Bacolod Chicken Inasal: Eat Like a Hero!

Today's the 114th anniversary of the Philippine Independence Proclamation, and what better way to celebrate this occasion than to feast on Filipino dishes and to eat like a hero. So in participation to the Department of Tourism's Kulinarya Kalayaan, Bacolod Chicken Inasal brings us new meal offerings inspired by Jose Rizal's favorite dishes.

This Bacolodian gem is not a stranger to me as I've enjoyed my previous Bacolod Chicken Inasal visit to try its famous chicken inasal. However, for this trip to the One-Ecom branch, we were treated to a chicken-less but equally satisfying feast called Eat Like A Hero -- two sets of affordable dishes our national hero even mentioned on letters he wrote to his family.

The first Eat Like A Hero meal offering is Ulam ni Rizal sa Paris (P379) which comprises of a choice of Sinigang na Baboy or Sinigang sa Batwan Bangus Belly, an Eggplant Ensalada, 2 cups of plain rice and 2 glasses of iced tea. This set is inspired by Rizal's letter from Paris back in May 16, 1869 where he details his longing for native sinigang and bagoong.

Our group got to try both the Sinigang na Baboy and Sinigang sa Batwan Bangus Belly. And although I'm generally more partial to pork, I preferred the latter for its delicate sourness from the batwan -- a wild fruit commonly used as a souring agent in the Visayas region.

Although I don't normally eat bagoong (shrimp paste) with sinigang unlike in Rizal's time, I definitely enjoyed the smoky and refreshing flavors of the Ensaladang Talong -- a side dish of grilled eggplant, tomato and onions topped with bagoong.

The other meal offering from Bacolod Chicken Inasal is Merienda ni Rizal (P107) which is probably our national hero's typical snack during his exile in Dapitan. This Eat Like A Hero set includes a serving of Suman with Muscovado and an order of Bottomless Native Tsokolate. Yes, you've read that right. Hot and freshly-cooked native tsokolate, unlimited.

If you're wondering, this set on the other hand, is inspired by Rizal's letter to his sister Trinidad back in October 23, 1895 where he confirmed his receipt of three sacks of tsokolate, and also shared how he enjoys the company of Josephine Bracken who makes delicious special suman.

THE VERDICT

I may have initially fallen in love with Bacolod Chicken Inasal for its succulent and flavorful chicken inasal, but with these two new set offerings especially the Merienda ni Rizal, I think I have more reasons to pay the Bacolodian wonder a sooner visit. A chicken inasal meal plus suman and unlimited tsokolate for dessert is my way to go.

Taste - 4/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 4/5
Overall Value - 4/5

Bacolod Chicken Inasal, One-Ecom Center
Cor. Harbor Drive and Sunset Ave., Mall of Asia Complex
Pasay City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 556-4489; 556-4409
Official Website
Facebook Page