Japan’s Viral Age.3 Fried Sandwiches Are Now in Metro Manila

If you have seen videos of Japanese fried sandwiches stuffed with whipped cream and fruit, there is now no need to fly to Japan to try them.

Age.3, the Fukuoka-born brand known for its crispy fried shokupan sandwiches, officially opened its first Philippine branch at The Block, SM North EDSA in Quezon City on July 24, 2025. The shop’s name plays on the Japanese words ageru, meaning “to deep-fry,” and sando, short for sandwich. Age.3 first developed its fried-sandwich concept in 2023 before expanding from Japan into Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney and eventually Manila. The Philippine opening was strong enough that the brand said its Manila-exclusive Tropical Pine flavor sold out by the afternoon of opening day.

The signature Age.3 experience centers on bread fried until crisp on the outside, then filled with sweet or savory combinations. For Manila, the brand introduced Tropical Pine, made with fresh pineapple, mango sauce and its light low-sugar whipped cream. Other Age.3 locations are known for fruit-and-cream combinations, chocolate and matcha flavors, custard-style fillings and even savory sandwiches. What was originally announced as a single Philippine branch has since expanded: a second Metro Manila location opened at Greenhills Mall in San Juan in 2026, giving more diners access to the Japanese dessert without making the trip north to SM North EDSA.

Age.3’s arrival reflects the continued popularity of Japanese specialty dessert concepts in Metro Manila, particularly ones built around familiar ingredients presented in a more playful format. Its fried sandwiches combine the crisp texture of fried bread with soft fillings, making them part dessert and part handheld snack. For first-time visitors, the Manila-exclusive Tropical Pine is one of the most locally distinctive choices, though flavors and availability can change between branches. As of 2026, Age.3’s official brand listings continue to identify both its SM North EDSA and Greenhills Mall stores as active Philippine locations, so diners now have more than one place to try the viral fried-sando concept.

Would you try a fried sandwich filled with whipped cream and fruit? Add Age.3 to your next Metro Manila food crawl.