Eat This Now: Broasted Chicken at Manila Bay Express

Manilla Bay Express // Photo by Alexander Omorodion

Growing up in the Kansas City metro, I’ve enjoyed my fair share of dining experiences in and around the city. I can point to favorites in Raytown, Lee’s Summit, Independence, North KC, and beyond; however, Grandview remained a blind spot. Then I stumbled on Manila Bay Express.

Manila Bay Express bolsters the ranks of Filipino restaurants in the Kansas City metro. Among traditional Filipino dishes like pancit (noodle dishes) and silog (breakfast plates with fried rice and protein), the broasted chicken stands out as a unique variation of fried chicken.

Unlike the fried chicken most commonly found in the Midwest, which is traditionally prepared with batter and deep-fried, broasted chicken is cooked in a specialty pressure cooker. This results in an exceptionally crispy exterior that locks the moisture on the inside, making for extra juicy chicken. Since the chicken isn’t submerged in oil, it also leaves the chicken feeling lighter.

During my visit, I ordered the three-piece snack box with a side of fries ($9), and the broasting process truly proved its worth. Between the golden chicken, the fries served with banana ketchup (yes, it takes exactly how it sounds), and a couple of beef and shrimp lumpia, I left with a full stomach and a strong reason to return to Grandview, plus a sense of encouragement to further my culinary adventures in my own city.

Manila Bay Express is at 6305 Main St, Grandview, MO 64030.