Holdak: Boneless Korean Fried Chicken at Mezza Residences

The Korean wave has already reached Manila! And I'm not just pertaining to the rise of KPOP, K-dramas and Korean barbecue houses that flock the Metro, but also of the continuously growing number of restaurants offering Korean-style fried chicken. And while I've had my fair share of these extra crispy treats, I recently came across one Korean chicken house called Holdak offering my kind of fried chicken -- boneless ones.
Holdak Mezza Residences

Located in Mezza Residences (SMDC's condominium development in Sta. Mesa), the fast casual restaurant Holdak is not homegrown but a franchise of a popular chain of restaurants from South Korea with branches all over Busan, Seoul, Daejeon, Chungnam and even China and Japan. And just earlier this year on January of 2013, Mr. Carl Tan who was himself a patron of the chicken offerings at Holdak, finally opened the first branch here in the Philippines to give Filipinos a taste of the real Korean fried chicken.

Holdak Chicken Holdak Chicken Sta Mesa
Holdak Mezza Residences Dining Area

Being a Korean fried chicken spot, Holdak takes inspiration from Myeongdong, one of the most famous commercial districts for foodies in South Korea, for its interiors. And although it definitely speaks fast casual-dining restaurant, the place was still comfortable.

Holdak Menu
Click the menu photo to enlarge.

Holdak's Korean Fried Chicken (4 Kinds of Sauces)

I've mentioned earlier that Holdak offers boneless Korean fried chicken, and this is actually the first time I've heard of this great feat from a Korean chicken place. They use thigh fillets too to ensure not just convenience, but also a juicy and flavorful chicken eating experience. And before I blab some more, let me go straight to what we've tried.

Yang-Nyam
Yang-Nyam (2-pc. Mini Meal P99; 3-pc. Solo Meal P145; Box of 6 P279; Box of 12 P549)
This serving of Yang-Nyam is the original Korean-style fried chicken recipe sauce of Holdak. And while I honestly don't have any idea what its name means, it's definitely enjoyable -- sweet, sour, salty and savory with hints of a peanuty taste.

Spicy Yang-Nyam
✓ Spicy Yang-Nyam (2-pc. Mini Meal P99; 3-pc. Solo Meal P145; Box of 6 P279; Box of 12 P549)
Since the Yang-Nyam was a little too tamed for my palate, I resorted to eating more of the Spicy Yang-Nyam which also has the same sweet, savory and peanuty flavor like its original recipe sibling but with a strong kick of heat that will surely linger for quite a while.

Jack Daniels
Jack Daniels (2-pc. Mini Meal P99; 3-pc. Solo Meal P145; Box of 6 P279; Box of 12 P549)
One of Holdak's bestsellers is the Jack Daniels which is sweet and is topped with caramelized onions. While this is definitely in line with the Filipino palate, I found it a little too sweet for mine. Nonetheless though, this is a variant kids and kids-at-heart will love.

Padak
✓ Padak (2-pc. Mini Meal P99; 3-pc. Solo Meal P145; Box of 6 P279; Box of 12 P549)
My most favorite variant at Holdak is the Padak, a spring onion-topped serving which oozes with light, zesty and refreshing Asian flavors. Among the four sauces, this I think is the safest bet since its familiar yet subtle taste will surely sit well on everyone's palate.

All 4 Korean fried chicken variants were quite big and are made up of extra crispy chicken fillets with a lot of skin. And since they were made from chicken thighs, they were indeed succulent and tasty even on the inside, perfect either to pair with a serving of rice or to just enjoy them by themselves. Papak, papak!

The Extras

Aside from the fried chicken, Holdak also offers some side dishes to go with the mains.

Salad (P35)
✓ Salad (P35)
This Salad which is a bowl of shredded green and red cabbage with creamy sesame dressing comes free if you order either the box of 6 or 12. But even as a la carte, I say this is worth ordering as it's great along with any of the 4 sauces, most especially with the hearty serving of Yang-Nyam and Spicy Yang-Nyam.

Curry Fries (P55)
Curry Fries (P55)
Fries lovers can also get either the plain Fries (P45) or this Curry Fries serving. And while I generally love anything potato, this didn't jive too well with my taste buds. Don't get me wrong, I like curry, but I guess I was just not digging the curry powder too much.

Ramen (P85)
Ramen (P85)
I've become quite a ramen fan lately. So being a little pickier with my noodle soup, Holdak's Ramen unfortunately didn't satisfy me. However, if you're up for something at par with (or a little better than) instant Korean noodle brands, this is a good order.

Cheese Ramen (P95)
Cheese Ramen (P95)
Although I'm generally not a fan of Holdak's Ramen, I can definitely say that this serving of Cheese Ramen is better than its plain Jane of a sister. Since it has melted cheese in the mix, the soup became creamier which makes every spoonful a little more enjoyable.

Melona Ice Cream Melon and Strawberry
✓ Melona Ice Cream in Melon and Strawberry (P35 each)
Since we're in a Korean fast casual restaurant, it just follows that we should close the meal with Korean ice cream. And we're definitely in luck as Holdak offers not just Melona Ice Cream Bars (in Melon and Strawberry), but also Samanco Fish Ice Cream Waffle (P45), Encho Pinipig Bar (P40) and Snow Ice Coffee (P65).

THE VERDICT

Although there are already a lot of Korean-style fried chicken players in the market, I think Holdak stands a good chance especially with its crispy, juicy and succulent boneless chicken thigh fillets. To add to that, there are also 4 kinds of sauces to choose from, so everyone in the family or even in the barkada will surely find something to suit his/her palate. With that said, I'm actually already planning a returning trip. I want to take home all 4 variants since I'm curious to know which sauce would prevail in our household.

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


Holdak Chicken, Mezza Residences
Mezza Residences, Aurora Blvd. cor. Araneta Ave.,
Doña Imelda, Quezon City
Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 354-2195
Facebook Page
Twitter


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Holdak was very generous to give a gift card during Holdak's Bloggers' Night last May 30. And since I want to further share with you my satisfaction from Holdak's boneless Korean fried chicken, I'm giving away this Box of 12 gift card to one lucky winner.

Holdak Chicken Gift Card Box of 12
Prize: (1) winner of FREE BOX OF 12 (worth P549) gift card from Holdak 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 this prize to in case you can't personally use them.
  2. Free shipping to Metro Manila addresses only. Non-Metro Manila winners can opt to shoulder the shipping fee. (Really sorry about this.)
  3. Follow the Rafflecopter mechanics below to join.
  4. Make sure you do all the first eight mandatory steps to be eligible.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


The giveaway raffle will run from today until July 5, 2013. The winner will be drawn the next day and will be contacted within that week. So join now and get a taste of the real Korean fried chicken from Holdak Chicken!

Disclaimer: Prize was provided by the good folks from Holdak Chicken.

59 comments:

  1. I love it, but its quite far from where I live. :(
    But great review! I hope you can do a review on
    Kpub bbq. I've been hearing about it lately, but
    I want to hear your take on it! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haven't seen KPub yet, but thanks for the reco sis! :) I'll try it on my next visit to BGC.. ^^

      Delete
  2. sayang there's no holdak chicken here. but i must say, their prices are very reasonable compared to bonchon's! 3pc chicken meal for 145? definitely a steal. pero sige, will join na rin. i have someone in mind who can use this in case i win. hehe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Prices are very reasonable nga sis.. Their chicken fillets are good-sized pa, so either the 2 or 3-piece meal is already filling enough :) Sige sis, feel free to join my giveaway ^^ And yes, hope Holdak can have more branches in the country.

      Delete
  3. Which Holdak Chicken flavor would you like to try the most?
    Yang-nyam
    Name: Jeff Chua
    Email: docjeffchua@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Which Holdak Chicken flavor would you like to try the most? Jack Daniels

    Name:Mayla Lagrimas
    Email:mayla_lagrimas@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link:https://www.facebook.com/mayla.lagrimas/posts/564699163576656
    Tweet Link:https://twitter.com/maymaxnin/status/347146328385671169
    GFC Name: Mayla Lagrimas
    Instagram ID: @maymaxnin


    ReplyDelete
  5. i want to try the padak and Yang-nyam
    Name:sherry ann gole cruz
    Email:khryza1022@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link:https://www.facebook.com/sherryann1022/posts/4755069846371
    Tweet Link:https://twitter.com/annkharize/status/347191592114864128
    GFC Name: annkharize
    Instagram ID:annkharize

    ReplyDelete
  6. I want to try the Spicy Yang-Nyam! ^_^
    Name: Shielah Samonte
    Email Add: shielah_20@yahoo.com

    FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/shielah.samonte/posts/590893360930927
    Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/shielah_17/status/347196971771105280

    GFC Name: Shielah Samonte
    Instagram ID: shielah_xxx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Name:Say Yap
    Email:say_yap@ymail.com
    FB Post Link:https://www.facebook.com/say.yap.71/posts/207840422699839
    Tweet Link:https://twitter.com/SAYjazzy9/status/347199797461147649
    GFC Name: Say Yap
    Instagram ID: sayjazzy9

    ReplyDelete
  8. Iwant to try Spicy Yang Nyam!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Name: Berylle Hong
    Email: berylle_kaye@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/beryllekaye/posts/685533598129290
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/itsberyllicious/status/347213599900585984
    GFC Name: berylle_kaye
    Instagram ID: itsberyllicious

    Sana manalo hihi! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Theresa Cruz-Escaros
    drterecruz(at)yahoo(dot)com
    FB: http://www.facebook.com/theresa.cruzescaros/posts/10200782327938601
    Tw: https://twitter.com/TereCruzEscaros/status/347226085018189824
    GFC: Theresa Cruz

    ReplyDelete
  12. I want to try the padak.

    Name: Jim Marlon A. Macaraeg
    Email: cyber18sg@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/jim.macaraeg/posts/10151549538978347
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/Macaraeg_JimMA/status/347233419199143936
    GFC Name: jim marlon macaraeg
    Instagram ID: macaraeg_jimma

    ReplyDelete
  13. Nakakatakam yung Yang-Nyam! And the Melona!!! ^_^

    Name: Jawaher Banico
    Email: jawsmayobanico@gmail.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/jawsmbanico/posts/10201516591903077
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/jawsbanico/status/347247843792269312
    GFC Name: Jawaher Banico
    Instagram ID: @jawsbanico

    ReplyDelete
  14. Robert Jonathan Chan
    robertjonathanchan88@yahoo.com
    I want to try the Spicy Yang-Nyam!
    GFC : Robert Jonathan Chan
    https://twitter.com/RobertJChan/status/347254539906326528
    https://www.facebook.com/robertjonathan.chan/posts/394913317296576

    ReplyDelete
  15. I want to try Yang-nyam looks delicious
    Maricel Fajardo
    m_mendiola08@yahoo.com
    twitter: https://twitter.com/m_mendiola08/status/347340636363575296
    fb: https://www.facebook.com/maricel.m.fajardo/posts/344544892314495

    ReplyDelete
  16. Margaret Chan
    compromise88@yahoo.com
    GFC : compromise88
    Instagram : marge12157
    https://www.facebook.com/margaret.chan.771/posts/606518256049612
    https://twitter.com/compromise88/status/347220913919504384

    I want to try the Yang-nyam

    ReplyDelete
  17. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Name: Abigail sy
    Email: gaylesy38@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/gayle.sy/posts/523968734318126
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/abbysy11/status/347730515501137922
    GFC Name: gayle sy
    Instagram ID: @abbysy11

    ReplyDelete
  19. Uy this is relatively near! I will drop by soon. Want to try the Jack Daniels and Curry Fries. :D

    ReplyDelete
  20. Name: Arra Odeza
    Email: odeza.arra@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/arRa.odeza/posts/524606427575794
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/acodeza/status/348098088918986753
    GFC Name: (If you did this step) Arra Odeza
    Instagram ID: (if you did this step)acodeza

    ReplyDelete
  21. Name: Gie Cruz
    Email: ghiela14@gmail.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/mikeegie14/posts/674190932607594
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/edgiecruz/status/348115114421006336GFC GFC Name: Gie Cruz
    Instagram ID: mikeegie14

    ReplyDelete
  22. I like to try Padak Holdak Chicken flavor because its look delicious!

    Name: Francis Falucho

    Email: cloudz_strife08@yahoo.com.ph

    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/francisfalucho/posts/10151725282954863

    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/darkzside007/status/348167849212252161

    GFC Name: Francis Falucho

    Instagram ID: @darkzside07

    ReplyDelete
  23. Which Holdak Chicken flavor would you like to try the most? Padak or Jack Daniels

    Name: Belinda B. Ibañez
    Email: ibaneabelinda@gmail.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/belinda.ibanez.1/posts/171427043028677
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/bieance/status/348167080853508096
    GFC Name: belindaibanez
    Instagram ID: @bieance

    ReplyDelete
  24. i would like to try padak
    name:helen gatbonton
    email:helen_17gatbonton@yahoo.com.ph
    fb post link:https://www.facebook.com/jhendhet/posts/293789894091424
    tweet link: https://twitter.com/jhendhet/status/348226292606464000
    gfc name:helen gatbonton
    instagram id:@jhendhet

    ReplyDelete
  25. Which Holdak Chicken flavor would you like to try the most?
    i would try all pls..
    Name: jenny vecina
    Email:jenny23_smilingface@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link:http://www.facebook.com/jennygargar/posts/546238058747123
    Tweet Link:https://twitter.com/jennyvecina/status/348367995199971328

    ReplyDelete
  26. Name: Gina Dimarucut
    Email: ginadimarucut@gmail.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/gina.dimar/posts/157056561149295
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/ginadimar/status/348717485392003073
    GFC Name: Gina Dimarucut

    ReplyDelete
  27. I wanna try Yang-Nyam! :)

    Name: Janice Que
    Email: janice_jaja22@yahoo.com.ph
    FB Post Link: http://www.facebook.com/quejajax/posts/264043670403990
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/quejaja/status/348874802540466176
    GFC Name: (If you did this step) Janice Que
    Instagram ID: (if you did this step) @quejaja

    ReplyDelete
  28. Yang-Nyam!

    Matt Pua
    matt_pua@yahoo.com
    https://www.facebook.com/matthew.pua.7/posts/629439933733997
    https://twitter.com/plateninja/status/348991847026262016
    GFC: MP
    IG: geekygecko93

    ReplyDelete
  29. I would like to try Jack Daniels!

    Name: Eddielli Bungay
    Email: eddielli.bungay@gmail.com
    FB Post Link: http://www.facebook.com/eddielli/posts/10151672052299727
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/Eddielli/status/349133003986989056
    GFC Name: Eddielli Bungay
    Instagram ID: @eddielli

    ReplyDelete
  30. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Which Holdak Chicken flavor would you like to try the most?
    Spicy Yang-Nyam
    Name: Liberty Floro
    Email: floro.luth@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/luth.floro/posts/357008837759135
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/FloroLuth/status/349280431125962756

    ReplyDelete
  32. Which Holdak Chicken flavor would you like to try the most?
    - I'd like to try the Spicy Yang-Nyam flavor and excited to try the Jack Daniels too. :)

    Name: Sarah Angela Malory A. Peralta
    Email: sam18_rain@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/sarahperalta18/posts/10151429853566755
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/MalorymeeeLove/status/349549820752564224
    GFC Name: sam eyteen
    Instagram ID: @godsprincesssarahp

    ReplyDelete
  33. Name: Marlene Yanga
    Email: marlenerivera31@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/marleneryanga31/posts/624311080927084
    Tweet Link:https://twitter.com/itsmepriceless/status/349695795269865472
    GFC Name: Marlene Yanga

    ReplyDelete
  34. Name: Clarinda Santiago
    Email: clairepajarillo@gmail.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/claire.p.santiago/posts/10201508034371242
    Tweet Link:https://twitter.com/kleyrr_s/status/349702221463695362
    GFC Name: Claire Pajarillo
    IG: kleyrr

    ReplyDelete
  35. Yang-Nyam

    Name: Elaine May Oblena
    Email: elaineoblena@gmail.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/elaine.oblena/posts/10201269946128033
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/elainemay08/status/349761135173578752
    GFC Name: Elaine Oblena
    IG: elainemay24

    ReplyDelete
  36. Kirsten Allysandra San Juan
    kirstally@gmail.com

    I would like to try the Spicy Yang-Nyam flavor! It looks mouthwatering! I will go all the way to Sta Mesa just to try this. I hope they'll expand soon.

    https://www.facebook.com/kirsten.sj.5/posts/155543831298412

    https://twitter.com/KirstAllys/status/350056603287957506

    ReplyDelete
  37. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I would try the Jack Daniels it looks delicious!

    Name: Steve del castillo
    Email: neo_2_ph@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/steve.delcastillo.7/posts/614200685279184
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/steve050504/status/350150138829869056
    GFC: Steve del castillo
    Instagram: stevedelcastillo

    ReplyDelete
  39. I want to try Jack Daniels. YUMMY!

    Name: Maria May Ochea
    Email: may_ochea22@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/mariamay.amolo/posts/674100512615430
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/itsMAY89/status/350572872101670912
    GFC Name: Maria May ochea

    ReplyDelete
  40. I would really love to try the Spicy Yang-Nyam.

    Name: Chona Gomba
    Email: chonagomba@gmail.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/chonagomba/posts/10200217727110258
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/ChloeBlaneis/status/350620482871103488
    GFC Name: Chona Gomba

    ReplyDelete
  41. Which Holdak Chicken flavor would you like to try the most?
    Spicy Yang-Nyam! I love spicy sauces!

    Name: Arjayssa Reyes
    Email: cesa.cipe122gmail.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/jaysa.reyes/posts/10200887936114021
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/arjayssareyes/status/350679216720838656
    GFC Name: (If you did this step) arjayssa reyes
    Instagram ID: (if you did this step)cesacipe

    ReplyDelete
  42. Name: Kimberly Camille Tiu
    Email: purple_kimy37@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: http://www.facebook.com/KimTiu/posts/10200868202601832
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/kimtiu37/status/351031990453141505
    GFC Name: Kimberly Camille Tiu
    Instagram ID: kimtiu37

    ReplyDelete
  43. Holdak Chicken Yang-Nyam flavor

    Name: Ma Gerlie Espinar

    Email: gerlie_1802@yahoo.com

    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/magerllie.mamao/posts/616510378367612

    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/gerlie_1802/status/351609448688660480

    GFC Name: Ma Gerlie Espinar

    ReplyDelete
  44. Jack Daniels
    Crystal Cruz
    crystalcruz1986@yahoo.com
    fb post:https://www.facebook.com/crystal.cruz.9231/posts/661140813901326
    tweet link: https://twitter.com/crystahal/status/352273636494815233
    gfc: Crystal Cruz
    instagram: crystahal

    ReplyDelete
  45. Name: MA. VANESA MEDALLA
    Email: van_medalla@yahoo.com.ph
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/van.medalla/posts/10200395799482231
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/iamMVIM/status/352675687527759872
    GFC Name: (If you did this step)
    Instagram ID: (vanmedalla

    ReplyDelete
  46. Name: erlinda bernal
    Email: miserlin2013@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/miserlin2013/posts/183215891846934
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/miserlin2013/status/352946169745391620
    GFC Name: erlinda

    ReplyDelete
  47. Holdak Chicken Yang-Nyam flavor


    Name: ralph adversario
    Email: ralph_adversario@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link:http://www.facebook.com/ralphadversario/posts/10200174034576045
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/WreckitRAP/status/352953443129884673

    ReplyDelete
  48. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  49. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Holdak Chicken Yang-Nyam flavor :)

    Name: Marie Aquino
    Email: ging.grey@gmail.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1386477304903482&id=100006236763250
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/machukoy1/status/352990942178983937
    GFC Name: Ging Grey
    Instagram ID: machukoy1

    ReplyDelete
  51. Name: CARLA VENICE RELAYO
    Email: cahris_relayo@yahoo.com

    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/CARLRELAYO/posts/10200398434260268

    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/carlavenice/status/353014918494175232

    GFC Name: carlavenice
    Instagram ID: carlavenice

    ReplyDelete
  52. Name: Emilie P. Udasco

    Email: eliecious@rocketmail.com

    FB Post Link: http://www.facebook.com/ElieciOus/posts/10200289425301567

    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/ElieciOus/status/353016405362343936

    GFC Name: Elie Udasco

    Instagram ID: eliecious

    ReplyDelete
  53. Spicy Yang-nyam
    Jonah Amora
    volvox23@yahoo.com
    https://www.facebook.com/jonah.amora/posts/4882646471939
    https://twitter.com/JonahAmora/status/353021613328965633

    ReplyDelete
  54. Name: Jowell Jay Gadiana
    Email: jowelljaygadiana@gmail.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/o4o17o6
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/ZyJah
    GFC Name: Jowell Jay Gadiana
    Instagram ID: @zyjah

    ReplyDelete
  55. I want to win this!

    Name: Jowell Jay Gadiana
    Email: jowelljaygadiana@gmail.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/o4o17o6
    Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/ZyJah
    GFC Name: Jowell Jay Gadiana
    Instagram ID: @zyjah

    ReplyDelete
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