Burger and sandwich stalls have been a JSEC on-the-go staple every year. With fresh takes on the classic chicken fillet sandwich, it’s exciting to find out how Downtown Fillet plans to change the game for this year’s lineup.

Taste

Downtown Fillet’s chicken burgers are built around a hearty thigh-cut chicken fillet that is consistently juicy with just the right amount of crunch. The fillet is packed between two buns and slathered with a secret sauce reminiscent of a thousand island dressing, but the loaded burger doesn’t quite hold and easily slips apart with every bite. Despite this somewhat messy meal, the stall’s menu still offers some interesting twists.  

The LA is the standard choice among the offerings. This burger simply mixes the fillet with a handful of carrots and cabbage. Despite the generous portions, the sandwich lacks a “wow” factor, falling a bit dry in texture and short in overall taste.

The Miami, on the other hand, is sweeter and tangier than the LA. This option replaces the mixed veggies with caramelized onions and adds a syrupy, spicy sauce to the fray. When put together, the Miami is definitely richer in taste—too rich, in fact, that its pungent smack overpowers and steals the spotlight from the all-star chicken. 

However, the Dallas is their bestseller, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a burger made better, and does right what the former options do not by finding a balance to its flavors. The sauce’s smokey and savory fusion complements the juiciness of the chicken fillet, creating a filling sandwich that will keep barbecue-heads coming back for a quick, satisfying fix. 

Aside from its burgers, Downtown Fillet offers a wide variety of American-themed finger foods, including your standard flavored fries and popcorn, as well as onion rings that are well-coated and consistently crispy. Additionally, the stall offers its chicken fillet cut into bite-sized pieces—an easy and safe choice for someone looking for a rice meal or an on-the-go snack.

Concept

It’s no secret that chicken waffle sandwiches have been an ongoing trend among JSEC stalls, but Downtown Fillet somewhat deviates from that. The ethos of the stall is reminiscent of a cool and casual nightlife vibe, as can be seen in its bright neon logo. It also tries to incorporate the fast-paced lifestyles of some of the United States’ most famous cities by naming its chicken burgers after them and bringing the party to JSEC.  

Value for Money

Downtown Fillet’s price points are easy on the wallet. Each burger, when ordered solo, is priced at Php 85. An additional side and drink brings the price of a combo to Php 110. Meanwhile, the chicken bites alone come in at Php 80, with the rice meal version at Php 110 for a solo and Php 140 for a combo. Aside from the clear affordability, these generous servings also make for a happy stomach. 

Final Verdict

Downtown Fillet has its hits and misses, but is ultimately a stall worth visiting for its  bang-for-your-buck burgers. Despite its shortcomings, the zesty fillet sets this stall apart from other sandwich or burger joints, whether the chicken comes between buns or in bites.

Rating: 3.5/5 

Editors’ Note: In the interest of fairness, Vantage writers only reviewed food that was offered by the stalls during their respective taste tests.

Photos by Alexis Wang