In this restaurant located in I'M Hotel, the Singaporean hawker favorite gets deep fried. It's going to be your new comfort food craving the next time you're heading to Poblacion!
Hops & Brews sounds like the type of place where you can kick back with a cold drink after work–and it is. But aside from lounging here with libations at night, you should also browse through their food menu because they offer a very wide range of eats, from bar chow to pasta, flatbreads to cakes, and a selection of mains showcasing different cuisines. A must-try is one of their signature dishes and probably your next favorite fried chicken — the best selling Hainanese Fried Chicken.
Think of it as a Singaporean twist to your favorite comfort food, or a crispy rendition of that hawker fare that you're willing to queue for when in Singapore. The three pieces of crispy fried chicken also come with ginger rice and a trio of dipping sauces you can mix and match — soy, chili, and ginger.
The fried chicken gets its deliciousness from this process: the meat is first brined overnight, and then sous vide to retain the juicy and delicate texture of the chicken. It's then deep fried until golden brown. It does make for delicious bar chow, but it's best eaten with all its components coming together — the juicy fried chicken with a distinct marinade, the fragrant fried rice, and the assorted sauces to give more punch in every mouthful. This is one lip-smacking proof that when you're hanging out at a gastropub, one must go beyond the usual sips and brews and take a chance on some interesting grub — you'll never know what kind of food will surprise you!
The Dish: Hainanese Fried Chicken (P485)
Where to Find it: Hops & Brews, located at the ground floor of I'M Hotel, 7862 Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan Avenue, Poblacion, Makati. It is open daily from 10am to 2am. Call (0916)785-0568, and follow Hops & Brews on Facebook (/HopsAndBrews) and Instagram (@hopsandbrews).
