We visited the Mandaluyong garage spot made famous by influencer Bradley Tries. Tucked away on a quiet residential corner in Plainview, Mandaluyong, Mezmars & Mau’s Chicken Inasal Haus is the definition of a "garage" eatery. There are no fancy signs, air-conditioned dining rooms, or polished interiors. Instead, you get a handful of basic tables set up in a converted residential space, where the smell of charcoal smoke acts as the only real advertisement. It’s a grounded, unpretentious setup that prioritizes the grill over the decor, making it a favorite for locals who just want a straightforward, heavy meal.
The primary draw that separates this spot from the city’s endless sea of inasal joints is the Blue Ternate Rice. Infused with butterfly pea flowers, the rice arrives at your table with a striking cobalt tint. While the flower itself doesn't add a strong herbal flavor, the rice is fluffy and seasoned well enough to stand on its own. It’s a simple visual twist that makes a standard ₱120 plate feel significantly more intentional and unique than the usual yellow java rice found elsewhere.
When it comes to the chicken, the focus is on a traditional Ilonggo-style marinade. The Thigh (₱120) and Breast (₱130) parts are grilled until they develop a deep, smoky char while remaining remarkably juicy on the inside. The flavor profile leans heavily into ginger and calamansi, though the lemongrass notes are a bit more subtle than what you might find in Bacolod. It’s honest, home-cooked chicken that doesn't rely on sugary glazes to hide the quality of the meat.
For those who want to stray from the bird, the Grilled Liempo (₱130) is a sleeper hit. It’s sliced thin enough to get crispy around the edges but thick enough to retain its fatty richness. They also offer Grilled Pusit (₱155), which is a rare find at this price point in a neighborhood setting. Like the chicken, these are served with a generous mound of the signature blue rice, making the "Regular Meal" sets some of the most competitive values in the area.
Value for money is the undisputed anchor of the Mezmars experience. In an era where a basic fast-food meal can easily cross the ₱200 mark, being able to walk away stuffed for under ₱150 is a legitimate win. While some regulars have noted that the chicken portions can occasionally be on the leaner side, the overall "sulit" factor remains high when you consider the quality of the grill and the uniqueness of the presentation.
