Why Max's Restaurant is a Beloved Filipino Chain - Halo Halo

On the first episode of season two of Halo Halo, Francesca visits beloved Filipino chain Max's Restaurant with her family, and talks to the chef responsible for bringing its famous fried chicken from the Philippines to North America
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[@maunyc79]

I admire manong chef for his loyalty and dedication to Max's. I hope the company compensates him well. Dapat nga sa 51 years may stockholder na din sya kahit 5% lang.

[@daveharris5914]

Ahh that chef is a classic filipino tito.

[@KyleEbrada]

Y E S

[@cyprusviajante5167]

TRUEEEE... CLASSIC FILIPINO TITO FROM THE SOUTH ... The accent he has is a Muslim / Maranao decent

[@adrianmercado3092]

When I got older, I really came to appreciate the simplicity of Max's fried chicken. No breading, just good plain crispy chicken.

[@robocop581]

The critics saying the chicken is bland, Max's chicken is usually eaten with banana ketchup or Max's Hot sauce. That's how I've eaten it since I was young. I don't want any more seasoning in the chicken itself. It's like Lechon with Mang Tomas sauce or Kare Kare with bagoong.

[@robocop581]

@Eric Pratt And I've tasted Buffalo wings in the US at this famous Sports bar and it was too overwhelming to the point you can't taste the chicken. Most awful thing I've ever eaten. Too much sauce ruined it. Just plain awful.

[@CA-xz7mv]

Its what we call preference. You cant expect somebody to like your favorite food lol.

[@mrchubbles]

If you have to dip lechon in Mang Tomas then you haven't tasted good lechon.

[@robocop581]

@@mrchubbles You'll get sick of eating Lechon without sauce after a while. Na kaka sawa

[@Gilvids]

@Eric Pratt says the white guy? what you know about seasoning lmao

[@fjaajf]

When you speak the language but still read the subtitles. LOL

[@chloechristinecaparas8122]

Kaya nga eh hahaha parang ewan lang. Though I think it's our subconscious looking at it, kasi hindi natin napapansin eh 😂

[@anonimai]

He was speaking very fast. My family doesnt!

[@NJohnGA10]

I do it to check if they did a correct translation 😂

[@jqa16]

Kaka nuod nyo ng anime

[@everydaylivingcommunity]

😂😂😂

[@jairuslirazan6317]

Max serves true authentic Filipino food. I have been a witness of their savory delicious Sizzling Tofu, Kare Kare, Crispy Pata, Sinigang, and Fried Chicken. IT IS SO GOOD

[@tosht2515]

Francesca is such a great host and so glad Halo Halo is back. Love fried chicken - Southern U.S., Cajun, Nashville hot chicken, Japanese, Korean...you name it. I definitely need to try some Filipino fried chicken. 👍

[@Gilvids]

go find a jollibee

[@bronzeinabangan]

I took my non filipino friends at Max’s about ten of them. They all loved it.

[@yaps02]

Where's the Jufran and Worchestershire sauce dip?

[@rdu239]

OMG their banana ketchup, you should try it

[@fsnicolas]

Plus hot sauce! Can't eat Max's without it's sauce "trinity"!

[@marcusgoguanco6921]

I know! I was waiting for it too! Ugh that's like the best dipping sauce to ever touch a fried chicken lmao

[@HOTPLATEGAMING]

all purpose sauce

[@imperialadvisoraremheshvau3788]

Wow I thought I was the only one who mixed Jufran with Worcestershire sauce!

[@avancons1]

Max's isn't the best chicken for me but the memories made with the establishment is probably what makes it better than some restaurants

[@jahd5790]

I love that the chef speaks tagalog still. Very humble man.

[@rdu239]

Still with the true blue filipino accent

[@iamgerwin]

Wow Master Chef Cristobal should be feature in #KMJS or alike! 51 years is a no joke dedication to a company! I can't even stay at a single company for 6 months hehe!

[@TheCupons]

i was really worried that i wasn't gonna see more of this series... so glad FM is back!

[@eveasidoy2892]

Oh i love francesca, i love how she interviews people.

[@JamesHarrisIII]

I really love this series so glad they brought it back for season and thank you so much Francesca for sharing your culture with us.

[@jeongin006]

Bcoz its basic.. Just plain and simple filipino food.. Thats what makes it authentic. If you want authentic filipino food. Just go to Max's..

[@mark-angelofamularcano237]

Max's has it's charm, often brought by the customers that frequent it 😁

[@leopaulbravo7016]

I love it. Max's is always my favorite. You added a new perspective of it from the eyes of an emigrant Pinoy. Classy, with sophistication but subtle. Just like a true Pinoy....or Filipina. Thank you for sharing this.

[@wayfaringshaman]

Ang sarap nga naman talagang maging Pilipino, saan man sa mundo. Atin na ang mundo, pre.

[@alexanderdiaz3406]

THIS IS THE BEST! FINALLY SOME GOOD FILIPINO FOOD VIDEO

[@yongski195]

Food is good but not great. Price is expensive but not that expensive. Its value is really in the convenience and consistency. You don't go to Max's to be blown away by how good the food is. You go there because you want familiar food and because there's probably a Max's around 3kms away.

[@CA-xz7mv]

"Food is expensive but not that expensive" im confused

[@slaymil]

ano daw lmao

[@Will0w_0n.F0urs]

It's still better than what we have here in Sydney.We have to eat garbage Filipino food here.

[@MrJoshuayap]

Very expensive menu, they even charge you for service charge.

[@crewcutter2030]

I eat at max for the plushie

[@FightA1715]

Thank you Eater! I love this show! Great host!!!

[@hunibear2193]

I'm also Philipino and live in Las Vegas. Definitely showing this to my family to go sometime.

[@kahnt]

Yet you can't spell Filipino?

[@monisolaelliott9346]

Filipinos are amazingly talented and they have the best food!

[@petemama5448]

Different dishes and they don't always share the same ingredients.

[@10lauset]

I live in Edmonton Alberta and there's a Max's Restaurant here!! Can't wait to go there and try it. Thanks for showing me their food.

[@dradra7219]

Didn’t really like their food when I was young but now I always suggest it when my family decides to eat out 😂 I love Max 💛

[@RobzOcampoChannel]

I like that Chef, kung Filipino ka, magtagalog ka.. freedom of expression, dude!

[@allainarmamento6368]

I love Max's so much whenever I am lonely, I eat there. There was one time I was alone I ate half a chicken, one order of kare-kare and bagnet all by myself.

[@vince_c]

You big a big appetite man. Hahaha.

[@AkoToMarjon]

A true Filipino legend. Thank you po for bringing Filipino food worldwide

[@pinaiprinsesa]

I’m so happy Halo Halo is back! Can’t wait for the next ep! ❤️

[@nazeersamaan9697]

Is that the Filipino version of Samuel L.Jackson

[@reygalendez4497]

Filipino :)

[@murosama85]

you mean Maharlkan XD

[@pizzacoke5419]

Putangina

[@bonkersblock]

Nazeer Samaan yes! Yes he is! 🤣

[@kirkpatrikballares3291]

If samuel L jackson ever thinks of becoming a chef.

[@pervysage4934]

I haven't been to the Philippines in 25 years but when I was in kindergarten back in the 80s my mom would pick me up from St Joseph's and we'd go to the original Max's for lunch/dinner. I remember playing with the big koi fish at the ponds and dining al fresco. One of my happiest childhood memories. I wouldn't be surprised if the chef was working in that same kitchen back then. I cannot wait to try this again.

[@Gilvids]

i wish all these filipinos restaurant would come to the east coast. :*(

[@qwertyuiopqwertyuiop1464]

I think it's great that they opened a Max's abroad but I wish their quality in the states is the same in the Philippines. Most of the Max's I go to dont separate their light and dark meat when frying so when it's cooked for the same amount of time the dark meat tastes great but the dry meat is super dry.

[@vuvaman]

Max's fried chicken is bomb. Best paired with their unofficial sauce haha (Worcestershire Sauce mixed with banana ketchup).

[@jaz7119]

You just mix those two ?

[@MC-dk7tr]

Every Halo Halo episode that pops up, I hit the like button ‘cuz Filipina/os stand up! Max’s is delish!

[@murosama85]

omg i met that chef in Toronto when they first opened it in Canada

[@xikathvis.2099]

I agree that their fried chicken is dry specially when you take it home but i still love it maybe because i love fried chicken overall...And yes, their sizzling tofu is the best, i make it at home once in a while.

[@jinngeechia9715]

Without fail whenever I visit the Philippines for business or leisure, I will visit Max's.

[@graciejiujitsu4542]

50 years ! I respect this mans passion.

[@Xhin229]

I probably have attended 2 christening, 3 7th birthdays, 2 18th birthdays and 1 anniversary in a Max's restaurant.

[@dontpugme]

Anyone else only go to Max's for the sizzling tofu?

[@fueryvanvaerenburg]

Omg me!

[@Shinggu]

Samee

[@paulj_ph7409]

I love that.. Pero di lang un binabalikan ko...

[@Miko0219]

ME!!!

[@halowize]

I am thorn between sisig and tofu. 😅

[@alpha4776]

Makes me want to go to the nearest Max's!

[@rochinimariechua820]

This is a fun interview! More power to you

[@christianmendoza8107]

Every time I go to Philippines and I see a Max restaurant I always think about the candies lol

[@FoodandFootprints]

Great to hear the history behind Max’s and the focus on consistency

[@mmchayek]

Before my father died last 2015, He made an "eat list" and Max's Chicken and Kare kare are included in the list. :'(

[@homerangel3982]

Max's Kare Kare is the Bomb

[@MrSparkula]

This is my favorite style of fried chicken hands down.

[@obnoxiouslegofan]

I've been to Max's Restaurant several times and I enjoy their fried chicken. I recall how Max's used to serve their spring rolls in edible bowls. My guess is that the way Max's Restaurant fry their chicken is by boiling it in stock first before frying it.

[@silvercrow1692]

Love the chef a filipino that speaks filipino even though he has been in the states.

[@wilmaforbes8500]

Max’s halo-halo is the best 😋

[@raindelagons9016]

Max chicken and crispy pata what I love..🤤

[@teresamagbanua6515]

Max's is so underrated. I hope more Filipinos in North America would promote them.

[@GodConsciousness]

OMG. I grew up with Max's as well. I vividly remember the Gary V commercial where he says: Sarap to the bone!

[@emceebaqui7271]

Maz's is Max's period. Much love from New York. Cubao

[@vanwashington5126]

I live in Las Vegas and me and my asawa go there at least once a month for lunch!

[@donlee.4308]

the man the myth the legend that chef is bad ass.

[@brucelee5576]

We need one in Houston, Houstonians we love all kinds of foods.

[@czar7507]

I celebrate my wedding there 11 yrs ago in Manila with my European wife Max's restaurant ❤️❤️ it's not just a restaurant its a filipino tradition...

[@bluefur1975]

Keep representing, Francesca!

[@joshuamedian5385]

Wow sarap naman

[@papatanhueco7584]

I hope and i wish,they will open even here in Italy..😪

[@gloockheedmartin]

There’s over 140k filipinos in Chicago. Pls open one up here already :((((

[@Tloc103]

YungDaggerDick they don’t want to get robbed or shot

[@halodregs]

@@Tloc103 if they can put a Max's in Cavite City, they can probably handle Chicago.

[@gloockheedmartin]

Tloc103 bet you havent step a foot in this city. Dont be a cluck

[@jameschristophercirujano6650]

@@gloockheedmartin If they open their restaurant "filipino" style with 2 guards with shotguns and a handgun at every large restaurant's main entrance, bet those people ain't gonna try.

[@Gilvids]

put one in florida please! even if its in jacksonville they have a jollibee already there. idc if i have to drive 4 hours

[@TAHS33]

Wow amazing

[@catcastle4377]

Their chicken should always be eaten with their ketchup or partner it with their sizzling tofu! Sarap!

[@jamesmiller1501]

Hello

[@ragnarokk7384]

Sarap 🤤

[@jakenbar]

Reading so many bad reviews on San Diego Max location, I was kinda looking forward on checking this Max restaurant but I am hesitant to try it now.

[@tangjuice6818]

My grandma had her wedding reception at a max's 50 years ago.

[@clackers0709]

I'm a Filipino and I see Max's Restaurant almost everywhere but I've never been on one. Can someone come here in Philippines and treat me, I'm a good company you'll never regret it. Lol

[@brattybaby]

Heard that Max’s will open in Houston??? I’m excited!!!!! Hello fried chicken!!

[@ivotenotocensorship5247]

Please bring one to Michigan! I want food

[@jax1492]

never heard about maxes, sounds good.

[@jpvq31]

Now i can feel the Filipinoness of this resto

[@spakkabuch]

When is Max's gonna open in japan doe?

[@kalilove8153]

So exciting to see Filipino food being given it's long over due exposure and recognition!!

[@ungata101]

I love the garlic rice and Lechon Kawali

[@DensDaPens]

Do they still serve their Bicol Express in the States?? So disappointed they phased that out here in PH

[@rysachibana1486]

Max's Fried Chicken + Jufran = 🔥🔥🔥

[@AzlianaLyana]

Yes, Max's fried chicken it's delicious! you guys should try that out!

[@pinkyestudillo2161]

Yes I Love it 😍 the best best best for me the Chicken so Crispy very Natural Crispy so tasty grabe yummy i feel hungry 😃

[@LoisyAbigail]

Not everyone does like it,but I personally appreciate the simplicity of Max's fried chicken. Not all branches nail the batch every time, but when they get it right...oh man, I love it. You can just savor the flavor of the chicken and adjust according to your preferred flavor profile by using condiments.

[@billpojas7126]

Wow?! Hay buti nagtatagalog hahahaa

[@sethkang4410]

I need to google if we have max in ca. Yumm

[@minighi200]

There is a few chains in both Norcal and SoCal but it’s not that great

[@FoodandFootprints]

Family feasting! Gotta love it

[@jekciso]

Max's "The House That Dried Chicken Built"

[@JMacsAmateurKitchen]

Filipino food is the absolute BEST!!! About to dedicate a series to it!!

[@nomnom3451]

Filipino cuisine is tasty, but i can't do sweet spaghetti. I love the overall contrast of sweet and savory, but Filipino spaghetti has too much sugar. Just subbed J Mac.

[@JMacsAmateurKitchen]

Nom Nom - I hear ya! I did a video on it and had my gf try some. She said the same thing that it was too sweet for her. It’s definitely different so I understand! Oh and welcome Nom Nom!!

[@halodregs]

'Saiite

[@Deebohhh]

BEEN THERE. ITS LIT

[@ivylenzmelody5061]

Filipinos in Luzon area have Max's, we, in the Visayas and Mindanao area have Sunburst.

[@cjkings423]

I love max's in the Philippines they had the best crispy pata I have had and I tried a bunch of places. the fried chicken is also amazing and sizzling tofu. Im from vegas and i been scared to try the max's out here due to it being on our local news segment called Dirty Diners. with the price range also being high here in las vegas I rather go to places like d'pinoy joint or tinas. overall max's is awesome in the philippines but the one in las vegas has to prove that its worth the price if not its just another pinoy nostalgia money maker.

[@peppermintmocha8545]

chef is such a tito vibe

[@JeRry-hv9cc]

I can only say are WOW😋😋😋

[@chin591]

now Im hungry.. 🍗🍗🍗

[@vinzlinardobnimaga7204]

I haven't been to Max's because we always have our own party/family gatherings inside our home not in a restaurant cuz my mother and lola said that it's always better to celebrate with your family in your home

[@rojangalvez]

Their lumpia is the best (partnered with their ketchup).

[@jezzy4491]

damnn max's, ur fried chicken is soo good

[@Chooong7]

no sizzling tofu? thats my fave max's dish.

[@KyleEbrada]

Its nice that i just have to listen to him and not read the subtitles hehe

[@kpcsr415]

When it comes to Max’s, I adore the Beef Tadyang. 🐮

[@roentgen822]

That fried chicken tho!!! I’m eating my phone that I’m watching this on 🤤