KFC or Mang Inasal | Which one to choose? Top 7 Motivations
Comparing Mang Inasal to KFC is like comparing mangoes to oranges. Their menus and pricing structures are entirely different. The customer service, dishes offered, and cooking methods also vary greatly, leaving many people needing guidance on which to choose.
My father-in-law and I decided to investigate which stands out in terms of taste, flavor, affordability, and other factors. Here’s what we discovered.
Chicken Recipe
KFC
KFC’s Deep Fried Chicken is its signature dish, known for its tender, savory, and flavorful taste. KFC uses a special blend of herbs and spices to achieve this unique flavor.
In 2016, a document was leaked revealing 11 different herbs and spices, allegedly KFC’s secret recipe for their famous fried chicken.
While KFC focuses on modern flavors rather than traditional ones, it continues to deliver a savory taste that appeals to its customers. Fans of KFC enjoy the chance to try their crispy fried chicken.
Mang Inasal
The chicken recipe from Mang Inasal is truly unmatched. It’s the recipe that captured the hearts of the entire Filipino nation. Mang Inasal’s grilled chicken, which originated in Iloilo City, has become a beloved dish across the country.
What sets Mang Inasal chicken apart? Unlike KFC, which tends to stray from traditional flavors, Mang Inasal stays true to authentic Filipino taste. The chicken is grilled on bamboo sticks and served with Mang Inasal oil, which is a key reason why it’s so appealing. This unique touch is why many people prefer Mang Inasal over KFC.
| KFC Chicken Ingredients | Description | Mang Inasal Chicken Ingredients | Description |
| Black pepper | A common spice that adds heat and flavor. | Calamansi juice | A citrus fruit juice that adds tartness and brightness. |
| Salt | Enhances the overall flavor of the dish. | Lemon grass | A herb that imparts a fresh, lemony aroma and taste. |
| Mustard | Adds a tangy flavor and depth to marinades. | Coconut vinegar | A tangy vinegar made from fermented coconut sap. |
| Basil | A fragrant herb that adds a sweet, peppery flavor. | Garlic | Adds a strong, pungent flavor and aroma. |
| Oregano | An aromatic herb commonly used in savory dishes. | Ginger | A spice with a warm, peppery flavor and aroma. |
| Thyme | A herb that adds an earthy flavor and aroma. | Brown sugar | Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor. |
| Annatto oil | A natural coloring agent that adds a rich color. |
Ingredients show how mang inasal chicken is different from KFC fried chicken. I hope me and I have given you the authentic reasons to differentiate between mang inasal and KFC.
Prices of Mang Inasal and KFC
It’s important to note that the pricing of Mang Inasal and KFC is not directly comparable due to differences in their menu offerings and overall dining experience. However, for the purpose of providing a clearer picture for potential customers, I’m sharing a selection of chicken types along with their respective price lists. This comparison will give you an overview of the rates, which may play a significant role in your decision-making process between Mang Inasal and KFC.
Both Mang Inasal and KFC offer a variety of chicken options, catering to different tastes and preferences. Mang Inasal is renowned for its grilled chicken, especially the iconic Inasal chicken, marinated in a special blend of spices that offers a unique flavor profile. On the other hand, KFC is famous for its Original Recipe fried chicken, which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, seasoned with a secret mix of 11 herbs and spices.
When considering which restaurant to choose, it’s also important to think about the overall experience you want. Mang Inasal tends to offer a casual dining atmosphere with a focus on grilled dishes and a side of rice, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal. In contrast, KFC provides a more fast-food experience, perfect for those seeking quick service and classic fried chicken.
To give you a better understanding of the pricing, here’s a breakdown of some popular chicken items at both restaurants:
KFC Rate List
| KFC Chicken | Prices | Description |
| 1-PC Chicken Meal | ₱130.00 | A delicious single piece of crispy chicken served with a side. |
| 2-PC Chicken Meal | ₱235.00 | Two pieces of our signature chicken served with a choice of side. |
| 1-PC Chicken A La Carte | ₱105.00 | Enjoy one piece of our flavorful chicken, available for individual orders. |
| 2-PC Chicken A La Carte | ₱200.00 | Two pieces of crispy chicken, perfect for a quick snack or meal. |
Mang Inasal Rate List
| Menu Item | Price (Dine In/Take Out) | Description |
| Mang Inasal Chicken | A flavorful grilled chicken dish seasoned with traditional spices. | |
| Paa (Large) with 1 Rice (Solo) | ₱127.00 | Juicy chicken leg quarter served with a side of rice. |
| Pecho (Large) with 1 Rice (Solo) | ₱151.00 | Tender chicken breast served with a side of rice. |
| Chicken Inasal (Regular) | ₱99.00 | Marinated chicken grilled to perfection, served without rice. |
These tables of chicken recipes allow you to choose either KFC or Mang Inasal.
Desserts and Beverages
KFC, known globally for its iconic fried chicken, offers a relatively limited selection of beverages and desserts in their Filipino stores. When you look at their menu, the options are quite basic—KFC water bottles, Coke, Sprite, and occasionally iced tea or lemonade. These beverages are fairly standard and do little to stand out. There are no special desserts to speak of, which leaves many customers looking for something sweet somewhat disappointed. If you’re someone who enjoys a sweet treat after a meal, the KFC experience might feel lacking.
This minimal selection doesn’t necessarily detract from the quality of KFC’s main offerings, but it does leave a gap in the overall dining experience. You might find yourself wishing for something that complements the richness of their fried chicken or other savory items. In the Philippines, the lack of variety in their beverages and the absence of unique desserts like ice cream or cakes makes the choice less appealing for those who prioritize having a complete meal, including a satisfying dessert.
However, on the other side of the fast-food spectrum in the Philippines, there’s Mang Inasal, a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. What sets Mang Inasal apart is its delightful Halo-Halo dessert, a Filipino favorite that combines crushed ice, sweetened fruits, beans, jellies, and ice cream. This dessert offers more than just a sweet ending to a meal; it’s a refreshing experience that perfectly complements the savory, smoky flavors of Mang Inasal’s famous grilled chicken and barbecue dishes.
Halo-Halo is not just a dessert but a cultural symbol in the Philippines, and Mang Inasal does a fantastic job of offering it as part of its menu. The dessert is not only refreshing but also diverse in texture, from the softness of the beans to the chewiness of the jellies and the crunch of the ice. Add in the creamy ice cream on top, and you have a dessert that balances the heat of a savory meal with cool, sweet flavors. Every time I visit Mang Inasal, this is the dessert I look forward to the most. Its creaminess, combined with the mixed ingredients, creates a unique experience that KFC, with its plain soft drinks, simply cannot offer.
Personally, whenever I’m deciding between KFC and Mang Inasal, the Halo-Halo is a huge factor in my choice. After a hearty meal, especially when dining out, there’s something immensely satisfying about enjoying a well-made dessert. It feels like a complete meal experience, from start to finish. While KFC’s beverages like Coke or Sprite do a decent job of quenching your thirst, they lack the same impact that a well-crafted dessert like Halo-Halo has on your overall satisfaction. The contrast between the two dining options becomes even clearer when you’re craving something that goes beyond just the main meal.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Halo-Halo at Mang Inasal doesn’t just add value to the menu—it enhances the entire experience of dining there. People often return to a restaurant not only for the food but for how the whole meal makes them feel. In that sense, the Halo-Halo is a key part of what keeps customers coming back to Mang Inasal. KFC may have perfected its fried chicken, but without a dessert option like this, it feels like something is missing.
KFC or Mang Inasal: Ungli Rice
Unli rice is a standout feature of the Mang Inasal restaurant. It is offered free with the Mang Inasal menu, allowing you to eat as much as you want. In the history of the fast-food industry, no other establishment has provided free rice to customers like Mang Inasal does.
Whenever I’m on a budget and feeling hungry, I enjoy heading to Mang Inasal. Indeed, restaurants are often bustling with customers. My father-in-law also loves to indulge in unli rice paired with the Mang Inasal oil/yellow sauce.
This unit rice enhances your experience at Mang Inasal.
Traditional Soup
Soups and noodles play a significant role in choosing between KFC and Mang Inasal. KFC does not provide any soup or traditional dishes.
In contrast, Mang Inasal features a classic tamarind soup, which includes onion, tomato, salt, and Knorr Sampalok. Additionally, the unique Mang Inasal noodles paired with pork sisig set it apart.
Customer Support
Customer support for both fast food chains is effective and efficient. For Mang Inasal, customers can receive assistance online and remotely.
In contrast, KFC offers various support options for its customers. For instance, KFC assists apps, websites, and in-house support to ensure customer satisfaction.
Delivery Modes and Methods
Both brands provide excellent delivery services to their customers. Mang Inasal collaborates with GrabFood and Food Panda, while FKC serves its customers through Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub.
Each brand is dedicated to enhancing customer experience by offering convenient and reliable delivery options. Ultimately, it’s the customers’ choice to select between the two fast-food brands.
FAQs
What are the Competitors of KFC?
Jollibee, Mang Inasal, and Chowking are KFC’s primary competitors in the Philippines. Many fried chicken enthusiasts have stated that the fried chicken from Chowking and Jollibee is significantly tastier and more enjoyable than that of KFC.
What makes KFC popular?
KFC ranks as the third most popular fast-food chain. What drives its popularity? The secret lies in its fried chicken, which is made using 11 secret herbs and spices, along with delicious sides like mashed potatoes.
Why do Filipinos like KFC?
Numerous factors attract customers to KFC. Firstly, the deep-fried chicken gives it a golden-brown color, making it juicy and flavorful. These appealing qualities contribute to its widespread love among diners.
Conclusion
This question is quite complex. Many factors contribute to Mang Inasal being viewed as more delightful and youthful compared to KFC. Conversely, KFC fans provide numerous reasons to enjoy their chicken. As I mentioned, comparing Mang Inasal to KFC is like comparing apples to oranges. What’s your opinion? Which brand do you prefer, KFC or Mang Inasal?