A celebrity-owned Filipino chain, JT’s Manukan Grille has opened at Lucky Plaza in Singapore, bringing its renowned grilled chicken to the city. Founded in 2003 by Filipino actor Joel Torre and his wife, the chain has expanded to 39 branches in the Philippines. Known for their chicken inasal, a national dish of the Philippines, JT’s Manukan Grille offers both breast and leg cuts, served with rice, lime, and soup. The grilled chicken is praised for its tender texture and mildly sweet and savory marinade, with an option to upgrade to garlic rice for extra flavor.
The menu also features Liempo, a grilled pork belly dish, and Cansi, a popular Filipino beef soup made with bone marrow and beef shanks. While the Liempo was noted to be a bit fatty, it was well-grilled with a good char and served with achar. The Cansi, despite its modest appearance, impressed with its robust and slightly tangy flavor, tender meat, and light broth, enhanced by collagen rather than oil.
Located in the Asian Food Mall in Lucky Plaza’s basement, JT’s Manukan Grille gets busy during lunch hours, so early visits are recommended. Just a three-minute walk from Orchard MRT Station, the eatery is both accessible and affordable. With a seasoned team of native Filipinos running the place, JT’s Manukan Grille offers an authentic introduction to Filipino cuisine.