In an inspiring story of culinary creativity, a memorable food experience from a trip to Iceland has sparked the creation of a unique Filipino business that puts a refreshing twist on traditional hotdogs. This transformation showcases how global flavors can resonate with local tastes, paving the way for innovation in the Philippine food scene.
Kristine Lim, the driving force behind Thor’s, reflects on the moment that ignited her passion for hotdogs during her travels. “May pagka-snappy ng hotdog, the texture, flavor, and toppings,” she explained in an interview in San Juan City. This unforgettable encounter left her convinced that the taste was something Filipinos would love as well.
“Iceland was such a culinary adventure for us. Two years ago, we were with our friends in Iceland. We told them about the idea—they said why not, let’s bring it. They were so excited about it,” Lim shared. This enthusiasm from her friends encouraged her to explore the possibility of introducing this Icelandic delicacy to the local market, believing it could be a hit among Filipinos.
To keep the authenticity of each bite, the team originally considered importing hotdogs from Iceland. “So when we came back, we did R&D for the hot dog. We thought initially of bringing it here, but logistic-wise it is not viable,” she noted. Undeterred, they resolved to create their own version, carefully balancing the original recipe with elements that would appeal to Filipino consumers. “We tried to make it as close as possible. In Iceland, hot dog lang, plain. But we twisted it a little bit para sa Pinoy. It is different because of the toppings,” Lim detailed.
Maintaining a high standard, the hotdogs are crafted in-house with no artificial extenders or preservatives. “We make the hotdogs here, no extenders and preservatives, all natural,” she asserted, highlighting their commitment to quality and wholesome ingredients. This dedication has been a hit among increasingly discerning Filipino consumers.
The success of Thor’s can largely be attributed to the evolving taste of the Filipinos. “Restaurants boomed and international cuisine, nag-level up panlasa ng Pinoy,” Lim explained, identifying the rising appreciation for diverse flavors in the local food culture. The warm reception was amplified when an Icelandic media personality sampled their hot dogs. “She tried it and she confirmed it is not only similar but better,” Lim recalled with satisfaction.
Moving beyond mere food, Thor’s has developed into a community space where various activities bring people together. “We collaborate with partners for activities. We usually do it weekly. It is a space for different get-togethers. People can also rent it out. We also invite friends and families to join the activity to maximize the space,” she described. This focus on community engagement sets Thor’s apart as more than just a dining establishment.
As she moves forward, Lim is actively exploring opportunities to expand Thor’s footprint across the nation, incorporating the “grab-and-go” mindset that mirrors Iceland’s street food culture. “It is actually street food in Iceland. But since mainit dito, we thought of the mall. Here, will be the hub for larger groups and for dining. But in expanding, we want sana stalls or kiosks in malls,” she happily shared.
With its fusion of cultures, commitment to quality, and a strong sense of community, Thor’s gains traction and offers each customer a unique taste experience that carries a hint of Icelandic magic in every bite.
