Meals with Mark: Bok-buster

Since we were already in the South, Mark and I went out to try the Korean Chicken restaurant of my cousin Pichon.

Bok Korean Fried Chicken is conveniently located at the corner of one of ATC's newer buildings. It's easily accessible, it's bright and spacious, and has that very casual, family vibe.

The chicken is good and crispy. The fries are well-seasoned. And overall, the value is great!

Something tells me this won't be the last time we'll be eating here.

Major Tom

Tom Sawyer fried chicken is one of the restaurants from my childhood.

Their store at Crossroads Arcade in Greenhills was one of our family's go-to places. We'd often go here with my Lolo Iking and Lola Dita, along with the rest of the family.

The interiors and ambience are both still fresh in my mind. They had dark wood interiors, much like an old American barn. Not surprising since they trace their roots to the Southern part of the US.

Eventually, Crossroads Arcade closed down and Tom Sawyer became an on-off-on-off kind of place. Sometimes you'd find them, sometimes, you won't. 

Last time I found a Tom Sawyer restaurant was more than 5 years back, in Tiendesitas.

So, imagine how thrilled I was when I came across Tom Sawyer in Estancia!

Of course, the 1st thing to do was order their Chicken Breast sandwich. It's the OG and still the best breast. And of course, a side of Sloppy Fries.

There's finally a Tom Sawyer that's quite near the office!

This is major!

Crispy cravings

Had this intense craving for fried chicken and gravy this weekend. 

The default would be going out to KFC, Popeyes, McDonald's or Jollibee. But since it was a weekend, the idea of going out wasn't too attractive.

Good thing there's Crispy Fry!

We were able to whip this up in a matter of minutes. This is our home creation using Crispy Fry breading mix and Crispy Fry Gravy.

The fried chicken is perfectly seasoned and crispy. The gravy has this smokey flavour that can rival restaurant gravy.

Cravings satisfied!

Meals with Mark: Dynamic Duo

One of the most popular food combinations in Seoul is the "Fried Chicken & Beer" combo.

Whether it's in a  Kdrama or IRL, you always see scenes of people indulging in this duo. And whenever I'd catch a glimpse of them biting into those crispy pieces of fried chicken, it makes me want to indulge in it myself.

That's why Mark and I didn't miss the chance to do like the South Koreans do and eat at a chicken & beer restaurant.

Actually, there's this popular spot in Myeogdong where the chicken and beer restaurants are lined up in a row. The first time I ate there was in 2019 with the production peeps, and it took me 3 years to come back, this time with Mark.

We chose the place with the least number of people and settled on a table inside the restaurant, but near the doorway to get the outdoor feels.

Just as it is in the Kdramas, this duo enjoyed the fried chicken and beer duo a lot!

Pollo Loco

Before my Seoul trip, my impression is that there would be a pajeon or kimchi store in every street corner. Much like there's a siomai or noodle place in Manila, or there's a Vlaamse Frites place in Amsterdam, or even a Shawarma place in Prague.

Well, there aren't pajeon or kimchi stores in every street corner. But there's one food item that you can find in almost every street in Seoul, and it's something that I totally didn't expect to be uber popular there.

Fried Chicken!

A block away from my hotel, there were 2 fried chicken stores which were full most of the time. And while I was going around the different parts of the city, all these other brands kept popping up.






Yes, Koreans are crazy for fried chicken. That's why the business is not only flourishing, it's making a killing!

According to reviews, Bon Chon is the best of the lot. But since I was pressed for time, I wasn't able to try it.

Good thing they're opening a store here in Greenbelt 1. I'll have to try that out just to see what everyone's so crazy about.