MANILA, Philippines – Metro Manila loves fried chicken, and the crazy long lines at Popeyes’ grand opening at Arcovia City, Pasig are a testament to this fact. 

On Thursday, May 16, the chicken chain Popeyes finally re-opened its orange doors to Manila’s hungry crowd, serving up their world-famous Louisiana fried chicken, biscuits, chicken tenders, and cajun fries again to the excited many – with a few new Philippine-exclusive menu items to boot, at very competitive prices. (READ: Menu, prices: Popeyes opens in Metro Manila)

With the help of the Kuya J Group and Canadian company Restaurant Brands Inc., Popeyes launched its first 2019 branch of an upcoming 9 others, showing off a brand-new, fresh look and modern interiors – the first of its kind internationally. (READ: Where Popeyes will open around Metro Manila)

So, let’s talk about Popeyes’ fried and joy: their fried chicken.

Popeyes Chicken and Biscuits (P179)

Juicy, tender, and oh-so-crispy, Popeyes’ fried chicken steals the fastfood show once again, giving fellow fried chicken contenders a possible run for their money. (Also good to note: the saltiness level doesn’t go overboard.)

Served with gravy and Popeyes’ well-loved honey biscuits (which complement the chicken’s savory flavor and crunchy texture), it’s a 2-piece meal you (hopefully) won’t regret lining up for.

Popeyes Chicken Tenders (P125)

No utensils needed for these easy-to-eat, on-the-go fried chicken tenders of Popeyes!

The P125 meal is served with fries and a drink, and comes with a variety of double-dippable flavors – ranch, gravy, bold bbq, and mardi gras (a delicious horseradish dijon mustard I fell dip in love with.)

The name says it all – it’s tender when freshly-cooked, and the breading is generous and crunchy, and not at all dry inside. But since the actual chicken tender sizes aren’t that big, sadly, 3 pieces aren’t enough.

Popeyes Spaghetti with drink (P66)

Of course, what’s a Filipino menu without the staple Pinoy spaghetti? 

Added to the Popeyes menu specifically for its Filipino fans, Popeyes recreates the famously sweet Pinoy-style spaghetti, complete with hotdog chunks, ground meat, and of course, grated cheese. 

Creamy Crab Soup (P50)

Another new addition to the Popeyes menu is the creamy crab soup, a light but flavorful tomato-based soup that tastes just like a comforting seafood bisque. 

Plus points for the real crabmeat bits!

Cajun Fries (P42)

We’ve got eyes on the fries!

Not that it comes as a su-fries, but Popeyes’ cajun fries is a side dish worth checking out. It’s coated and then fried with special cajun spices and is just the right amount of crispy and addictive.

Box of 3 assorted biscuits (P150)

In it for the biscuit? Popeyes box of 3 will satisfy that craving, no doubt,  especially now that the honey variant comes with two new Manila-exclusive flavors: hazelnut and white chocolate.

Specially made for the Filipino sweet tooth, Popeyes regular biscuits are coated with the sweet frosting of your choice (which, surprisingly, aren’t overly sweet actually), making for a contrasting accompaniment to your fried chicken, or simply as a good ‘ol dessert to go.

Chicken French Quarter Burger (P165)

Into big, fluffy buns, especially with your chicken? Then look no further than Popeyes’ version of a chicken burger – the Chicken French Quarter, served with fries and a drink.

A huge chunk of fried chicken fillet (also very crunchy and tender) is topped with lettuce, tomato, roasted peppers, a special sauce, and bacon, sandwiched by two fluffy bread buns. 

Shrimp Burger (P149)

How thoughtful of Popeyes not to forget their pescetarian guests… and how kind of them to make sure that their Shrimp Burger would be an option even carnivores would opt for!

In between the light burger buns is a special deep-fried shrimp patty, made with real shrimps you can taste with every bite. The veggies on top and its sweet, teriyaki-like glaze all help seal the deal.

We also tried the Cajun Rice (P35), which is excellently spiced with cajun flavors. 

These are only a few of Popeyes many menu offerings, and we’re just as excited to try the rest, especially since these ones so far prove that Popeyes definitely didn’t compromise on bringing their esteemed quality and taste to Philippine shores.

When are you paying Popeyes a visit? – Rappler.com