Blog Anniversary Giveaway #8: Chubby Chicken

While there are already a lot of chicken places around, I can't deny that I'm still enticed. Whether it's double-fried, baked, roasted or whatnot, I won't get tired of trying them out. So when I was invited to sample Chubby Chicken in Katipunan, I just had to say yes.

Nestled along Rosa Alvero corner Esteban Abada Street in Katipunan, Chubby Chicken is a new addition to the continuously growing line-up of restaurants and cafes in the area. And while its patrons are mostly students, I didn't find myself too out of place during my visit. (I still look like a college kid anyway.) I guess it's the unassuming ambiance that made me feel at ease the moment I stepped in. With a simple yet cozy interior, and note-filled bulletin boards on the wall, I was reminded of my days as a college student.

Although the ambiance of Chubby Chicken is very similar to other food joints near big colleges and universities, its line of food is not exactly comparable to most chicken places around. While the majority of double-fried chicken shops lean more towards Asian menus, specifically Korean, Chubby Chicken is more Pinoy and Western for me.

The first item I was excited to try was the Chubby Chicken Taco (P75). Among all the double-fried chicken places I've been, this was the first store which sold their chicken fillet in taco form. And while I'm not really a big fan of tacos, I liked this dish very much. You get veggies, a chicken fillet, cheese and a flavorful dressing in soft pita bread, served with fries. For the price, you can really get good value as this is a complete meal by itself.

Another version is the Fish Tacos (P115). This time though, we were served with two pieces a dish. While I was already satisfied with the chicken variant, I'll have to admit that I prefer this fish counterpart better. The fish fillet was cooked to a perfect tenderness making the whole taco ensemble all the more enjoyable. Oh, and I think Chubby Chicken's tacos sell really well. During our visit, most customers ordered their tacos.

Since the beau's a pasta lover, he was delighted when we were served with the next dish -- Carbonara (P105) with an add-on of Chicken Strips (P40). While I'm not really a big fan of this creamy pasta item, both the beau and I agreed that their carbonara is good enough but not outstanding. The chicken strips on the other hand, which are the same as the chicken fillet in the chicken tacos, were nice sidings for the monotonous dish.

While the previous items already proved Chubby Chicken's wide variety of offerings, their Chubby Chicken Parmigiana (P165) brought my impression a notch higher. I haven't seen a parmigiana chicken dish in another chicken joint, nor would I thought of ever seeing one. As for the taste, it was as good as how it looks. The chicken may not be the star, but it sure makes a perfect base for all that creamy and cheesy goodness.

Of course being a double-fried chicken shop, I shouldn't ever miss their signature chicken dish. So after trying out all the other interesting items on the menu, it was time to finally sample the 2-piece Chubby Chicken with Rice (P118). From what I know, these chicken pieces are first baked, then fried twice before they're drenched with a soy-garlic glaze. Having been double-fried, it was already expected that the skin will become extra crispy. And while the glaze is really flavorful (which the beau loved, btw), it was a tad sweet for my palate after eating it for a while. The good news is, the garlic-mayo dip served with the dish balances out the sweetness as it adds acidity and more savor.

Our food tasting already came to a close, but I decided to order a serving of their Chubby Oreos (P75) at my own expense. When I saw it on the menu, I know I just have to try it out. However, the excitement wasn't sustained for a little bit longer. While the chocolate ice cream topped with oreo bits was satisfying, the deep-fried battered oreos were burnt. I'm not sure if this is how it's really supposed to be like in Chubby Chicken, but the bitterness of the burnt parts made this dessert less enjoyable.

Among the chicken joints I've tried so far, Chubby Chicken really struck me because of its variety. And while you think it's only applicable to their food, then think again. They also have an assortment of Imported Sodas (P55) like A&W, Dr. Pepper, Canada Dry, Barq's and IBC Root Beer, along with the usual iced tea, coffee, juices and local sodas.

THE VERDICT

Overall, I'm quite happy with our Chubby Chicken experience. Although some dishes can still be improved, I'm impressed with the variety of food items they offer. The unassuming yet cozy interior makes for a nice hang-out spot, while the combination of good food, excellent variety and great prices will surely excite diners no matter how many times they visit the place. Truly, Chubby Chicken is one budget food destination in the area.

Taste - 4/5
Ambiance - 3.5/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 5/5
Overall Value - 4/5

Chubby Chicken, Katipunan
1B Xavierville Residences, Esteban Abada St.,
Cor. Alvero St., Loyola Heights
Katipunan, Quezon City
Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 499-9999; (0917) 252-6480
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Now, I have a good news. Aside from inviting me over to try Chubby Chicken, the owners were kind enough to sponsor for a giveaway. So friends who frequent the Katipunan area, make sure to take this opportunity and join for a chance to win P300-worth of food and drinks at Chubby Chicken!

Prize: (1) winner of P300-worth of food & drinks to be redeemed at Chubby Chicken.

PLEASE READ!
Guidelines to enter the giveaway raffle:

1. Be a Metro Manila resident or someone (even not within Metro Manila) who can actually use the prize, or have a person you'll give these prizes to in case you can't personally use them.
2. Follow the Rafflecopter mechanics below to join.
3. Make sure you do all the first seven mandatory steps to be eligible.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


The giveaway raffle will run from today until December 24, 2012. The winner will be drawn the next day and will be contacted on the 25th, Christmas Day. So join now and get a taste of the wide variety of food items at Chubby Chicken.

Disclaimer: Prize was sponsored by the good folks from Chubby Chicken.