Chicken Chicken is a well-kept secret among Benildeans, especially the guys over at the DLS-CSB Angelo King International Center (AKIC) or the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Managent (SHRIM). I have always heard about this place that serves really good Taiwanese-style fried chicken fillets in a light and delicate breading, but it wasn't until my second year in college that I finally got to visit the place. The store seems keen not to be seen. There isn't a sign that will announce its presence, and the nondescript white and beige facade is hardly an attention grabber. The only landmark that I give to friends who ask me where this place is is that there is a "bakal gym" or a low-key workout place across the street. Yet, you can always rely on an AKIC student (he or she is usually clad in chef's whites, or in a blazer or suit jacket even if it's broiling hot outside) to point you to the right direction.
Anyway, the specialty of the house is the chicken, which they serve in enormous quantities. For about P90 (the prices have changed drastically since my college days), you will get a cup of rice with 4 chicken breasts that you douse with their special sticky soy sauce. I have long tried to hack the recipe of their dipping sauce but I just couldn't figure it out. A friend of mine has a theory that the soy sauce involves C2 lemon or apple iced tea (it is, in fact, served in upcycled C2 iced tea bottles). I should try that out next time when I feel like inventing things in the kitchen. I would usually mix the sauce with liberal amounts of calamansi juice, and the resulting concoction is this sweet, savory and sour sauce that goes perfectly with their subtly seasoned, golden brown cuts of lean chicken breast. If the idea of golden fried chicken doesn't make your mouth water, their fried pork chops breaded in the same fine breading, are also a treat. I love how consistently they cook their rice. It is always a bit loose, yet still moist and flavorful (not sticky and all mashed up, which is just gross). I think I would usually go through two or three cups of their rice with every meal.
The lady who mans the shop is always a bit sungit, but I forgive her. The food is just pretty damn good I could let a bit of attitude slide. read more