When in Tagbilaran, Have a Chicken Inato

If there is one thing I loved about Tagbilaran City, it was my discovery of Jo's Chicken Inato. The place was housed in this ancestral house which was made of Capiz-shelled windows, floors made with wooden planks, heavy antique-style chairs and beautiful intricately-carved furniture and walls.

Beautiful Ceiling

After a series of resort-prepared meals in the area of Alona beach at Panglao Island, I decided to end our Bohol family trip by having a delicious and hearty meal in this restaurant.

Their Collection of Chicken Souvenirs

We were happy that we came early for Sunday lunch because after just a few minutes, the place was packed. Meals were reasonable, an average of Php200 per head, complete with drinks should be budgeted. We tried just a few of their products - the Chicken Inato, the Pork Barbecue, the Bakhawan (or what we know as Kinilaw), Pinakbet, Fried Lumpia and their shakes.

Jo's Chicken Inato

I loved the way they cooked the Chicken Inato - it was grilled over coals and the flavors are subtle - just hints of garlic, tanglad, patis (fish sauce) and cracked pepper. The chicken comes in quarters and were done perfectly, crisp skin, meat tender and moist, plus, no visible blood which is common in the case of grilled chicken dishes. The chicken comes with a cup of rice and a tiny bowl of patis with half a calamansi (Philippine lemon).

Pork Barbecue

I also tried the pork barbecue - about 5-6 pieces of sliced pork to a skewer and each serving comes with 2 sticks, again coupled with plain rice and the usual dip. It was quite sweet and the kids loved it. Bakhawan or their version of the Kinilaw na tanigue was good for 1 person. What's interesting is that their version comes with coconut cream and crushed chicharon which complemented the clean flavor of the Tanigue.

Their version of Kinilaw na Tanigue

To complement the meats, we also ordered their fried lumpia and Pakbet. The lumpia was crisp and though not all ubod (coconut palm), its other vegetables such as green beans, carrots and bean sprouts blended well with the ubod.

Fried Lumpia as Side Dish

The Pakbet was good to share and had that bitter-salty flavor profile which fans of Ampalaya (bitter gourd) will enjoy.

Their version of Pinakbet

Should you still have room, order their fruit shakes - it is rich and perfect with their grilled specialties.