Bacolod Chicken Inasal: Ini ang Inasal

Monday, March 19, 2012
Chicken inasal has been one of the continuously-growing Filipino dishes to hit the Metro. Although I'm unsure of how it all started, most people say it originated in the Visayan islands. I have tried the versions of both Mang Inasal and Chic-Boy, and I thought Bacolod Chicken Inasal is just the same. But, I was wrong.

Bacolod Chicken Inasal Interior

With its branches mostly located in high traffic malls, Bacolod Chicken Inasal deviates itself from the 2 fast food chains I've previously mentioned by being a sit-down, full service restaurant. Both its storefront and interior may give off that fast food vibe, but apparently, they're not one. They may have tons of posters inside the restaurant, but if you take them out, it would leave a nice bright-lighted Filipino diner with MassKara-themed decors.

Bacolod Chicken Inasal Sarap Meals

I admit, I was not initially enticed by Bacolod Chicken Inasal's red, yellow and white color scheme. In fact, my beau and I only entered the doors of its Trinoma branch because we were already starving and every restaurant was full that particular Saturday evening. However, having no expectations at all helped as I slowly but surely discovered how this humble-looking restaurant is in fact, a gem.

Petso P99 and Garlic Rice P33

I got myself an order of the chicken breast or Petso (P99.50) and a serving of Garlic Rice (P33.50). I've had my fair share of chicken barbecue throughout my food adventures in the Metro, but I was not prepared with Bacolod Chicken Inasal's rendition. I was surprised with how good their chicken inasal was -- tender and succulent chicken meat well-seasoned with herbs and spices, and coated with a nice and crisp grilled skin. It was the best chicken inasal I've ever tasted, and I'm very positive that it was freshly-cooked.

Calamansi and Chili for Sauce

The chicken inasal was so good that I can eat it as is! But of course, I still used some calamnsi and chili-infused soy sauce to add some salty kick.

My date on the other hand, ordered the chicken thigh or Paa (P99.50) with a cup of crablet or Talangka Rice (P73.50).

Paa P99 and Talangka Rice P73
Talangka Rice P73

Although he's not a big fan of chicken inasal, my date agreed that Bacolod Chicken Inasal's was good. However, he was not too impressed with the Talangka Rice. He says it's good, but he had better. I got to sample his cup of rice too, and although I can really taste the crab flavor, it was not as savory as I've had imagined. (I'm a big seafood lover so I know my crabs.)

Buko Pandan P59

After a delicious chicken inasal meal, I ended my dinner with an order of their Buko Pandan (P59.50). If you love the flavor of pandan, then you'd like Bacolod Chicken Inasal's version as it had a lot of pandan jelly. However, since I'm more of a buko girl than a pandan fan, I wished it had more buko strips.

Bacolod Chicken Inasal offers a variety of beverages too. But for the night, I only had cold water while my date enjoyed his Bottomless Native Tsokolate (P59.50). Yes, you've read it right. They indeed serve bottomless tsokolate!

Tsokolate Bottomless P59

Although I still prefer a sweeter blend of hot choco, my date on the other hand, really loved Bacolod Chicken Inasal's version. Made with real tablea, this bottomless cup had the rich, bittersweet cacao taste. It was not as thick as the other native tsokolate we've tried, but taste-wise, it passed with flying colors.

THE VERDICT

Bacolod Chicken Inasal really surprised me with the quality of their food. Their chicken inasal was simply the best I had here in the Metro. And, the experience didn't just end with good food. The service was impressive as well. Crew members were friendly, courteous and very prompt, refilling our water and bottomless tsokolate all the time. It also didn't take long before they served our orders, even if they probably didn't pre-cook them. Overall, Bacolod Chicken Inasal exceeded my initial perception of the brand. They've really made Bacolod, my mom's hometown, proud.

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


Bacolod Chicken Inasal, Trinoma Mall
Lvl.1, Trinoma Mall, North Ave. cor. EDSA
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 901-3622
Official Website
Facebook Page

51 comments:

  1. Same as your date's preference, I kinda liked the bitter-sweetness of their hot choco too.

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  2. whee.. ang love the buko salad... nagutom bigla ako...

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  3. OMG I want the Talangka Rice!!! :D

    Believe it or not, I have not been to Mang Inasal or Chic-Boy. :P I have not tried Chicken Inasal, someone told me it tasted just like ordinary barbecued chicken but reading this post makes me want to try it out and tell for myself.. :)

    Awesome pictures by the way! :)

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  4. Calorie overload!Taba ng talangka on rice and chicken inasal...perfect combo! :D I think I have to ask my sister to send ma taba ng talangka now...lol

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  5. @Ane: Yes, inasal is actually chicken barbecue. The difference though is that, the chicken in inasal is seasoned with herbs and spices.. :)

    @Matsumoto: Now that you mention it, calorie overload nga! Kaya pala the bf only had 3 rounds of tsokolate. I know he can drink more, but baka naconscious na siya.. XD

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  6. they all look yummy! I still have to try talangka rice though =)....and I wish to learn how to make buko pandan =)

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  7. I'm not a fan of chicken so I usually end up ordering liempo at inasal places. :)

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  8. you had me drooling! have to fly to Bacolod to feast on the original chicken inasal. :)

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  9. Bacolod Chicken Inasal is one of my favorite places here at Araneta :)

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  10. pag sinabing inasal Mang Inasal agad kami but after reading your post, I think we'll give Bacolod Chicken Inasal a try :)

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  11. They have talangka rice?? I didn't know about that. Or maybe kasi Mang Inasal lang kasi ang lagi kong nattry... Err.. XP

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  12. Hmmm, I am intrigued. I would definitely try this.:)

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  13. as I expected hungry again curious about that native chocolate

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  14. Ay nako sis! Another mouthwatering post! naku, if you like me being the organized person.. ikaw naman, sana kasing galing kita magtake ng photos at magsulat ng very detailed food posts. =) Grabe, as in grabe! Promising ka talaga for your age. =) ay nako.. nagCrave tuloy ako ng buko pandan! hahaha

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  15. Loved the pictures. They all look yummy. Made me want to try eat there too.

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  16. The talangka rice looks delicious. I think the previous owner of Mang Inasal is now the man behind Chick Boy that's they are almost the same.

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  17. hahaha very cheap and very nice place too! Bacolod Inasal here we come!

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  18. Bacalod Inasal really is different from the usual Mang-inasal. Hubby's sister had us eat there a few years ago. It is true, you can pass their restaurant because it is NOT enticing. But they have good food though.

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  19. Had Bacolod Chicken Inasal just last weekend, QMC branch. Used to have it from Intramuros branch many years ago, I like it more back then, medyo dry na kase ngayon, not as juicy and flavorful as before. Or maybe, it's just the QMC branch?

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  20. I love Chicken Inasal may it be Mang Inasal or Bacolod Chicken Inasal! ;D I always eat a lot of rice when I go to any of these eating places. Parang ang sarang ng aligue rice! Too bad you didn't think it was anything special. Might still try it for myself though :D

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  21. @Budget Biyahera: Aww.. thank you sis, grabe ka maka-flatter! haha.. XD

    @Thess Enriquez: Wow, I didn't know that! Thanks :)

    @ThePinayWanderer: In their Trinoma branch, the chicken was juicy naman, really far from being dry. Nasa branch din siguro talaga yun sis since iba-iba nag-ggrill so baka medyo nao-overcook yung sa QMC kaya dry?

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  22. I super love chicken inasal especially the suka with sili! Super dami ko nakakain pag ganun!

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  23. I was wondering what that orange topping was. I feel stupid in saying this, but I'm not familiar with any kind of Talangka rice. :P The inasal looks good though. There are so many inasal restaurants with similiar names that I can't even remember if I've been here!

    Taste's Intentions

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  24. Bacolod Chicken Inasal is my mom's favorite! It's not overly commercialized and the quality is consistent. Plus, the price is cheap rin. I love their suman at mangga rin hehe
    Here's mine for the share =) http://www.tsinoyfoodies.com/2012/01/bacolod-chicken-inasal-at-robinsons.html

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  25. I miss the Chicken Inasal in the Philippines....so Yummy!

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  26. Their bangus lumpia is simply the best! :) But I'm partial with JT's Manukan when it comes to inasal. :)

    http://www.dekaphobe.com

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  28. I love chicken inasal but I have never been to this insal restaurant, will have to try it out soon. The food looks very good, especially the buko pandan =)

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  29. Wow! Native chocolate! Cheap pa. Yum! =)

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  30. chicken inasal is very popular because of their affordable price and delicious chicken! :)

    It’s a GIRL Thing

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  31. usapang inasal naman. basta po gutom ako, kahit saan pwedeng kumain. mamahaling resto man o kahit karinderia lng... basta malinis. parang hindi pa kami nakakain dito ah.

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  32. wow may talangka rice! sana meron din kami nyan dito! waaa ang sarap!

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  33. I like this resto better than Mang Inasal actually :)

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  34. i miss Mang Inasal! Iba ang designs/Interior design ng Mang Inasal niyo kesa dito! Mukhang mas sosyal dyan :)) May buko pandan pala? I didn't know that :D Must try! :)

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  35. @lalalaPatricia: Sis, this isn't Mang Inasal. It's Bacolod Chicken Inasal.. :)

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  36. I love their chicken. The branch that i've visit is inside QC circle. I think that is besides MAX

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  37. I love the inasal chicken in Bacolod Chicken Inasal. It's a bit more expensive than Mang Inasal but the taste is way better. :) Wow! I didn't know that they also serve Bottomless Native Tsokolate. Such a refreshing change from the usual bottomless drinks offered. :)

    Btw, congrats Sumi! ^__^ Looking forward to more nice pictures from you. Hope you can also start travel blogging so that we can see more landscape pics! :D

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  38. nice post.....bili ako ngayon ng lechon manok....

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  39. The buko pandan looks delicious. I did not know they have a bottomless chocolate drink. Will check out the nearest Bacolod Inasal store for this :)

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  40. Pinned your Buko Pandan photo, looks yummy!

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  41. Waaaaaaaah!! Nakakagutom naman.. HAHAHA!! Drooling on the talangka rice!! Hello cholesterol! LOL!:p Btw, I'm having a giveaway on my blog. Maybe you could drop by and join? Would love to see you there!:)I'm now a follower. It would mean a lot to me if you follow back!:)

    http://mitchiekyuti.blogspot.com/

    Xoxo,
    Mitchie

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  42. looks juicy yung chicken....can't wait to have a piece of inasal when I go back home soon!

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  43. I enjoy eating Inasal, not a fan of this restaurant though. But I like their Chicken Skin, you should try it on your next visit. It's sinfully good. Haha.

    Denise
    http://satisfyingjuansappetite.blogspot.com/

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  45. This is a good fast food type of chicken for me esp if wala si Aristocrat around. :)

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  46. forget mang inasal. really.

    bacolod chicken inasal is the only resto that offer authentic inasal in manila as far as my ilonggo taste bud is concerned. :-) they have one in crossing (near edsa shang)

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  47. Wow, though this seems so ordinary as it features native cuisines...but I am a big fan. In fact when I got home last December I guess I've eaten five times in different branches reaching as far as Nasugbu in Batangas...hahahaha

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  48. i love inasal but my kids does not want to eat in the nearby branch because it is always full, as in all seats taken lagi hehe

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  49. This post makes me wanna cry with envy! I'm miss Bacolod Inasal, I miss home... It's been a year! I promised myself to eat loads of inasal when I come home next year!

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