First Bite: Bad Bird

Long queues never fail to make me curious. As one of the best indicators that something good is being offered, I usually line up even without having much clue of what's in store for me. Though it's not always a happy ending after getting what every one else was lining up for, I got to discover Ichiran and Hanjuku Kobo from spontaneously queuing. And one establishment that I've always wanted to line up for was Bad Bird. 

Hello, Bad Bird.

Bad Bird has been one of the establishments people go for when visiting Hole in the Wall. And it never seemed to run out of patrons whenever I visit. 

I would always tell myself that I'd try its umami chicken after a few snacks. But I tend to get overstuffed with all of the other delectable dishes around. Confident that it won't close down anytime soon, I'd often delay my plan to try it. 

I was so happy when I found out that it opened a branch in Serendra, an area I frequent more than Century City Mall. 

Knowing that the place will surely be packed during lunch, I decided to drop by earlier. 

The place is charming with its industrial vibe with touches of greens. It looks very young, modern, yet warm. 

Service was fast too as I was given the menu as soon as I got to my table and I was given service water right after.

For my first visit, I went with Bad Bird's bestseller, Umami Fried Chicken. Since I don't like spicy food, I opted to go with safe level with Dirty Rice and Pickles (PHP270, single | PHP390, double | PHP320, boneless). I also upgraded my meal by adding Hush Puppies (++PHP50) and Home Brewed Iced Tea (+PHP60). 

First served was my glass of refreshing iced tea which had a delightful hint of citrus.

It was soon followed by my plate of chicken and Hush Puppies. I was also given a complimentary bowl of soup.

I was quite disappointed with my Hush Puppies. I was looking forward to what was described to me as similar to Kenny Rogers' muffins. But these deep-fried corn muffins were far from it. It was over fried and too oily for my liking. 

And it was rather dry inside. 

Thankfully, the chicken was scrumptious! Wonderfully spiced, it was flavorful from skin to bone! Each mouthful had that umami flavor which blended perfectly with the dirty rice. 

However, it started to become cloying halfway through my meal. I suddenly felt that it was difficult to finish it as my palate was screaming to have something else. And that was when the pickled cucumber came in handy. But it wasn't enough to make me finish my meal. 

My friends who also ordered safe level chicken felt the same way. But those who got something hotter said that they enjoyed their Bad Bird experience. Perhaps the umami fried chicken is better spicy? 

It might take a while before I give Bad Bird another try. But I definitely would give it a second chance with its spicy chicken. I'll just increase my spice tolerance for now. 

Bad Bird is located at Ground Floor, Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.