The perfect chicken fix

After invading their home turf with 45 stores to date, Taiwanese artist and comedian Nono brings to the country the taste of Taiwan’s famous chicken.

Fried chicken seems to have become a staple on many a Filipino table. And everywhere in the metro, there’s a guaranteed one-stop chicken-fix store that can offer different variations of the classic meal. It doesn’t matter what brand — if it’s chicken, it’s good!

In the same way, fried chicken is indispensable in the street and night markets of Taiwan.

It was only a matter of time for another name to add to the list of possible chicken stops in Manila, and recently, we welcomed the newest Taiwanese treat, the first-ever in the nation: Monga, Taiwan’s most popular fried chicken cutlet chain.

After invading their home turf with 45 stores to date, Taiwanese artist and comedian Nono brings to the country the taste of Taiwan’s famous chicken. Nono first founded the brand with Liu Mingao. The name comes from the Wuanhua district in Taiwan known as Monga or mei jia in Mandarin.

Monga is the newest venture of The Vikings Group of Companies. “For the past eight years, we’ve shared our love for food to the Filipinos, creating new concepts and brands,” said Charles Lee, the marketing manager of the Vikings Group of Companies. “Our buffets are loved by many Filipinos. I’m sure they’ll love Monga and hopefully it receives the same feedback.”

Monga offers not just the taste, but the experience of being in one of Taiwan’s oldest districts, its unique interiors patterned after its night markets and stalls. There is no better time and place to experience Taiwan in the metro than in Monga, so no need to board a plane and go to Taiwan just for their chicken.

“I’m glad that I have brought Monga, the famous Taiwan chicken here in the Philippines to share with Filipinos,” Nono, co-founder of the food chain, said in Mandarin. He flew to the Philippines for the opening and was hands-on with Monga’s all-around process and distinct look.

Monga has expanded in different parts in the world like in Canada, Singapore, United States, United Kingdom and Malaysia. “I’m excited that this is our first branch here in the Philippines, and we’re looking forward to the other branches as well,” Nono shared.

“I’m also glad to have partnered with one of the famous food chains here in the Philippines,” he added.

Monga’s claim to fame is its bigger-than-hand, two-inch-thick fried chicken fillets just enough to fill the stomachs of a starving mob.

Somehow, for people rushing in to get to work and have forgotten to eat their meals, one order of Monga’s chicken is the best go-to solution.

Their famous fried chicken goes through a process like this: Instead of flour, the fillets are dipped in batter and marinated with honey for at least 24 hours. Each chicken is made-to-order, fried to perfection to retain the hotness, juiciness and tenderness of the chicken down to the last bite.

It comes in three flavors (P180/solo, P199/with rice); The King, the original fried chicken; Hot Chick, chicken seasoned with paprika powder with a little kick of spice; The Taiker, covered with Japanese sauce and seaweed powder; and of course, The Chee-z, which is a cheese lover’s dream chicken, topped with tomato sauce, cheese and sprinkled with a little chili.

No rice is needed since Monga’s fried chicken can be big enough for one whole meal.

Monga also serves sides that are tastier, healthier and perfect for the chicken; Fried Mushroom, Fried Broccoli, Fried Chicken Skin and, of course, their Signature Fries — All of which can be paired up with Monga’s milk teas (P110); Black Dragon Oolong Latte and Green Dragon Matcha Latte.

From 6 to 11 November, patrons can get a Buy 1 Get 1 Signature Fried Chicken at P199 for The King, Hot Chick and The Taiker, while it’s P229 for the Chee-z flavor. From 12 to 18 November, for just P110 also for the Buy 1 Get 1 Milk Tea offer.

Monga is the home of the number one Taiwanese-style fried chicken. Like and follow Monga Philippines on Facebook @MongaPhilippines and Instagram @monga.philippines for more information. Monga is located at Lower Ground A, SM Megamall.