Written by Marjolene Gabionza

As fried chicken takes the iron throne of fast food industry, restaurants here and there just won’t stop at bringing fried chicken meals on their menus and counters. People are loving it. Fried chicken enthusiasts are having the time of their lives. Mommies and daddies are thankful for not having to sweat in hot kitchens to get that deep-fried poultry with its addictive taste and aroma on dining tables and in their happy kids’ stomachs. Basically, fried chicken just bestowed burger and fries a flying kick and is now going for world domination. However, as these juicy and golden pieces of deliciousness keep on appearing left, right, and side-to-side, customers are getting a whiplash just for trying to decide where to get their fried chicken of the day.

For today’s OrComida episode, I will show you an easy and convenient place to get your crispy fix.

I see people eating them in school. Family members buy them. Relatives mention them in passing. Friends swear by it. Even professors are intrigued by this fried chicken that doesn’t seem to have any above-the-line advertisement but is getting a lot of attention. For those who haven’t had the fortune of buying Ministop’s version of fried chicken, let me walk you through it.

When you push the glass doors open, your person will be welcomed by the sight of a few aisles containing (admittedly overpriced) products that range from your everyday hygiene essentials to your alcoholic beverages. There will be no fried chicken in sight so you’ll have to move your feet a few steps to the counter with that glass case that features a number of good-to-go food choices.

Target spotted.

If Lady Luck will have it, you’ll see some of the promised goodies on the upper right corner, baring their delicious selves to any hungry human fortunate enough to lay their eyes on them. For only Php 65.00, you now have your chicken and rice meal with you. Fish it out from its plastic bag, lay your hunting prize at any flat surface, and voila! Right in front of you is Uncle John’s life work waiting to be devoured by you.

At first bite, you’ll hear that crickle-crackle sound which means you just hit the jackpot. That crispy fried chicken skin is something that will probably win an award for just existing. If you’re not like me who would just go to town and much on it, you’ll probably save it for later. The oh-so-juicy meat honestly tastes like the ones from that dancing happy bee and can rival those from the big red-haired man in yellow overalls.

Oh yes, I just did.

Because the goodness needs to be balanced out, Uncle John’s Fried Chicken has a few setbacks. Its gravy is not something to be extremely happy about what with its light brown coloring, watery consistency, and average taste. The rice is also a bit unsatisfactory due to its quantity. Sadly, raising your hand and whisper-yelling “Extra rice!” is not an option here.

Ministop shows concern to its customers by providing a drinks with your meal. At Php 82.00, you can pair your fried chicken with C2 350 ml of any flavor while you have to pay Php 89.00 to taste the feeling with a 500 ml bottle of Coke.

Overall, Ministop did something incredibly right with its fried chicken. It is easy, affordable, delightfully tasty, and is accessible anywhere. You don’t need to make a reservation in a fancy restaurant and dress up especially for a fried chicken’s crispy thigh or wing. Uncle John wouldn’t mind it if you’re just in your jammies.

Don’t knock it until you try it because it can definitely float your boat, captain!