Tilipunan Chicken Haus

My quest for the best chicken inasal in the city continued today when I had my unplanned lunch at Tilipunan Chicken Haus along Solis Street. I was supposed to have lunch somewhere else then I remembered my quest, so I just spent almost the same amount in this native restaurant.

Tilipunan means the gathering place and any gathering wont be complete without food, thus the name of this restaurant I assume. I've been regular of this restaurant ever since but never did order their chicken inasal, it was always baby back ribs and some others.

Good thing, my timing was great (again, it was after the busy lunch hour) so the restaurant was not crowded and I had no problem picking the right spot for my purpose, under the electric fan and facing away from the counter.

It was a first time chicken inasal order for me (the usual, pecho) but I can’t really turn my back (no pun intended) on their baby back ribs so I also had one. This caused some confusion (and awe) to the waiter who took my order. My original plan was to order chicken inasal meal (with rice), baby back ribs (without rice) and extra rice but then I realized by making both orders into "meals" would save me a few pesos.

As usual it was another picture taking session while waiting for my order. The restaurant has the usual set up of an open air native restaurant; nothing fancy and no pretensions. Wooden furniture, bamboo blinds and native mat for ceiling plus some paintings and plants to counter act the brownness of the surrounding.

My order came and the waitress thought she got the wrong number since she was bringing two meals to a table set only for one. She then rushed to make another set up. I just smiled and told her no need since I'll be eating those myself.

Forgetting about my quest, I tried the baby back ribs first, the same old tender meat in peanut sauce that I love. Then I remembered the inasal. My first bite would always be "unadulterated", that is with no dip. I almost exclaimed "it’s what suppose a chicken inasal should be!" Grilled to perfection and marinated to bring out the true taste of inasal.

I savoured my meal to the last edible portion juggling from the favorite baby back ribs to my newly found great tasting chicken inasal. At 60 pesos, their chicken inasal (with rice) was the cheapest among the four chicken inasal restos I've tried so far. The baby back ribs however cost 90 pesos, but it's always worth it. I was glad that made the right choice where to eat my lunch. And won’t think twice having the same order next time.

UPDATE Nov.11, 2008
Tilipunan has now closed and/or renamed as THE FISH FORT

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