(SPOT.ph) There's a lot of ways to cook chicken—but chicken inasal, which is identified with the Western Visayas region, is probably one of the most celebrated ones in this country. It should not be confused with barbecue or grilled chicken, which uses soy sauce as the main component of its marinade. Chicken inasal is marinated in a concoction that includes ginger, vinegar, calamansi, lemongrass, and a dash of brown sugar. While it's being grilled, it's basted with a sauce that's a mix of atsuete oil, salt, and pepper. It's traditionally eaten with chicken oil and a dipping sauce that's a mix of soy sauce and calamansi.

Over the years, some establishments have put their own spin on chicken inasal—adding a secret ingredient or two (or more) in an attempt to be a cut above the rest.

Though purists say authentic chicken inasal could only be found in the region it originated from, that doesn't necessarily mean foodies of Metro Manila can't get a taste of the real thing (or something very close to it). Here are our favorites in town:

Tasty chicken inasal in the metro. Click for more.

Graphics by Warren Espejo. Photos by Erwin Dwight Valencia, Lorie Victoria, and SPOT.ph staff.