbon products. Creating something special using locally sourced ingredients gives me a great feeling.”
According to Emil Cimafranca, a first-time customer who discovered Chef Marquin’s Burger House through a TikTok advertisement, the juiciness of the burgers caught his interest to visit the restaurant again.
“Every burger is crafted with love and passion, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. The quality of our burgers is of utmost importance, which is why we only use the finest ingredients and never add anything artificial. Once you try our burgers, you will want to return for more,” Chef Van added.
The trends can impact the buying and eating of many individuals. When it comes to making food choices, various factors come into play. Hunger, cravings, convenience, availability and cost of certain foods can heavily influence our decisions.
Chef Van is working on creating a range of exciting new dishes that will soon be incorporated into the restaurant’s menu. The menu features a variety of dishes influenced by Mexican, Indian, and Asian cuisine, as well as Mediterranean plates.
Some options include pizza, tacos, pasta and rice dishes. Chef Van’s restaurant has recently opened a new branch in Bacolod City, much to the delight of local food enthusiasts. The recent branch aims to offer a unique culinary experience to thrill its customers.
Chef Marquin’s Burger House operates from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. It is located at IT Park Skyrise 3 Qualfon Building near 7-Eleven. S