Saturday, November 04, 2006

CHICKEN AT SAVORY'S


Most of those who love the fried chicken from Chow King, Jolibee or Kentucky Fried Chicken would sometimes argue over which of these fast food eateries serve the best gravy with their chicken. Unbeknownst to most is that if they really wanted to taste authentic fried chicken gravy of old, all they have to do is try Savory’s.

Still at the foot of Jones Bridge at the tip of Escolta, Savory Restaurant is one of the few remaining Chinese restaurants in Binondo that was once as popular as Max’s and Aristocrat. I had lunch there the other day and ordered Chicken Rice, which is a combination plate consisting of a quarter piece of chicken, fried egg, a cup of fried rice, and a generous serving of their famous chicken gravy. It costs about a hundred pesos.

The fried chicken at this restaurant is just as good if not even better than Max’s; a whole order is P300. Their bountiful serving of pancit canton guisado for P160 is also recommended. The only other branch of Savory that I know of is at Francisco del Monte Avenue near corner Banawe Street in Quezon City.


posted by Señor Enrique at 11:19 AM


38 Comments:

Blogger Amadeo said...

Eric:

I remember Savory as a one-storey establishment and its patrons could be seen from outside. But even then, fried chicken was its specialty.

And if you dine along this area, surely you have visited the nice Chinese restaurants along that eskinita called Carvajal, where food is both delicious and cheap.

November 04, 2006 11:57 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

How much does the Chicken rice platter cost?

November 04, 2006 4:35 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

It looks really savory to me! Yummy.

(:

November 04, 2006 5:40 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

savory along quezon avenue corner banawe was closed down (sad)...

i hope there is still savory restaurant at the basement of ever commonwealth. after sona rallies, i always eat here.

November 05, 2006 12:55 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

senor enrique,

did/do they have a branch in baguio along session rd.? hhmm i might be confusing it to another chinese restaurant?

thanks,

dp

November 05, 2006 1:16 AM  

Blogger sunkissed said...

yumyum..looks appetizing. when i'm homesick, i just eat a hot bowl of rice and i'm brought to a nice, warm place called Manila. i miss binondo!

November 05, 2006 8:40 AM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

An eskinita named Carvajal? Hmmm ... I have to check this out. After lunch, I crossed the street to head over Plaza de Cervantes, Amadeo, and I was disappointed to see only the Bank of the Philippine Island building as the only significant structure in that tiny enclave. It is now a grimy abandoned-looking area. It was also drizzling that day and not so ideal a time for photo taking. I will return another day.




About two dollars or one hundred pesos, Steel. And It's really good!




Yes it is savory, Kyels :)




Not sure about that particular branch, Mong. After a SONA rally, I'd probably be able to eat an entire Savory chicken. I tip my hat off to those who brave the elements and voice out their concerns; with most staying out there practically the entire day. Amazing, really.




Hmmm...last I was in Baguio, DatuPanot, we went mostly to those eateries inside the SM mall.




When you come back home for a visit, G. Knotee, I'm sure we'll find you in Binondo :)

November 05, 2006 11:09 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yum, that looks like a really good meal. I haven't been to that place.

November 05, 2006 1:27 PM  

Blogger Amadeo said...

Eric:

Carvajal would be a little further from the bridge toward Binondo and to your right heading that way.

Of course, this was many moons ago. And things could have changed radically.

Anyway, as of late, our relatives brought us to some area in Soler St. where there are also newly-opened restaurants. Congested and with narrow streets, which is usual but there is always left-over space in the empty-lot garages in the area.

Sorry to hear about the old BankPI HO building. Once upon a time, it was where . . . .

November 06, 2006 3:40 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I loved Savory.. I remember there was one Savory restaurant we went to at Ermita close to the Luneta.. is it still around?

November 06, 2006 7:44 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi, there's also a Savory branch along N. Domingo in San Juan. I'm from that area, and whenever we're too lazy to cook, we get take-out from there. :-)

November 06, 2006 1:52 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Senor Enrique, this brings back old memories. I really remember Savory (and Carvajal too, would you believe?). My Dad would bring the entire family there. If I remember correctly, I preferred it to Max's. I wonder why they did not become as famous as Max's. It's so delicious... parang Aristocrat barbeque chicken... kuhang-kuha yung lasang Pinoy.

November 06, 2006 2:23 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

There used to be another chicken restaurant at the foot of the bridge just beside Savory. It was called Jones Chicken.

I really do NOT like Jollibee chicken. May aftertaste.

November 06, 2006 9:25 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've eaten Savory chicken more often than not as takeout food, as I've never set foot in any of their restaurants.

If I'm not mistaken, I'm acquainted with a member of the family that owns this restaurant.

November 07, 2006 9:23 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I will try and visit Savory next time I'm in the Philippines. I like a good fried chicken once in a while.

Maria

November 15, 2006 9:26 AM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

I've a feeling you'll enjoy the chicken at Savory's, Maria. It's really delectable!

November 15, 2006 1:11 PM  

Blogger Bren said...

Last time I was there (Savory) if I remember correctly was either in the 60's or 70's. I will probably go that way when I visit Pinaz.

May 05, 2007 10:16 AM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

That would be the era, Bren, when places like Savory's enjoyed great popularity :)

I've been dropping by to enjoy its chicken every now and then :)

May 06, 2007 8:26 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Nice pics:)

August 24, 2007 6:41 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

wow.. I love their chicken. Just wondering, Do you guys know any celebrity who patronizes Savory's?

September 11, 2007 9:04 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was searching for pictures of Savory in Google and found this site. I'd like to share that new Savory restaurant branches are now open in SM Mall of Asia and another at SM Hypermart near Tiendesitas near Valle Verde in Pasig. I'm not sure if these are the only new ones in the metro. My officemates are planning a pilgrimage to the old Savory restaurant in Escolta. Cheers!

November 06, 2007 6:19 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

At least 2 branches are now open. One at SM Mall of Asia and the other at SM Hypermart beside Tiendesitas near Valle Verde. =)

November 06, 2007 6:33 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Thank you much for the info, Nesty! Truly appreciate it :)

I think there's also a Savory over at Earnshaw Street in Sampaloc.

November 07, 2007 8:01 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Savory Lover said...
"I always eat Savory Chicken, its very delicious specially there chicken sauce yum yum yum, what I know they heve open a new branch at Mac Arthur
Hi way near Fatima Hospital,Valenzuela City and another one in Mandaluyoung City along Shaw Blvd. Near Kalentong"

January 06, 2008 12:28 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Whoa! I can only conclude then that Savory is intent in keeping its business alive and expanding!

Cool!


Thanks, Savory Lover :)

January 06, 2008 12:58 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Have you tried Popeye's? The one I've been to long ago was near Metropolitan Hospital in Masangkay, Manila?
I think it is roasted chicken. It is not the same Popeye's in the US which is fried.
I also like Savory, Max's, Jollibee, Shakey's famous chicken. I haven't revisited these places in a long while though. I hope their flavors haven't changed.

April 18, 2008 5:58 AM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

At first I thought ou meant Popeye's from the Stated. Now you got me curious about this Popeye's roast chicken at Masangkay. Will definitely check it out. Thanks for the tip, Anonymous!

April 18, 2008 7:49 AM  

Blogger kapangkers said...

You all have got to try the Savory branch at Ever Gotesco Ortigas Ave. Ext.! I've tasted the chicken, rice and sauce from the SM Hypermart and the branch near Legarda and they're both a waste of money compared to the Ever Gotesco branch. Try the Savory Fried Chicken, Savory Fried Rice or Shrimp Rice, and eat using gravy or the sweet & sour sauce... it surely brings back memories and the food's really delicious!

April 26, 2008 7:29 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Many thanks for the tip, Jep. I will definitely check it out next time I find myself in Ever Gotesco at Ortigas Ave. Ext.

The one on Earnshaw near Legarda I often pass by, but never had the opportunity to go in there. But now that you've told me about it, chances are I'd prefer checking out the one in Ortigas first :)

April 26, 2008 7:41 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ian

Last wednesday my gf and i dropped by Robinsons Manila and saw a new Savory resto there. It was full around 630PM that we couldnt get a seat.
My gf and i loves Savory's fried chicken MMMMM =)

June 28, 2008 11:48 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

savory is really the best tasting chicken ever.. there's one branch along f.b. harrison st. along buendia pasay city, in front of metrobank and owwa bldg.. their branch serves also great tasting chicken with a really nice ambience and clean surroundings for those who never tried eating inside the restaurants.. they even serve vegetarian dishes.. yummy and healthy.. :-)

August 04, 2008 2:14 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi! I'm also one of the Savory lover. At first I really dont like Savory at all, but gradually I enjoyed eating Savory. I am a type of person who choose good tasting food than the location or venue of the place.

The branch the I love to dine in or order a take out is the Savory F.B. Harrison cor Sta. Monica St.

This restaurant is I think more than 20yrs old already. This branch started from Kalaw St. before, then they transfered to Roxas Boulevard St. infront of World Trade Center, then transfered again to Harrison st. cor Sta. Monica St.

Well, if you dont know where it is, I can tell you the details at the last portion of my message.


Here are the foods I love to eat:

1. all famous Savory Chicken, if they say it's big, they really serve big chicken. Today they sell it around P300+ since the prices are going up from the market, they also need to increase their prices.

they also have a budget meal, compose of 1/4 chicken, rice, and regular pepsi for only P105. their are more pack lunch that they offer.

2. Clubhouse is so great, they serve it bigger than the hotel or any restaurants that i have visited, and to think that it only cost around P75, the ingredients is so tasty, you will crave for more, well not right away but tomorrow, since you will be satisfied with that order only and will not get hungry for a couple of hours (well it took me 10 hrs before I felt hunger again).

I also brought it one time on my work, since I work in a call center, my co-workers love the smell of the aroma of the clubhouse. They took a bite and next thing you know, they also ordered for it the other day.

The serving alone can feed 2 person. If you know the "Herran Tasty Bread's size" that is the bread they are using, and they serve it as a whole, they only cut it in half just like a clubhouse. But if you look inside, you can see ham, cucumber, tomato, green vegie, slice cheeze, and burger patty (it is thicker than the burger patty of Jollibee's or Mc Donald's)

3. Buttered Chicken, I dont know but I really really love to eat this one. It's so yummy I cant get enough of it.

4. Beef Steak, they have the chnese style and the filipino style. well I prefer chinese style, this really suite my taste.

5. Sinigang Hipon, Sinigang na baboy, and Sinigang Fish are all my type of food w/ soup.

6. Calamares, it really looks odd when they serve it, they cook it in rectangular and square shapes, but it's tasty when you eat it.

7. Crispy Pata, this one is so good to eat, whenever I order it, I request it to be cook the way I like it.

8. Spicy talong, Chopsuey, and Crab meat Fuyung are the vegies that I like.

9. Vegetarian Sweet and Sour Pork is the one I prefer rather than the real pork itself.

10. Vegetarian Chicharon and Kropeck, both taste good. I love to eat in at the restaurant, since they have a nice vinegar for that.

--------------------------------

Here's some tip so that you can find the Restaurant, since the place itself is unnoticeable and you need to climb the stairs to get to the entrance of the Restaurant.

If you ride a jeepney that is going to Baclaran OWWA Harrison from manila, take note. this jeepney is passing through the front of the Savory Restaurant, jeepney drivers doesnt know that if you ask them. Just ask where is the road of OWWA. The restaurant is facing the road along OWWA.


If you ride a jeepney going to Baclaran Taft LRT, you need to go down at Gil Puyat (Buendia)cor Harrison St. Your land mark is the Metrobank (the whole building is color Orange) you wont miss it. Go down before you reach the Metrobank.

You will notice a drug store then the next building has a stair, you will think it is the entrance of the apartment building, but if you look up you can see the Restaurant's name. You really cant see it if you're not looking for it. If you really cant find it, ask the people that are just standing around the road or the sidewalk.

August 08, 2008 12:26 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Wow! Thanks so much, Anonymous for sharing with us your insight on Savory's. Much appreciated, indeed.

I will try the dishes that you had mentioned.

August 09, 2008 7:28 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Is Savory Restaurant open for franchising?

December 11, 2008 9:54 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

They’ve just opened a new branch here at SM City Lipa Batangas! Yehey!

June 05, 2009 2:32 PM  

Blogger Cryptomillions said...

i've read here in one of the messages above that the savory del monte branch is already closed. i don't think so. it was never closed. still operating until now. though the place is small, it's still in business. i just know because i'm near the place. ;) and i must say, yes their chicken is still superb!

June 21, 2009 10:49 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

walang kwenta yng savory hindi nla bnibigyan ng opportunity mkapag work ang ibang tao dahil lahat ng crew nla magkakamaganak , sana naman tumanggap kayo khit di nyo kamaganak kawawa naman yung mga ibang gustong mkapag work sa restaurant nyo.

March 26, 2010 1:55 PM  

Blogger theOriginal Savory said...

Hi Senor Enrique! Thank you for featuring theOriginal featuring theOriginal Savory Resturant on your blog. We'll be sharing this to fellow Savory lovers in our official Facebook fanpage. Add us up and follow us for news and updates!

Our Official Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/theoriginalsavory
Follow us on Twitter: @originalsavory
We're on Google+!: http://gplus.to/theoriginalsavory

July 20, 2011 9:20 PM  

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