U T O P I A: Manang's Chicken vs. Bon Chon Chicken

11.13.2011

Pola and I tried the newly opened Manang’s Chicken in Katipunan after hearing Mass in UP. I have actually heard a lot of praises about it. Manang’s Chicken was also being compared to Bon Chon chicken (my favorite), so I had to try it.

I got the four pieces wings, original, which was similar to my staple(soy garlic) order in Bon Chon; except that in the latter, the minimum is six pieces wings for a small order. In terms of food price, Manang’s chicken is a real buy compared to Bon Chon. My four pieces wings only cost me ninety-nine pesos. (And YES, believe it or not –I was on a NO RICE DIET that night. Haha)

Manang’s Chicken’s original, has a soy dredged coating. Something that I would usually like except that there were sesame seeds on it. (Too bad, I never really liked sesame seeds.) It was good. But there was nothing really special about the chicken and I figured, it wasn’t something I would crave for. The chicken was not crunchy, in fact I found it stone hard. Maybe I should try their other chicken flavors. I have a thing for spicy food so I guess I’ll enjoy the mild spicy or extra spicy more than the original.

I read (from Our Awesome Planet) that Manang’s chicken traces its’ beginnings in the food stall of Mercato Centrale. And since foodies were craving for it due to its’ uniquely Filipino taste they were able to open their first branch in Garnet Road, Ortigas. They next opened in Burgundy, Katipunan, then Mega Mall food court. Strategic places, if you ask me. :)

Both Manang’s and Bon Chon’s chickens are bland inside. Maybe because the outside flavoring would be ruined once a salty taste is injected. But I think I would still love for them to do that. Both serve small parts too, nothing compared to chicken joy or kfc. :P haha!

On the other hand, I have always loved Bon Chon chicken. I first tried it almost a year ago in one of the New Year’s party I have with my sorority sisters. It was potluck so Ria brought a medium box. She said, she bought it in Greenbelt 1. That was the only Bon Chon restaurant here in the Philippines back then. I have craved for it on random moments since then. One time, while I was in Makati with my other sorority sisters (mommies Audie & Ave), I satisfied my craving. J I was actually happy that they started to branch out in different places, particularly in QC. Thank God it would no longer entail long drives just to get it!

Although both Manang’s and Bon Chon’s coating are soy based in general, there is something different about Bon Chon I find more delectable. “More” being the operative word. I think the soy is mixed with a different kind of seasoning. Is it ginseng? For me, it is an almost but not quite buffaloed recipe of chicken. And its’ crunchiness is just right. The spicy mayo, which is also a staple order together with the six pieces wings, answers for the bland taste inside. In terms of price, yes it is a bit pricey but I think the satisfaction I get after eating it makes up for the price.

Oh and I love their chicken sandwich too! (Also with their spicy mayo. Haha!)

So in this case, Bon Chon still has my vote. J

P.S. This is nothing compared to other food blogs and food reviews. These are just food as described by my taste buds in coordination with my “happy tummy”. J