How to Eat Mang Inasal? Filipino Barbeque Chicken

Mang Inasal lovers often find themselves grappling with the intricate eating etiquette associated with enjoying chicken inasal. This beloved Filipino dish, renowned for its unique flavors and grilling techniques, comes with a delightful array of supplementary dishes and sauces that elevate the dining experience. If you’re new to Mang Inasal or a seasoned enthusiast, this guide will help you navigate the essential practices and flavors that accompany this iconic dish. Eat Mang Inasal.

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting a Mang Inasal store with my father, who was experiencing this culinary delight for the first time. As we entered the vibrant establishment, the enticing aroma of marinated chicken grilling over an open flame filled the air. It was a sensory delight, and I was excited to share the experience with him. I took this opportunity to teach him how the native people of the Philippines enjoy Mang Inasal dishes, ensuring he would appreciate the full spectrum of flavors and customs.

At its core, chicken nasal is a marinated grilled chicken dish hailing from the Visayas region of the Philippines. The chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of vinegar, calamansi (Philippine lime), soy sauce, garlic, and other spices, giving it a distinctive taste that sets it apart from other grilled chicken recipes. The grilling process imparts a smoky flavor that enhances the dish’s profile, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

When ordering at a Mang Inasal restaurant, you can typically choose from different parts of the chicken: the leg, thigh, breast, or a combination. Each part offers a unique texture and flavor, so feel free to ask for recommendations from the staff. My father opted for the classic leg quarter, while I chose a combination platter to showcase the variety.

One of the beautiful aspects of enjoying chicken inasal is the variety of supplementary dishes that can accompany your meal. The most common side dish is Java rice, which is a flavorful rice cooked with turmeric and garlic, adding a lovely color and taste that complements the chicken perfectly. For someone new to the experience, I encouraged my father to try a serving of Java rice to enhance his meal.

Additionally, sinigang na baboy (pork sour soup) and ginseng (grilled vegetables) are popular choices to enjoy alongside your nasal. These dishes add freshness and balance to the meal, making it a well-rounded dining experience. The sourness of the sinigang can cut through the richness of the chicken, while the grilled vegetables provide a healthy touch.

No meal at Mang Inasal is complete without its signature sauces. The two primary sauces you must know are toyomansi and sukang pinakurat. Toyomansi is a dipping sauce made from a mix of soy sauce and calamansi juice, providing a savory and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the grilled chicken. It’s a versatile sauce that can elevate the taste of not just chicken inasal but also other grilled dishes.

Sukang Pinakurat, on the other hand, is a spicy vinegar sauce made with fermented coconut sap, chili, and spices. It adds a delightful kick to the dish, making it a must-try for those who enjoy a bit of heat. I advised my father to try each sauce with his chicken to fully appreciate the different flavor combinations.

As we sat down to eat, I showed my father how to mix the sauces according to personal preference. Some diners prefer to dip their chicken directly into the sauce, while others might drizzle it over the meat. There’s no wrong way to enjoy it; the goal is to savor the flavors and find what works best for you.

When the chicken arrived, it was beautifully grilled, with a golden-brown exterior that promised a burst of flavor. I demonstrated how to cut into the chicken, showing him the juicy, tender meat inside. My father was initially unsure about the best way to tackle the chicken, but I reassured him that it’s customary to use your hands when eating inasal. In Filipino culture, sharing food and enjoying it together is a cherished practice, and using your hands enhances that experience.

While we enjoyed our meal, I shared more about the cultural significance of chicken inasal. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a symbol of Filipino hospitality and communal eating. People often gather around the table to share stories and laughter while savoring the rich flavors of their food. The experience is as much about connection and celebration as it is about the taste.

Throughout our meal, I encouraged my father to explore the flavors further by trying combinations of the chicken, rice, and sauces. He was pleasantly surprised by how the smokiness of the grilled chicken paired beautifully with the tanginess of the toyomansi and the spiciness of the sukang pinakurat. Each bite was a new adventure, and he quickly began to appreciate the complexity of flavors that Mang Inasal offers.

As we wrapped up our meal, I couldn’t help but notice how my father’s initial hesitation had transformed into enthusiasm. He had embraced the experience of eating nasal, and it was heartwarming to see him engage with the food and culture. I encouraged him to visit Mang Inasal more often and explore different dishes, as each visit can reveal something new about this beloved cuisine.

How to Eat Mang Inasal?

There are countless ways to enjoy the dishes and recipes at Mang Inasal, but I prefer the traditional Filipino style of eating.

While my father was with me, I shared the origin, history, and popularity of Mang Inasal. I informed him that this restaurant is now owned by Jollibee (Jollibee Foods Corporation). This was our introduction to the Mang Inasal experience.

Washing Hands

It is customary for Filipinos to wash their hands before meals. Keeping this in mind, each Mang Inasal location has open washing areas.

People lined up to wash their hands, and my father and I followed suit, using tissue paper to dry off afterward.

Placing Order

I ordered chicken inasal, pork sisig (bangus nasal), chicken oil, and a drink, accompanied by the famous unli rice. Mang Inasal is renowned for its quick service, and within five minutes, our order arrived at the table.

Preparation of Filipino Sauce

I suggested my father prepare the sauce, and he was surprised to learn that the special sauce was homemade. I nodded in agreement, and he began to follow my lead.

• Sauce Dish: I took the green sauce dish and calamari, making a small cut on the calamari. Using a fork, I squeezed out the juice while avoiding the seeds. I reminded my father to do the same.
• Chilies: I added some chilies to the calamansi juice, chopping them into small pieces with a spoon and encouraging my father to do the same. You can adjust the amount of chilies based on your preference.
• Addition of Soy Sauce: Lastly, I poured soy sauce into the calamansi juice and chilies. Some people enjoy adding native vinegar called sinamak, although this is optional and not available at every Mang Inasal branch.

Your special and authentic Filipino sauce is now ready. As you eat, feel free to dip your chicken inasal into this delicious sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Chicken Oil

Chicken oil is a popular condiment served at Mang Inasal. I explained to my father that this oil is made from chicken fat and adds a rich flavor. This chicken oil is drizzled over the unli rice, enhancing its taste.

Unli Rice

Mang Inasal is a beloved Filipino fast-food chain known for its signature offering of unlimited rice, affectionately known as “Unli Rice.” This delightful concept has captured the hearts (and appetites) of many customers, making it an essential part of the dining experience at Mang Inasal. Whether you’re a rice enthusiast or just someone looking to fill up, the Unli Rice option ensures that you can enjoy your meal without worrying about portion sizes.

Traditionally, this rice is served on banana leaves, adding a touch of authenticity and flavor to each dining experience. The banana leaves not only enhance the presentation but also infuse the rice with a subtle, earthy aroma that elevates the overall meal. This unique serving style draws in customers, inviting them to experience the rich culinary culture of the Philippines. The sight of steaming rice piled on vibrant green banana leaves creates a feast for the eyes and stomach alike.

As someone who loves to indulge in hearty meals, I often find myself recommending Mang Inasal to my father whenever hunger strikes and we’re on a budget. The affordability of their meals makes it an attractive option for families and individuals alike. Whether it’s their flavorful grilled chicken, spicy liempo, or their signature side dishes, each meal is made complete with a generous serving of rice. This restaurant caters to everyone, from those seeking a quick bite to families looking for a satisfying meal together.

Eating Chicken Inasal

Mang Inasal is a paradise for grilled chicken lovers, often referred to as Mr. Barbeque. I took a piece of chicken, dipped it into the special sauce, and enjoyed it with the Mang Inasal rice.

We savored the mang inasal thigh (paa) and breast (pecho) with special sauce. My father remarked on the delightful aroma of Mang Inasal chicken wafting around us. Unfortunately, people from different cultures, like those in Korea, Japan, and the USA, miss out on this meal due to a lack of awareness.

Pork sisig

I passed the pork sisig to my father, specially ordered for him. He was delighted with the bangus sisig, another popular dish among Pinoys, and he said it tasted fantastic.

Suggestions

This guide is perfect for newcomers to Mang Inasal or seasoned enthusiasts alike. Feel free to follow this guide or recommend it to friends, family, or anyone planning to visit Mang Inasal and enjoy its offerings.

You can take your loved ones to Mang Inasal for dinner and relish the chicken inasal, unli rice with chicken oil. For dessert, don’t miss out on halo-halo to complete your meal.

FAQs

Conclusion

In summary, I have shared my experience of enjoying Mang Inasal with my father. I’ve highlighted key tips for savoring the traditional cuisine of the Philippines. By following these recommendations, you can enjoy the delightful Chicken Inasal, the restaurant’s famous oil, and unlimited rice that will surely tantalize your taste buds.