Don H.
Yelp
As a fried chicken aficionado, I make it a point to try local and chain chicken establishments wherever I travel. During a recent trip to Tacoma, WA, I visited Jollibee, a renowned chain from the Philippines, known for its "Chickenjoy" - a signature fried chicken that promises to be next-level crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, thanks to a secret marinade.
The ambiance at Jollibee in Tacoma is welcoming with vibrant decor and friendly staff. However, the long wait times can be a bit of a drawback for many. I stood among a crowd of people who have ordered and were waiting patiently at tables for their food. After I ordered my meal, I counted nine tables of people who were waiting for their orders.
"Chickenjoy" is indeed crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, as advertised. The hand-breading gives it a satisfying crunch, and the marinade adds a unique flavor profile. However, as someone who has tried various fried chicken chains, I found the taste quite similar to that of Church's Chicken (which is just down the road from this Jollibee location).
My order came with a large vat of undersalted gravy, a nice container of mashed potatoes that were forgettable, and a couple of servicable biscuits. I will save one for my breakfast tomorrow.
One of the significant factors in my evaluation is the price-to-value ratio. While Chickenjoy is delicious, the higher prices and extended wait times at Jollibee don't quite justify the experience, especially when I can get similar quality chicken at a lower price from other chains like Church's.
In conclusion, Jollibee's Chickenjoy is tasty and worth trying, especially if you're curious about Filipino-style fried chicken. However, if you're looking for a quick and cost-effective fried chicken fix, I would recommend going to Church's or another less expensive place. I doubt that I will be revisiting Jollibee in the future.