Who doesn’t love the classic chicken inasal? According to the book “A Quick Guide to Filipino Food & Cooking” by Cris C. Abiva, Inasal is Visayan for barbecued or spit-roasted.

This cooking method starts with the chicken undergoing a serious marination. To make it even tastier, the marinated chicken can be left overnight and cooked the following day. The marinated chicken is then skewered on a spit which can either be wooden or metal and is slowly cooked over open fire.

With this cooking method and a distinct flavour, the chicken inasal easily became a Pinoy favourite. Filipinos from all walks of life love to eat this delicious meal. In fact, there are various restaurants around the country that offers the Western Visayas region’s famous chicken inasal one of which is JT’s Manukan Grille.

The Grille

It was in May 2003 when veteran actor Joel Torre and his wife Cristy opened a simple takeout counter that offers grilled chicken items. With hard work and recipe experimentation, their small business grew into a restaurant which eventually led to 11 branches in total.

At present, JT’s Manukan Grille continues to serve grilled chicken the Ilonggo way. They now accept deliveries, catering services and are open for franchising.

As mentioned, JT’s Manukan Grille has various branches. My relatives and friends were already able to dine at one or two of those branches except me. Since they know I love chicken inasal, we already planned to eat at the nearest JT’s Manukan Grille but that was last year and forgot all about it.

Then… I watched Food Wars Asia on Food Network.

The Chicken

Hosted by Food Hero 2015 winner Debbie Wong, Food Wars Asia invited two restaurants – JT’s Manukan Grille and Negros Inasal Express offering the famous chicken inasal for a culinary showdown. They interviewed and showed how each restaurant prepares the food and then brought in five judges to try both restaurant’s chicken inasal.

Though Negros Inasal Express won, it did not stop me from trying JT’s Manukan Grille. I have tried eating at Negros Inasal Express, Chicken Deli, and many more. They all have different ways in presenting a dish which is great. Plus, I am all for pleasing the taste buds.

So, I planned my own visit to JT’s Manukan Grille on their newest branch – Congressional Avenue.

The New Branch

Though I pass by Congressional Avenue many times a week, I failed to notice that the restaurant we dined years ago was gone. Then last Friday night, I saw a light from that same spot which says, JT’s Manukan Grille.

Fast forward to Sunday after church is lunch with my grandmother and ninong.

The place may be new but they made a great effort to make their diners feel welcome. Once you enter, the friendly staff will greet and guide you to your preferred table. Speaking of which, I noticed the chairs were different. It looks a bit weird but comfy.

One of the owners mentioned that one of their staff built the chairs and tables. They are also slowly adding some more outside in case the air conditioned area is full. What a great idea! Some people love to dine under the blue sky or under the lovely stars.

Another thing I noticed is the ample space. If you read my other reviews, you’ll notice how I adore lovely and comfy chairs, tables, and of course, the dining space. Besides that, they also have parking spaces. Diners bringing their cars won’t have a problem. But if you don’t have a car, no worries because public transportation is easily accessible 😉

Now, onto the food!

PAA Chicken leg and tigh

When kuya placed the plates in front of us, I instantly smelled the flavours. Looking at it, I can say that the size is perfect. When I tasted it, it’s heavenly. JT’s Manukan Grille satisfied my craving.

KANSI Ilonggo version of Bulalo

If you are dining there, whatever dish you choose consider their kansi. It’s to die for! We only ordered one kansi but after I tasted it, we had to order another one.

Allmytea Iced Tea

I’m a soda lover and I don’t really like iced tea. But I do drink iced tea when I’m dining in my favourite restaurant. But since the name caught my attention, I tried it and loved it. I even ordered another bottle to drink when I get home.

Naturally brewed, Allmytea iced tea ready to drink is a mix of real calamansi and orange with a twist of vanilla. Allmytea is manufactured by Marventure Corporation.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

My first visit at JT’s Manukan Grille was a nice experience. Since it’s still new, I will again visit JT’s Manukan Grille Congressional Avenue branch in the near future. For now, I will try to visit their older branches to try the other dishes.

Photo Credit: Main Image is from jtsmanukangrille.com

Happy eating!