My experience before this one at Max’s did not go well. It was at their Al Rigga branch where I was served what I then described as, “the worst fried chicken I have had in my life”. I vowed never to go back. Yet here I am writing another review about Max’s, this time about their similarly well appointed Mankhool branch (besides Spinney’s). And you know what? I realise now that the “scrawny, dried out half chicken” I had then was not nearly representative of what this idolised Filipino franchise is all about. Believe me, there’s a lot more to it than fried chicken.
A more private section 
On the way out 
A view from the street 
Interior
My faithful food buddy Soheil and I found ourselves an isolated table in back, pulled out our Entertainer vouchers and went for a scroll down their menu.
Fried Chicken 
Sauce for the Fried Chicken 
Does that look appealing to you?
I just had to try their fried chicken again to see how off last time was. It wasn’t. Their fried chicken sucks. Basically, it’s over cooked. But Filipinos seem to like it that way so the best thing for gringos like me (and Soheil) is to focus on all the other yummies such as my favourite, Bulalô. We also ordered their delicious peanutty Kare Kare, and an equally good, tart and tangy Chicken and Beef Adobo (the combination of which I had never tried before).
Chicken and Beef Adobo 
Bulalô 
Kare Kare
As a filler we ordered what is known as unlimited Garlic Rice which, in addition to tasting good, can (I presume) be re-ordered forever. I regret not ordering any Pancit (noodles) as I love both Pancit Bihon and Canton. We ended our meal with their scrumptious dessert platter which is really a taster platter of their desserts. Everything minus the chicken was really, really, really good.
Garlic rice 
Dessert rice
Throughout our meal we were looked after by a tag team, Meliza and Rene, who were nothing less than amazing. Meliza in particular was very friendly and hospitable and patient. She helped us order our meal and stopped us from over ordering – I hate wasting food. Both she and Rene would look in on us every couple of minutes, first probably to see how we were actually eating all that food but also to see if we needed anything.
There are a lot of Filipino restaurants in Bur Dubai and I have been to a couple of them. I take back everything negative I said about Max’s, post my scrawny chicken experience. I now love this place. The food, ambiance and service are brilliant, and I think it’s well worth a detour – just stay away from their fried chicken.
#1 Blogger on Zomato Dubai in 2018 and 2019 and counting…
Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on xerxes@dellara.com.