heavy and filling, Taco Bell's bestseller are bang for the buck.

With the arrival here of Taco Bell, that popular Mexican-style, quick-service chain, that occasional craving is now becoming more frequent. The difference between Taco Bell and similarthemed places is that you actually get a lot of taco (or burrito or nacho or quesadilla, whatever you prefer) with every single order.

Modified and finetuned to suit the so-called “Filipino taste,” just about every Taco Bell offering is designed to be heavy and filling. Take the burrito, for instance. It is already a complete meal in itself as it includes rice, vegetables and one’s choice of either beef or chicken meat but Taco Bell takes it further by unleashing a bestselling variety called Grilled Stuft Burrito and, no, that’s not a typo.

This particular burrito is one glorious combo of hearty beans, seasoned rice, a blend of three cheeses, creamy pepper jack sauce, fiesta salsa and a choice of Steak, Chicken and Beef wrapped around a large, warm and soft flour tortilla. Want something even heavier, go for the Half-Pound Burrito. Looking for a more “Pinoy” taste? Check out the Pork Barbecue Burrito.

“What we want is to appeal to the Filipino sense of something different. That’s the Filipino characteristic we want to address. Once in a while we try something different, something unique that appeals to the local palate,” says Paolo Angelo Nicolas, senior manager for regional marketing of Taco Bell Philippines.

And, man, these Taco Bell burritos are really delicious. In the same manner that fried chicken is really the top-selling food item in the most popular hamburger franchises, the burrito is heavily promoted by Taco Bell as an even more filling alternative not only to our favorite sandwiches but also to our staple rice meals. Right now, there are at least three Taco Bell current promos where the burrito is the focal point.

Come to any of their four stores at SM Southmall, Gateway in Cubao and TriNoma and E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave in Quezon City (with more to come by the end of the year) at from 12 noon to 12:12 from Wednesdays to Saturdays and you’ll get a burrito for a measly P12. While you’re at it, why not join the Taco Bell Burrito Jingle Singing Contest and win a Half-Pound Burrito coupon?

You think a burrito is still too light for your tummy and does not compare to your average rice meal and other fastfood favorites? Put that theory to a test and see if you can win the 45-second Burrito-eating challenge against Taco Bell’s hulky and bulky Takaw Boys. Consuming a tummy-filling burrito is already quite a challenge by itself, imagine finishing it under a 45-second time pressure and against a very hungry bunch of characters that more than live up to their moniker. You get to be rewarded with more burritos if you can.

Of course, the burritos are not the only star attractions at Taco Bell. For those who can’t get through the day without their rice fix, try the Rice Fiesta Bowl, a unique Mexican-flavored variation on those popular rice-toppings fares. Or the Crunchwrap Supreme, a “sandwich” as only Taco Bell makes it. Or the Mexican Pizza, a Taco Bell original that measures up pretty well against its more well-known American and Italian counterparts.

These as well as the comparatively large Cheese or Steak Quesadillas, the Crunchy and Soft Tacos and, of course, those nachos that are already very tasty with or without Taco Bell’s patented Fiesta Salsa complete the Taco Bell cast of alternative offerings.

And the load gets even heavier with Taco Bell’s Big Bell Value Meals that highlights Crunchy Taco, Double Decker Taco Supreme, Beef and Rice Fiesta Bowl, Pork Barbeque Burrito, 2 Tacos, half-pound Beef and Potato Burrito, Grilled Pork Barbeque Burrito, Grande Soft Taco and the half-pound Beef Combo Burrito, each served with Nacho Sprinkles and 12-ounce drink. Or you can go for the Belly Heavy Meals that includes Large Quesadillas and Mexican Pizza served with drinks and a bowl of Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes.

Either way, you’ll get your Taco Bell fill and then some at surprisingly affordable prices starting at P59 for the Big Bell Value fares. For an adventurous dining experience that doesn’t compromise on taste and satisfies every craving, this is one bell worth ringing.