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How a dream Iceland vacation turned into a growing business build on hotdogs with a twist

Anna Cerezo

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1764378124590Media.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div>MANILA — What began as an enjoyable bite while on a dreamy vacation in Iceland has now grown into a two-year-strong Filipino business built on hot dogs with a twist.Kristine Lim, general manager of Thor’s, said the idea took shape after she tried Iceland’s famous hotdogs for the first time.“May pagka-snappy ng hotdog, the texture, flavor, and toppings,” she explained in an interview in San Juan City.The experience stayed with her and believed it is a taste Filipinos can likewise enjoy.“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,” she reasoned. “It is something we Filipinos can appreciate.To keep every bite as authentic as possible, the team initially planned to import Icelandic hotdogs. “So when we came back, we did R&amp;D for the hotdog. We thought initially of bringing it here but logistic-wise it is not viable,” she explained.They instead ended up creating their own version — authentic at its core but also proudly Filipino in character. “We tried to make it as close as possible. In Iceland, hotdog lang, plain. But we twisted it a little bit para sa Pinoy. It is different because of the toppings,” Lim said.Icelandic hot dogs are made of three meats — beef, pork, and lamb — and Thor’s preserved that profile, producing the hot dogs in-house to maintain quality.“We make the hotdogs here, no extenders and preservatives, all natural,” she said.She added that the evolving Filipino palate helped the concept thrive. “Restaurants boomed and international cuisine, nag-level up panlasa ng Pinoy,” she noted.In fact, an Icelandic media personality who passed by their shop had high praise. “She tried it and she confirmed it is not only similar but better,” Lim recalled.But Thor’s isn’t just about good food — it’s a space where Filipino spirit comes alive through community-building activities from perfume-making workshops and painting sessions to team-building events.“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,” Lim said.With expansion in mind, the general manager is seeking partners to bring Thor’s to communities nationwide—this time embracing the “grab-and-go” concept in Iceland.“It is actually street food in Iceland. But since mainit dito we thought of the mall. Here, we&#x27;ll be the hub for larger groups and for dining. But in expanding we want sana  stalls or kiosks in malls,” she explained.<div> </div><ul id="isPasted" style="list-style-type:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;color:rgb(28, 30, 33);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial"><li><div>Thor&#x27;s is located in Wilson Promenade Bldg., Wilson Street, San Juan City.</div></li></ul>

What began as an enjoyable bite while on a dreamy vacation in Iceland has now grown into a two-year-strong Filipino business built on hot dogs with a twist.

What began as an enjoyable bite while on a dreamy vacation in Iceland has now grown into a two-year-strong Filipino business built on hot dogs with a twist.

San Juan eats: How a dream Iceland trip inspired a hotdog business with a twist

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San Juan eats: How a dream Iceland trip inspired a hotdog business with a twist

Anna Cerezo,

ABS-CBN News

Published November 29, 2025 09:16 AM PHT

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