Epik High, the iconic Korean hip-hop trio of Tablo, DJ Tukutz, and Mithra Jin, recently treated fans to a hilarious and insightful vlog documenting their food adventures in Manila.
While in the Philippines for Waterbomb Manila 2025 this past February, the group embarked on a mission to taste-test the country’s diverse fried chicken offerings, leading to entertaining moments and honest reviews. Notably, Tablo was sporting his “I Fvcking Love Fried Chicken” shirt, a fitting attire for their fried chicken quest.
Their first stop was none other than the beloved Filipino fast-food giant, Jollibee. The group was immediately impressed by the unique blend of flavors, particularly the chicken’s crispy skin, juicy meat, and the perfect pairing with gravy and rice. The sweet, distinctly Filipino-style spaghetti also caught their attention, prompting surprised and delighted reactions. Mithra Jin even showcased his impressive deboning skills, expertly dissecting a chicken wing.
Next on their fried chicken pilgrimage was Uncle John’s, a popular convenience store chain. This stop, however, presented an unexpected challenge. Tablo, armed with his credit card, was met with the harsh reality of a “cash only” policy. “This is the biggest crisis in my life,” he exclaimed, humorously pondering borrowing money. Luckily, a kind stranger, whom they had just met that day, came to their rescue, lending them 1,000 pesos. Tablo learned a valuable lesson, humorously advising viewers, “To avoid such issues [abroad], always carry cash.”
With their chicken secured, the group faced another obstacle: a lack of seating. Undeterred, they resorted to squatting outside the store, enjoying their meal al fresco. Their outdoor dining experience was further enhanced by a brief, amusing encounter with a stray dog, whom they politely declined to share their spicy chicken with.
Their final destination was 24 Chicken, a Korean-style fried chicken joint. The familiar sight of kimchi on the menu immediately brought smiles to their faces. They ventured into new territory, trying the “Jack Daniels” flavor for the first time, and thoroughly enjoyed sampling the other varieties they ordered.
Throughout the vlog, Epik High’s genuine reactions and playful banter made for engaging viewing. At the end, they provided their honest opinions and rankings based on various criteria, offering viewers a glimpse into their discerning palates.
The vlog served as a delightful blend of cultural exploration and culinary adventure of Epik High. It’s safe to say, their Manila fried chicken experience was a mission success, filled with laughter, unexpected twists, and a newfound appreciation for the Philippines’ diverse culinary landscape.
