There are so many ways to execute Asian fusion cuisine, but Big Fat Rolls does so in bold fashion—the stall literally offers big, fat rolls that are sure to pique the adventurous taste buds of any Atenean. 

Taste

To Big Fat Rolls, there’s no better way to satisfy the hearts (and stomachs) of JSEC-goers than to stuff their rolls with the Filipino’s all-time favorite carb: Rice. With this, the stall explores the richness of Asian cuisine and comes up with three gargantuan rolls that are more than what meets the eye. Think sushi burrito, but with a twist. 

The Kani Crunch is their closest to Japanese cuisine. This roll contains a generous amount of kani, cucumber, Japanese mayo, carrots, mangoes, sushi rice, and tempura flakes that make for a satisfying crunch. When put together, you get a delightfully tangy roll that teleports you to your favorite Japanese restaurant, with the same levels of flavor you would not have expected from a JSEC stall. 

The Chicken Teriyaki Roll, on the other hand, takes the fusion cuisine game to a whole new level. Mixing your conventional roll with a dish often eaten as a viand, the meal is a scrumptious treat that superbly meshes the garlicky flavor of the chicken bits with the mildly sour sushi rice.

Though what really stole the show was the stall’s to-die-for Beef Bulgogi Roll—with each bite feeling more and more like a fulfilling main course than just any to-go snack. More than its great proportions, the secret really lies in the bulgogi’s marinade. The tender beef strips were richly seasoned and packed with flavor, making for a perfect balance of salty and sweet that is sure to please anyone’s Korean cravings. 

It may seem like things can’t get any better, but Big Fat Rolls also offers a delectable selection of sides, ranging from Teriyaki-Glazed Karaage to savory Umami Fries that make for great snacks. The karaage boasts an impressive golden coat; it’s evenly deep-fried and accompanied with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. The fries, on the other hand, are a crowd favorite reminiscent of Potato Corner, with how the flavorful umami powder sticks to the fry as it maintains its crisp.

Concept

Big Fat Rolls was inspired by its owners’ desire to make filling and satisfying on-the-go Asian-themed snacks—which it so earnestly delivers. Once your food is rolled, you are then given the option of having it cut into multiple sushi-sized rolls, or keeping the big fat roll as is—talk about convenience! 

Value For Money

It’s no lie that the stall’s big fat rolls are indeed big, fat rolls—which is why Php 100 for a solo roll is justifiable, and even more so for a combo at Php 120, with umami fries and a drink to boot. 

Final Verdict

With a concept that’s straight to the point and true to its name of large servings, Big Fat Rolls is worth every penny. The stall gives nothing short of a soulful Asian snack experience through its uniquely savory rolls. 

Rating: 5/5 

Editors’ Note: In the interest of fairness, Vantage writers only reviewed food that was offered by the stalls during their respective taste tests.

Photos by Izza Zamoranos