“Spiced Ham” or “shoulder of pork and ham” and “special army meat,” the story behind the iconic brand has many theories debated and argued for over 89 years. But one fact remains clear, everyone knows and recognizes its name long associated with hearty meals. It’s time to sizzle, pork and mmm……as the beloved SPAM brand takes over Public Eatery in Robinsons Magnolia. Starting August 1, 2026, the renowned brand takes centerstage at the upscale and curated food hall north of the metro with a tempting array of savory renditions from eight participating food stalls with seventeen SPAM inspired dishes for a limited time run. From noodles to tacos and more, enjoy SPAM in fresh and innovative ways in a novel and unique collaboration at Public Eatery. For the past three years since it opened, Public Eatery has earned a reputation for hosting some of the most innovative culinary concepts, making it a top destination high on the list of casual dining options (for more on Public Eatery, see my posts Take The Fast Train To Flavor At Public Eatery In Robinsons Magnolia on the formal opening from 2023 and Smashin’ It: Bored & Hungry Opens In Public Eatery At Robinsons Magnolia from three years back). From the same group behind The Grid Food Market in Powerplant Mall, Public Eatery changes the game once more with a creative collaboration with one of the world’s enduring brands to complement a wide selection of tempting and flavorful choices in its roster. The unique collaboration reflects one brand’s enduring legacy and deep, lasting and significant impact on global culinary cultures. Introduced by Hormel back in 1937, the now ubiquitous blue tin can with its bold and prominent yellow logotype remains a comforting staple in every home kitchen around the world. The aftermath of World War Two firmly cemented SPAM on the global table, feeding the advancing armies of the Allied forces and the war-ravaged cities of recently liberated territories in Europe and Asia including Guam, Okinawa and the Philippines. By 1959, the billionth can of SPAM was sold and in 2012, the milestone 8 Billion mark was reached. To date, the Hormel Foods Corporation estimates well over 9 Billion cans produced and sold since its introduction back in 1937. Hailed as a “wartime delicacy” by former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, SPAM was even credited by former Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in the final victory over the Axis powers declaring “without SPAM, we wouldn’t have been able to feed our armies.” Its revered place in culinary tradition and history is well deserved. But you don’t have to go far back to appreciate its role in satisfying appetites and cravings, just remember those times when the familiar blue tin can often saved the day for a quick meal. From SPAMsilog to musubi, sandwiches and onigiri, army base stews or budae jjigae to kimbap, the savory slab of pork proved both versatile and flexible adapting well to local culinary customs. In step with the times, the enduring brand now offers a range of variants alongside the classic and original SPAM. At the SPAM Take-Over in Public Eatery, this same versatility and adaptability is given free reign resulting in some inventive renditions you won’t find anywhere else. What can diners expect at Public Eatery? Eight participating food stalls at the Public Eatery will be offering tasty interpretations of SPAM with seventeen imaginative and creative renditions, each one representing both modern takes and comforting nostalgic notes reaffirming once more why we love SPAM. At the launch, I sampled five dishes from two resident stalls……starting with the Japanese noodle inspired creations from Tsukemen Ramen & Tsukemen HQ with the duo of SPAM Carbonara Tsukemen (P 520) and SPAM Hot & Spicy Abura Soba (P 420). Japanese noods made better with SPAM? Believe it…The SPAM Carbonara Tsukemen is an inventive interpretation inspired by the traditions of both east and west with hearty dipping noodles served with an indulgently rich and thick carbonara bonito broth topped with velvety and silky smooth egg yolk, grated Parmesan and a sheet of crisp and briny nori finished with a generous load of SPAM Less Sodium cubes. The creamy richness of the carbonara inspired rendition makes this dish one of many top picks at the SPAM and Public Eatery collab with the comforting notes of the classic Italian pasta translated with bold flavors in true Japanese style. The distinctive hints of nori and grated Parmesan combine for vibrant pops of flavors made richer with egg followed by the subtle and delectable salty and savory hints of SPAM Less Sodium. But it’s the piping hot carbonara bonito broth that completes the dish, taking the medley of flavors a notch higher with its creamy notes complemented by the sharpness of Parmesan and the SPAM Less Sodium for a clever twist. Simply dip the noodles into the carbonara bonito broth and repeat. The thick creamy carbonara bonito broth immediately drapes and coats each noodle delivering bold savory notes.The SPAM Carbonara Tsukemen is familiar and comforting yet refreshingly new and different with the addition of SPAM Less Sodium in the mix for a crave busting option at Public Eatery. The gentle salty hints from the SPAM Less Sodium combined with Parmesan works perfectly with the dish, coming together in a seamless weave of savory notes with every bite. Craving for some soothing heat? Tsukemen Ramen & Tsukemen HQ has just the right dish for you with the SPAM Hot & Spicy Abura Soba. The dry noodle ramen dish features soft, thick yet firm soba topped with sunny side-up egg, nori, fresh and crisp green onions, the sharp bite of the red onions and SPAM Hot & Spicy for that gentle whisper of lingering spice that will have you going for another bite. Each contrasting flavor complements the other, with the subtle heat from the SPAM Hot & Spicy teasing the palate with just the right levels of spice to cut through the savory richness of the dish for a delicately balanced finish. The grilled slabs of SPAM Hot & Spicy are the perfect side to the sumptuous bowl.Both the SPAM Carbonara Tsukemen and SPAM Hot & Spicy Abura Soba tips the scale in terms of flavor, but it’s the comfortingly familiar notes of SPAM that ties everything together with each successive bite. SPAM in tsukemen and soba noods just works. At Public Eatery, you can discover all the layers of flavors anchored on your favorite SPAM creatively interpreted in a variety of executions, culinary styles and cooking techniques. Like Tex-Mex and Mexican staples with that tasty SPAM spin. And Lagrima offers a savory trifecta of SPAM based renditions from the SPAM Taco (P 200), the SPAM Burrito (P 450), and the SPAM Quesadilla (P 500). From Japanese noods to Mexican style wraps and bites, the versatility of SPAM is once again celebrated with the inspired dishes by Lagrima…The tempting trio reimagines popular Tex-Mex fare with SPAM, and Lagrima nails it with the SPAM Taco, SPAM Burrito and SPAM Quesadilla. The globalization of the brand remains one of its enduring legacies with both nostalgic memories and modern interpretations firmy solidifying its place on the world’s dining table. And Lagrima adds to the merry mix of flavors at Public Eatery with its savory SPAM based offerings……starting with the SPAM Taco. Lagrima’s Gringa Tacos is a loaded treat with heaping mounds of refried beans, eggs, marble potatoes, onions and cilantro capped with SPAM Hot & Spicy for that flavorful punch on a soft flour tortilla. Roll it up and tilt your head for that first bite……with the flavors from the various components bringing layers of distinct notes followed by the mildly sharp, salty and spicy hints from the SPAM Hot & Spicy completing the flavorful play. A dab of Salsa Verde and House Crema along with a fresh squeeze of lemon brings out even more flavors to tease the palate. The refried beans brings comforting nutty notes while the fresh and crisp onions delivers a subdued sharpness with each bite. The eggs and marble potatoes makes this a solid hand-held meal or snack but it’s the mild spice from the SPAM Hot & Spicy that completes the flavors. Think of it as the secret ingredient that ties everything together. The SPAM Quesadilla filled with cheese, eggs and SPAM Classic brings a delectable play on contrasting textures and flavors yet well balanced guaranteeing bursts of cheesy goodness complemented by the savory sharpness from the SPAM Classic. One more bite and the SPAM Classic takes over complemented by the cheese and eggs. A dab of House Salsa elevates the flavors, pairing well the filling of eggs, cheese and SPAM Classic. Paired with crisp nachos, the SPAM Burrito generously filled with cheese, refried beans, marble potatoes, eggs and SPAM Chicken is one more crave buster from Lagrima’s repertoire of SPAM creations. And this one’s a hefty meal in itself. The light and delicate notes of the SPAM Chicken blends well with the assorted filling of cheese, refried beans, marble potatoes and eggs. Like a breakfast burrito, the SPAM Burrito is the perfect snack or light meal any time of day. The SPAM Taco, SPAM Quesadila and SPAM Burrito by Lagrima. And the SPAM Carbonara Tsukemen and the SPAM Hot & Spicy Abura Soba by Tsukemen Ramen & Tsukemen HQ. That’s just five savory SPAM renditions from two participating stalls at Public Eatery with six more resident stalls and twelve more limited edition dishes to discover and experience at the SPAM x Public Eatery collab. Be sure to check out the creations from Gochugang, Bored & Hungry, Thomson Road, Ono, Alya Pasta and Mr. Fried Rice for even more tempting choices. The creative and playfully inventive renditions with SPAM are a welcome addition to the variety of offerings at Public Eatery. And that’s all the reasons you need to head to Robinsons Magnolia. Love SPAM? SPAM and Public Eatery gives seventeen dishes to enjoy the iconic and beloved brand with a refreshed twist. Public Eatery remains one of the innovative players in the local dining scene, and it continues to elevate the game with its impressive variety and value all in one place. The SPAM collaboration reflects Public Eatery’s continuous drive for innovation setting it apart from the usual food halls in the metro. But better hurry. The SPAM offerings will be available only until September 30, so head on over to Public Eatery at Robinsons Magnolia and get your SPAM fix. It’s time to sizzle, pork and MMM…For more on SPAM, visit their social media at https://www.facebook.com/spamcanph/ and https://www.instagram.com/spambrandph/ for updates and more information. Public Eatery is located at the Fourth Floor of the new wing at Robinsons Magnolia, Aurora Boulevard corner Doña Hemady Street, New Manila, Quezon City. You can visit their website and FB Page at https://thepubliceatery.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/publiceateryph/ for more information and updates or call 0976 281 0277 for inquiries.Dude for Food is now on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, check out these social media accounts for regular updates on good eats. 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