This Jollijeep Serves a Surprisingly Good Chicken Biryani For Only P180

(SPOT.ph) Jollijeeps—those stationary silver food trucks tucked into corners of the Makati CBD—have long since become part of the city's DNA. These trucks draw in workers from across industries, perhaps united by the same need: an affordable and satisfying meal you can eat during office days. It’s the middle ground between dining in a restaurant and finding the energy to prep lunch at home.

Jollijeeps across Makati may look alike, but they don't have the same menu—regulars know some trucks have that one speciality. And within Bel-Air, a certain truck's signature happens to be an affordable one-pot Chicken Biryani, the kind that’s often nearly sold out waaay before lunchtime.

Parked along Valero Access Road 4, directly across from the Multinational Banco Corporation Center, is Jollijeep #059—a silver food truck known for serving a lineup of Filipino ulam and merienda. But among the usual offerings, one dish has earned something of a cult following: chicken biryani, scooped out from a massive metal kaldero positioned at the front left corner of the shop.

If you're dining in, this Jollijeep's Chicken Biryani (P180) is served on a shiny silver paper plate. It starts with a generous bed of fragrant biryani rice—long-grain, lightly spiced, and softer than usual—topped with a juicy piece of chicken that's been marinated well enough for the flavors to reach beneath the skin, and is even better with the squeeze of lemon. The meat is tender enough that it doesn't break the plastic spoon and fork when trying to separate the meat from the bones.

On the side are the accompaniments: half a hard-boiled egg, slices of cucumber and tomato, and crunchy garlic bits scattered over the biryani. These touches turn what could have been just a simple rice meal into something closer to the biryani plates served in casual eateries and restaurants.

Of course, you can always have it packed to go, especially if your office is just a short walk away. But ordering it "for here" comes with its own distinct experience. Much like any Jollijeeps out there, #059 isn't exactly built for lingering and savoring—there are no chairs, only a fold-down counter where you're standing, shoulder to shoulder with other customers.

We would argue that's part of the appeal, especially for those who don't frequent Jollijeeps. Eating the biryani beside the truck, paired with a glass bottle of Mountain Dew (or whatever your preferred drink is), feels like participating in a small Makati ritual.

Just in case you're wondering, part of the reason it sells out so quickly is its limited schedule. This Jollijeep's biryani is only served on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, turning what should be a simple lunch into a race. Office workers will need a reason to slip out of the office before the official lunch break just to secure a serving, because arriving at 12 noon onwards just lessens the likelihood that there's still biryani and chicken left in the pot.

Still, the question remains: is it worth going out of your way?

The function of Jollijeeps such as this is that it serves the workers nearby—the ones within a "walking distance" radius from where the jeep is parked—and those lucky ones who happen to be passing by when the dish is available. Otherwise, you'll have to go out of your way for a plate, which, yes, is still worth the trip. Just make sure you're there early, before the rest of Metro gets the same idea.

This Jollijeep is parked along Valero Access Road 4, Makati City. The Chicken Biryani is only served on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (or until supplies last).