Irene Eats: Nick's Kitchen
Trying the chicken adobo budgie meal from Nick's Kitchen!
In my latest adventure of trying different Budgie Eats meals around campus, I found Nick’s Kitchen tucked away in the corner of the quad. This spot focuses on Filipino food, and I was delighted to see that they offered not just one, but three different options for Budgie Eats!
Between the tofu adobo, chicken adobo, and the pork lumpia, I chose chicken adobo (although I’ll have to go back for the lumpia), and received a hot plate in less than five minutes. Having not tried Filipino food before, I was excited to explore the new flavours awaiting.
The chicken was placed on a bed of brown rice, and topped with teriyaki sauce, mayonnaise, green garlic, and crispy fried shallots. The seasoned chicken had a unique flavour which I’ve never had before, and it added to the savoury explosion that defines this meal. In every bite, you got the perfect balance and combination of ingredients, and the teriyaki sauce gave a slight, sweet kick that really elevated the flavour profile. I also loved the addition of the green garlic and fried shallots, as they gave a fun, variety of texture to the otherwise smooth dish.
Something that really stuck out to me about the chicken adobo was the inclusion of the different food types. The inclusion of brown rice contributes a nutrient-dense element to the meal, most importantly offering fiber (which we all need because colorectal cancer rates are going up yikes). Combined with the protein from the chicken (or tofu as an alternative), and the garnish of the green garlic and shallot, Nick’s Kitchen provides a well-balanced meal perfect for any student.
The Budgie Eats initiative provides students and staff with access to a range of affordable lunch options on campus. Participating retailers serve these meals throughout the day, each priced at under $10.
