Zabo Chicken is a fast growing chain of fast casual Mediterranean restaurants that specializes in their own of 18 spice roast chicken recipe. They currently have 5 branches in just a few months of operations. A rotisserie with glistening whole chickens tempt you from the outside. One of the interesting things they do is that they make everything in store and not shipped from a commissary so you know what you are getting is fresh.
The interiors are bright and airy with light wood and blue accents all throughout. Tables are not cramped and the seating is quite comfortable.
Ordering is self service with the menu all laid out easily and most of all have pictures, which really helps the undecided.
We started with a plate of Hummus (P70), served a couple of pieces of pita bread. They add a dash of paprika to the pureed chickpea to give it a slight kick and color.
The had Large Cut Fries (P75) which they make from fresh potatoes. A bit off the menu theme but everyone likes french fries.
Beef Turna Wrap (P165). Think of this as somewhat of a rice less burrito crossed with a shawarma. Slices of beef fill this creation together with tomatoes and onions, best paired with Zabo Chicken’s home made garlic aioli.
Quarter Roast Chicken with Rice (P165). The signature product that they painstakingly developed has 18 different spices including rosemary, cardamon seeds, thyme, cumin, cayenne pepper and loads of garlic. The garlic is the first flavor that will hit you while the other spices coalesce to give it a depth of flavor that elevates the run of the mill roast chicken. Half (P240 with rice) and Whole (P420/ no rice) options are also available.
Unlimited Rice (+P29 to any rice dish). In most places, unlimited rice means limitless servings of plain rice but in Zabo Chicken it means you get a choice of 6 different ones. You can alternate between Steamed Rice, Garlic Rice, Brown Rice, Zabo Rice, Spicy Zabo Rice and Carrot Rice.
We also paired our chicken with some side dishes, Falafel (P75), Herbed Mashed Potato (P75) and Roasted Corn (P50). I think this was the my first encounter with a falafel and I had no idea what to expect, it tasted a bit on the weird side for me, must be an acquired taste since lots of people like it. The mashed potatoes were adequate but it was the roasted corn that was the clear winner, it’s singed parts imparting a smoky sweet flavor.
Chicken Rice Bowl (P99). A quick and affordable meal option, strips of their roast chicken on top of rice of your choice. For a different flavor profile, get the Chicken Turna Rice Bowl (P99).
For dessert we sampled their Soft Serve Ice Cream (P29/small, P39/large). They had vanilla mint and chocolate and a mix of both. Irene and I both preferred the vanilla mint with its cool, refreshing taste.
Zabo Chicken gives the common roast chicken their own Mediterranean spin. The place is cheery and serves food that is way better than the usual fast food while the prices are still very reasonable.
Zabo Chicken
G/F SM Jazz Mall Jupiter cor. N. Roxas St. Makati City Contact No.: (632) 553-5239 Other Branches: SM City BF, SM City North Edsa, Glorietta 4, Ayala Fairview TerracesLike this post? Subscribe to Tales From The Tummy by Email
Sir, just to update you. Zabo Chicken in SM Jazz is now closed. We went there last week and the guard said that it closed down last October 27. Was wondering why it closed its branch in SM Jazz since we thought it was doing well. Do you have any ideas if the other branches are still open?
Really, thanks for the info. I think it would be best to check their FB page for details.
SM BF branch is also closed and Facebook page has been deleted. I wonder what happened.
also saw a shuttered branch in Glorietta. I’m really curious to find out the reason why the closed all of a sudden.