Where to Try Chicken Inasal Near 3D ACADEMY: A Guide for Students in Cebu (2025 Edition)

Where to Try Chicken Inasal Near 3D ACADEMY: A Guide for Students in Cebu (2025 Edition)

If you’re studying English at 3D ACADEMY and craving an authentic Filipino food experience, look no further than chicken inasal—a mouthwatering grilled chicken dish marinated in calamansi, garlic, vinegar, and annatto oil.

Known for its smoky flavor and juicy meat, chicken inasal is a staple of Filipino comfort food. Luckily, the area around JY Square Mall in Lahug (where 3D ACADEMY is located) is home to several local eateries and hole-in-the-wall joints where you can enjoy this dish without spending much.

In this article, we’ll introduce the best places to try chicken inasal near campus—including hidden gems within walking distance and one national chain (Mang Inasal) that delivers right to your dorm via Foodpanda.

Whether you’re dining out after class or ordering in for a cozy dinner, chicken inasal is the perfect way to enjoy the taste of the Philippines—juicy, smoky, and always satisfying.

About Chicken Inasal: A Grilled Icon of the Visayas

Chicken Inasal is not just grilled chicken—it’s a cultural symbol of the Visayas region, particularly Bacolod City in Negros Occidental, where the dish originated. The word “inasal” is derived from the Spanish word “asar,” meaning “to roast” or “to grill.” But in the Philippines, inasal has evolved into a uniquely Filipino-style of grilling that emphasizes flavor, tradition, and local ingredients.

A Flavor Born from Local Ingredients

Unlike typical barbecue chicken, Chicken Inasal is not sweet or saucy. Instead, it’s tangy, aromatic, and savory, thanks to a bold marinade made from:

• Vinegar – adds acidity and helps tenderize the meat

• Calamansi – a native citrus that adds brightness

• Garlic & Lemongrass – for fragrance and depth

• Annatto Oil (Atsuete) – gives the chicken its signature golden-orange hue

• Salt & Pepper – basic but essential for balance

The marinated chicken is then grilled over hot charcoal, basted continuously with annatto oil and occasionally brushed with margarine, giving it a mouthwatering, charred exterior and smoky finish.

️ The Traditional Inasal Meal

A typical Chicken Inasal meal includes:

• Steamed rice or garlic rice

• Chicken oil (annatto oil) poured over rice

• Sawsawan (dipping sauce) made from vinegar, soy sauce, calamansi, and chili

• Optional: Atchara (sweet pickled green papaya) to cleanse the palate

Inasal is often eaten kamayan-style (with bare hands), especially at roadside eateries or family gatherings.

From Bacolod Streets to Nationwide Fame

Chicken Inasal’s popularity spread throughout the Philippines in the 2000s, largely thanks to the rise of Mang Inasal, a national fast-food chain that made inasal more accessible to the masses. Despite its mainstream success, many Filipinos still swear by local, hole-in-the-wall eateries for that “authentic” grilled flavor that reminds them of home.

Today, Chicken Inasal is not just a meal—it’s comfort food, a symbol of Visayan pride, and a gateway to Filipino culture for locals and foreigners alike.

Where to Eat Chicken Inasal Near 3D ACADEMY (2025 Edition)

The Best Spots for Cebu’s Favorite Grilled Chicken – From Restaurants to Street Stalls

Introduction

Chicken Inasal isn’t just food—it’s part of Filipino culture. If you’re studying at 3D ACADEMY in Lahug, Cebu, you’re in luck: some of the best grilled chicken can be found just a few steps from your dorm. From sit-down restaurants to smoky sidewalk grills, here’s where to satisfy your Chicken Inasal cravings near JY Square.

1. Local Inasal Stalls Around JY Square Mall (Unnamed Vendors)

While there are no Mang Inasal or Kusina ni Nasing branches directly in Lahug, the streets surrounding JY Square Mall (Salinas Drive, Wilson Street, and adjacent side roads) are home to authentic street-style Chicken Inasal vendors.

These stalls typically operate in the afternoon to evening and offer:

• Freshly grilled Chicken Inasal on charcoal

• Generous servings of rice with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili

• Iced tea or soda for just ₱15–₱25

• Prices starting at ₱100 for a full meal

Most are take-out focused, with limited plastic seating or “dine-al-fresco” setups on the sidewalk. These places are loved by students, jeepney drivers, and locals for being cheap, tasty, and filling.

Tip: Follow the aroma of grilled chicken after 4 PM around JY Square—you’ll find them easily!

️ 2. Mang Inasal (Delivery Option via Foodpanda/GrabFood)

While there’s no dine-in Mang Inasal within walking distance of 3D ACADEMY, students can still enjoy its famous grilled chicken and unlimited rice via delivery apps like Foodpanda or GrabFood.

The nearest Mang Inasal branches for delivery include:

• Mango Avenue (Robinsons Fuente)

• Ayala Center Cebu

• Gaisano Country Mall

You can order:

• Chicken Inasal meal with rice and soup

• Pork BBQ or Bangus

• Halo-halo and sides

Perfect for nights when you want a comfort meal without leaving your dorm room.

✅ Summary

Whether you’re enjoying the smoky streetside flavor or opting for the consistency of a chain restaurant via delivery, Chicken Inasal around 3D ACADEMY offers a truly satisfying Cebuano experience.

Why Every 3D Student Should Try Mang Inasal in Cebu

3. Ayer’s Lechon & Inasal – Affordable Quality at SM City Cebu

Though best known for its lechon, Ayer’s also offers a surprisingly delicious Chicken Inasal that stands up to the big-name brands. Located inside SM City Cebu, it’s a convenient option if you’re heading to the mall for shopping, errands, or movie night.

Why Try It:

• Their Chicken Inasal is juicy, well-marinated, and grilled to a perfect smokiness.

• Comes with unlimited rice options and sinigang soup (depending on set).

• Quick service, perfect for lunch or casual dinner.

• Clean food court setup, budget-friendly pricing.

Recommended Combo:

• Chicken Inasal Set + Iced Tea = around ₱150

• Add spicy vinegar and chili garlic oil for Cebuano-style flavor

️ Access: ~15 mins by Grab from 3D ACADEMY
SM City Cebu, North Reclamation Area

4. Bacolod Chicken House (Sugbo Mercado, IT Park) – Authentic Bacolod-Style Inasal in a Vibrant Night Market Setting

If you’re craving the original Bacolod-style Chicken Inasal but want to enjoy it in a lively, modern atmosphere, Bacolod Chicken House at Sugbo Mercado in IT Park is the perfect spot. This popular food stall offers the same rich flavors and traditions of the original Bacolod-based eatery—right in the heart of Cebu’s tech and lifestyle district.

⭐ Why It Stands Out:

• Uses authentic Bacolod ingredients like calamansi, sinamak (spiced vinegar), garlic, lemongrass, and annatto oil

• Offers cuts like Paa (leg), Pecho (breast), and Isol (tail) grilled over charcoal

• Set within Sugbo Mercado, a vibrant outdoor food market that draws both locals and international visitors

• Casual seating and an energetic vibe perfect for students and foodies

Bonus:

You can pair your Chicken Inasal with sides like garlic rice, pickled papaya (atchara), or refreshing fruit shakes from nearby stalls.

️ Access:

• ~3–5 mins from 3D ACADEMY by Grab or taxi

• Located in Sugbo Mercado, Garden Bloc, IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City

• Open Wednesday to Sunday, 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Pro Tip:

Go early in the evening to beat the crowd and grab a seat. And don’t miss trying their Isol (chicken tail) dipped in spicy sinamak vinegar—it’s a flavorful, crispy delicacy that locals love!

5. Penong’s Barbecue Seafood & Grill (General Maxilom Ave.) – Unlimited Rice & Fun Vibes

Penong’s is a Visayas-Mindanao-based restaurant chain that has made its mark in Cebu with flavorful barbecue, including a popular Chicken Inasal meal.

What You’ll Love:

• Flame-grilled Chicken Inasal served with their signature unli-rice option.

• Casual open-air seating, great for group dinners or late-night cravings.

• Affordable and generous portions, with dipping sauces served in traditional clay pots.

Other Menu Highlights:

• Pork BBQ, grilled tuna belly, and kinilaw (Filipino-style ceviche)

• Iced gulaman and sago for drinks

️ Access: ~10–12 mins from 3D ACADEMY
Gen. Maxilom Avenue (Mango Ave), near Robinsons Fuente

Fun Fact: “Penong’s #1!” is their signature shout when serving unlimited rice.

✅ Bonus Tip: Delivery Apps Make It Easy

If you don’t feel like heading out, all of these restaurants—Ayer’s, Bacolod Chicken House, and Penong’s—can be accessed via GrabFood or Foodpanda, depending on your location and delivery radius.

How to Eat Chicken Inasal Like a Local in Cebu

Chicken Inasal is more than just grilled chicken—it’s a cultural experience! In the Philippines, especially in the Visayas region where it originated, locals have their own unique (and delicious) way of enjoying this flavorful dish.

Here’s how to eat Chicken Inasal like a true Cebuano:

1. Start with the Condiments (Sauce Mixing Ritual)

Every Chicken Inasal experience begins by creating your dipping sauce. You’ll usually find:

• Sukang Pula (spiced cane vinegar)

• Calamansi (Filipino lime)

• Soy sauce

• Chili peppers

Local tip: Mix these in your own style! A classic combo is vinegar + soy sauce + calamansi + chili. Adjust the heat to your liking.

2. Pour Chicken Oil Over Your Rice

Most Inasal places offer a small container of orange chicken oil made with annatto (achuete) and chicken drippings.

This oil is golden flavor magic—pour it over your steamed or garlic rice for a richer, more indulgent meal.

3. Skip the Fork—Use Your Hands!

Yes, eating with your hands (kamayan) is not only acceptable, it’s encouraged. Many locals say it makes the food taste better.

Wash your hands before and after eating. Some restaurants provide finger bowls or have a nearby sink.

4. Add Side Dishes

Common side dishes include:

• Atchara – pickled green papaya to cut through the fat

• Ensaladang Talong – grilled eggplant salad with tomatoes and onions

• Soup – some restaurants include a light sinigang-style broth with your meal

5. Enjoy Every Bite—Bones Included!

Chicken Inasal is often served bone-in, so take your time savoring each part. Locals are experts at getting the most out of every bite—including cartilage and crispy skin!

Don’t be shy—tear into the meat, dip it into your sauce, scoop up the rice with your fingers, and enjoy the flavor fusion in every bite.

Pro Tip:

If you want the full experience, order Paa (chicken leg) or Pecho (breast) and pair it with unlimited rice. Most locals will eat at least 2–3 servings of rice during one meal—no judgment here!

✅ Final Thoughts: Why You Shouldn’t Miss Chicken Inasal in Cebu

Chicken Inasal is more than just a meal—it’s a flavorful introduction to Filipino culture. Whether you’re a student studying at 3D ACADEMY, a digital nomad exploring Cebu, or a traveler looking for an authentic local food experience, trying Chicken Inasal is a must-do.

From roadside grills around JY Square to well-known restaurant chains and food delivery via Foodpanda, there are countless ways to enjoy this iconic dish. The perfect blend of smoky char, tangy marinade, and savory chicken oil makes every bite satisfying—especially when paired with garlic rice, dipping sauces, and eaten with your bare hands like a true local.

Even better, Chicken Inasal is affordable, widely available, and comforting at any time of day.

So the next time you’re in Cebu, skip the fast food—and go for something that’s truly Filipino. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you.