Manang's Chicken: New Garlic Pork Rice Meal and More

We Filipinos love fried chicken. But although Manang's Chicken dubbed as the bagong fried chicken ng Pinoy specializes in what else but double-fried and glazed poultry, the beau and I discovered a new treat worth going back for again and again in this home-grown food chain. And take note, as good as their chicken is, this one's different.

Last month, we visited the Manang's Chicken branch in SM North EDSA The Annex. Although I've already been to Manang's Chicken before, this was my first time to visit this particular branch. The Annex store is definitely smaller than their Wilcon City Center branch, but it has the same warm and comfy vibe for a fast food restaurant.

This is the new offering at Manang's Chicken I was most excited to try. Being a garlic, a pork and a rice lover, this serving of their Garlic Pork Rice Meal (P109) had me at hello. Not only did the breaded pork came in topped with generous amounts of garlic bits combined with bread crumbs, but it was also served with a really big cup of rice as well as some vinegar dipping sauce and a glass of either lemonade or iced tea. Since the beau and I weren't really starving at that time, this serving left us fuller than usual.

Of course, since we're already at Manang's Chicken, I didn't forget to order my favorite Manang's Chips and Dips (Regular P39; Large P58). I can still remember how I fell in love with these gorgeous potato chips which are so crispy and so addicting, and after reuniting with them again, I fell in love with them all over again. Call me cheesy but they're really that good! We had the usual garlic mayo and creamy cheese dips, but we also decided to try the new spicy ketchup dip which was also a hit to both the beau and I.

The chips were enjoyable enough to eat along with our meaty entrée. However, we decided to have additional sides -- Macaroni Salad (Regular P29; Large P45). Being a big fan of macaroni salads, I can't say that I was entirely pleased with Manang's Chicken's version. It was okay, but I wish I just ordered their buttered corn instead.

I can't stress enough how full we already were at this point. However, since this new treat, the Red Velvet Sundae (P49) is being offered for a limited time only (extended until March 31), I didn't dare miss the chance to try it out. True to its promise, the layer of red velvet cake at the bottom was warm, luscious and just comforting. When eaten with the creamy and smooth vanilla ice cream, a spoonful can simply brighten your day despite how bad your mood was, or even when you're PMS-ing. I guess the only thing I didn't like about this dessert was the candy sprinkles on top since I'm not really a big fan.

THE VERDICT

Our trip to Manang's Chicken in SM North EDSA The Annex really left me a good impression. While I'm not so crazy about double-fried chicken anymore, I'm sure to have the Garlic Pork Rice Meal again since it's definitely a good bang for the buck. Of course, I won't miss the chips and dip, as well as the Red Velvet Sundae while I'm at it. Service-wise, I can't complain about anything since the crew that day were really friendly and accommodating. Unlike in some fast food restaurants where the staff can bring your mood down, we felt the opposite. We went to Manang's feeling a little stressed, but we dined and left the store feeling better than ever. So to Manang's Chicken, thank you!

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

Manang's Chicken, SM City North EDSA The Annex
G/F SM City North EDSA Annex, North Ave.,
Sto. Cristo, Quezon City
Metro Manila, Philippines
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