Grilled chicken stalls are everywhere in Durianburg mainly because is grilled chicken is one of the most affordable comfort foods one can get. From the Roxas Night Market, to the barbeque stalls beside city hall, and even at the fast food joints and fancy restaurants in the malls, one is sure to find a place that serves great tasting grilled chicken in Davao.
Every establishment has its own delicious version of grilled chicken but my favourite though would be the Inasal. Biting into a properly cooked inasal, one is greeted by a slight crunch of the skin followed by a taste of its juicy and tangy meat. So imagine my excitement when JT’s Manukan Grille finally opened their first store in Mindanao here in Davao.
Established as a small kiosk in 2003 by multi-awarded actor Joel Torre and his wife, Cristy, JT’s Manukan Grille is Joel’s homage to his birthplace of Bacolod where Inasal was born. “My family used to be in the food service business in Bacolod and I can no longer do shootings that go all night long, so JT’s Manukan Grille was born” said Joel.
The restaurant’s branch, located at Damosa Gateway, is a bright and cheery spot with some alfresco tables. Inside is bench seating for families with the walls of the restaurant covered in posters of the many movies Joel starred in.
Taking my first bite of JT’s Inasal, I was instantly taken back to the first time I tasted Inasal in Bacolod. The chicken was full-flavored and tender and dripping with orange annatto oil, the skin was crisp but not burnt, yes, this is as close to Bacolod one can get here in Durianburg.
“What makes Inasal different from the typical Filipino grilled chicken is in its balance of flavor,” shared Joel, “The chicken is marinated in spices and tuba (coconut vinegar), and should not be sweet. It should be tangy, crisp on the outside but juicy on the inside.”
Aside from Inasal, JT’s Manukan Grille also serves many Ilonggo favourites such as Batchoy, and Kansi (Beef shank is a sour and fruity soup). “I wanted to bring Ilonggo flavours to the restaurant to complete the dining experience” Joel added. Add to the package all the rice you can eat and JT’s Manukan is sure to be on the radar of every hungry Dabawenyo.
