Jipai Taiwan Fried Chicken, the homegrown brand known for its crispy, well-marinated chicken cutlets inspired by Taiwanese street food, has officially opened its first full-service restaurant at Escario Central.
The milestone marks a big leap from its humble beginnings as a food stall in Sugbo Mercado just three years ago.
Jipai was born from the craving of Adrian Barba, a former OFW in Taiwan who, like many Filipinos working abroad, found comfort in the country’s flavorful street food. One dish in particular — the Taiwanese-style fried chicken — became a weekend favorite for Adrian and his fellow workers.
When he returned home to Cebu, that craving became a mission. With his wife Margie and daughter Marj Adrienne, the family spent months experimenting in the kitchen, determined to recreate the taste that reminded him of home away from home. In 2022, they introduced Jipai at Sugbo Mercado, and Cebuanos immediately took notice.
But the story didn’t end there.
In 2023, a family trip to Thailand sparked a bold new idea. After a Thai cooking class, they were inspired to add Pad Thai to the menu. It was an unexpected hit — and the start of something more. Jipai quickly evolved into a fusion brand, combining the best of Taiwanese and Thai street food under one roof.
By 2024, Jipai expanded to Banawa, Horizons 101, and Talamban. The fusion concept was gaining traction, but the team didn’t stop innovating. With more customers discovering the brand, they kept tweaking the flavors to balance authenticity with local tastes.
Now, at their new Escario Central branch, the Jipai experience has leveled up. The full-service restaurant offers not only their famous chicken and Pad Thai, but also Thai spring rolls, Tom Yum fried rice, and Thai milk tea — all in a cozy, relaxed dining setting.
Despite rising costs and the unpredictable nature of the food business, the Barba family has stayed grounded. They listen to customers, show up at the store, and continue to improve their offerings one feedback at a time.
Marj, who leads operations, says the goal is clear: grow with purpose, stay adaptable, and share their story through every dish.
Cebu Lifestyle Channel