BonChon Chicken vs. Chicken Charlie

With its mounting popularity, the double-frying technique which traces its roots from chicken joints in South Korea has set the chicken radar up and alarming as it proved true to its promise of delivering crackly, flavorful, extra-crispy chicken skin to the expectant taste buds of Filipinos. Today we pit “the best chicken in America”, BonChon Chicken and its local contender, Chicken Charlie—two restaurants who’ve had their customers going loco over their double-fried chicken. Let the face off begin!

Flavor Double-frying, employed by both restaurants, renders their chicken less greasy compared to the ones served by other fast food joints as the technique drains the chicken of its natural fat. Without making use of breading, the chicken skin stays paper-thin and crisp, yet flavorful. In offering both soy garlic and spicy flavors, their respective chicken recipes are quite similar in taste but have notable differences all the same. BonChon’s glazed chicken skin is quite tastier than that of Chicken Charlie’s but the latter proves to be crispier.  Quite noticeable though, is that the flavor only stays on the skin for BonChon while that of Chicken Charlie’s not only stays on the skin but seeps into the meat as well.

Price Though both reasonably priced, Chicken Charlie costs much less than BonChon. As compared by Sharlyne Ang in her article, it would cost around PHP 365 in ordering a combination of six wings and three drumsticks in BonChon, whereas four drumsticks and four wings would only cost PHP 288 in Chicken Charlie. Cheaper prices make Chicken Charlie appeal to a wider customer base. However, it is good to note that when it comes to size and parts, BonChon offers bigger cuts compared to its contender and a choice of chicken thigh, as Chicken Charlie only offers legs and wings.

Pricing as well as a list of their products could be found here, for BonChon, and here, for Chicken Charlie.

Accessibility BonChon is an international company, while Chicken Charlie is homegrown. That already says a lot in terms of accessibility. BonChon branches are strategically located over leading shopping malls as well as in other areas, while Chicken Charlie stalls are significantly fewer in number and require one’s familiarity in their situated areas in order for them to be located. Chicken Charlie can be found in Katipunan, N.S. Amoranto St. and Banawe St. in Quezon City, Little Baguio, San Juan, and Adriatico, Manila.

Suffice to say, both restaurants commendably executed the double-frying technique in their respective means, each delivering chicken goodness that’s worth your every centavo. But in a battle of the best double-fried chicken, only one can reign supreme. BonChon Chicken or Chicken Charlie? The choice is yours.

Cupcakes by Sonja vs. Sophie’s Mom

Both located in upscale Makati, with adorable interiors and with so much creativity in what they do, Cupcakes by Sonja and Sophie’s Mom have made a name for themselves in the dessert scene.

Among the best sellers at Cupcakes by Sonja (apparently spoken with a hard ‘j’) is the Red Velvet Vixen. Described as a “traditional Southern Red Velvet cupcake made with Belgian cocoa and topped with luscious cream cheese icing”, this is one of their more conventional variants. It’s a bit steep at Php 75, but this gorgeous red cupcake is large enough to share. There’s a very generous dollop of cream cheese frosting, which is very sweet. The top of the cake is slightly crunchy, and the inside is thick, moist, and full of flavor. The cupcake is finished by a light dusting of cocoa.

The red velvet cupcake is also a bestseller at Sophie’s Mom Bakery and Confectionery. Owner Tonette Rosal claims, “I have the best red velvet cake recipe that can’t go wrong.” And true enough, the cake is wonderfully moist, fluffy, and light – like its cream cheese frosting, it’s not overwhelmingly sweet. What would set apart this cupcake is that it has chocolate chunks mixed inside, giving it the unmistakable chocolate flavor that some versions lack. While a bit smaller, it’s cheaper too at Php 50 apiece.

All this said, both cupcakes are excellent and have their own followings, but the difference lies on the cake. If you prefer it to be rich, tightly-paced, with a more crumbly consistency, try Sonja’s; if you like your cupcake lighter and almost melt-in-your-mouth, Sophie’s comes highly recommended.

For those who want more of this sinful flavor – Sophie’s Mom also carried red velvet cake pops, red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting, and red velvet and cream cheese mochi ice cream!

Cupcakes by Sonja is located at 1C03 Serendra Piazza, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Sophie’s Mom Bakery and Confectionary can be found at 8760 Santol St., San Antonio Village, 1203 Makati, Philippines.

Midnight Mercato vs. Banchetto

 

There’s nothing like a good food trip to end the hustle and bustle of the week. And there’s no other place more famous than Mercato and Banchetto in catering to the munching machine in you. The two food bazaars are equally famous for their wide array of food choices, perfect for a foodie.

If you plan on going to Banchetto, it’s best to bring a buddy who’s been there to show you to the best food stalls in the bazaar. Banchetto is home to Tapatouille, Hassan’s Kebab and Steaks, Uno Burger, Monster Burger, Monster Rice and many, many more. You might be overwhelmed with the crowd and the endless selection of isaw, pasta, burgers, cakes, delicacies from rural areas and what not. You’ll have to maneuver yourself through a sea of people but it’s all worth it for the food there is relatively cheap. At around 80-150 pesos you can indulge in a filling treat.

Midnight Mercato on the other hand, is the more upscale version of Banchetto primarily because of two reasons: 1) It is situated in Bonifacio Global City and 2) Food in Mercato is a bit more expensive compared to Banchetto. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot a celebrity while dining (which is actually not uncommon in the area). The ambience in Mercato is more chill compared to the frenzied hype of Banchetto. However, Mercato offers less food stall choices compared to Banchetto given its smaller size. Mercato makes up for this through its more unique food selection. Aside from the usual sausage, isaw and burger stalls, Mercato is home to the infamous Krispy Kreme Burger, Mochiko, Gelato, Ha Yuan Fresh Lumpia, Manang’s Chicken and Chuck’s Gubberie Fish and Chips.

Each place offers a unique dining experience but you’re sure in for a treat wherever you decide to eat. Catch Midnight Mercato in 8th Avenue Corner 34th Street at BC from 10pm to 3am (Friday and Saturday). There’s a lot of confusion as to when and where Banchetto operates. They come and go to different places from Libis, Forum, SM Cubao, Meralco Ave and Megatent. You can check their schedule in their Facebook page here, and view their schedule for the month of February here.

 

Cheetos vs. Doritos

“CHEETOS FOR THE WIN!”

Here are some reasons why this statement is true for the majority (well, for me at least!):

The name says it all – Doritos isn’t just as cheesy compared to Cheetos. Aside from this fact, Cheetos has stayed with constant with the variety of flavors it offers (Jalapeno, Mighty Zinger, Flaming Hot, Wild White Cheddar). Doritos, on the other hand, came out with many flavors that have changed their name through time and demand (Taco, Fiery Habanero, Spicy Sweet Chili, Salsa Verde, Spicy Nacho).

Cheetos doesn’t need additional dips to taste delicious. Since chips are purchased as a convenient, easy-to-go snack, it might be a hassle to some to buy a dip as well. While Doritos can stand on its own, its more subtle taste would be usually preferred with something on the side.

On the other hand, this can be seen as an edge for Doritos since it promotes a creative and different way of eating chips by adding those dips (try cream cheese, salsa, and spinach dip!).

So what will you be munching on your next movie marathon? Vote and let us know!

Banapple vs. Mom & Tina’s

Banapple is very famous here in Metro Manila – and why not, when they serve a wide range of food (in large servings!) that would make you want to come back for more? While their entrees are excellent, they’re especially famous for their original cakes and desserts. Meanwhile, Mom & Tina’s Bakery Café, a quaint restuarant vested at C5, also offers the same variety of sweet indulgences. Another thing going for it is its ambience – Mom and Tina’s has a homey and comforting feel that could last many conversations.

Both establishments carry their respective versions of the banoffee pie – a treat made out of graham crust, bananas, cream, and toffee. But who serves the better one?

Banapple is first and foremost known for their banoffee pies. Why would the restaurant be named Banapple if their bestseller were made of oranges? Besides their enchanting apple pies, Banapple serves a delightful banoffee pie. The crust is not bland, tasteless, or dry. Every mouthful gives a generous amount of chopped bananas and caramel, and you could feel the crust crumbling delicately. The chocolate and icing aren’t too sweet – they’re just right.

Mom & Tina’s, on the other hand, is famous for their pastries like cupcakes and meringue. They are more known for their Toblerone Walnut Torte and Butter Cake, but they serve a formidable banoffee pie. The crust is a bit dry, and there is more icing than there are bananas. The caramel is wonderfully sweet, but not as luscious as that of Banapple. The biggest setback though would be it’s size – it’s so small, it hardly feels like an indulgence despite its sweetness.

Banapple and Mom & Tina’s banoffee pie are both tempting and delicious. You be the judge of every bite.

Banapple has branches in Katipunan Ave, Northeast Square at Northeast Greenhills, Ayala Triangle Gardens, and Il Terrazo at Tomas Morato. Mom & Tina’s Bakery Café is located along E.Rodriguez Ave, Libis and Regis Center, Katipunan.