Pollo Inka Express

Put the Inka on the frying line

Pollo Inka Express is the new tenant of the space that was long occupied by Alberto's Mexican Food. Being accustomed to the ripped upholstery, older than dirt arcade machine & the less than clean windows, I was shocked to see the bright & shiny interior of Pollo Inka Express. Having completed a recent shopping trip to the 99 Cent Only Store across the street, I was game to give Pollo Inka Express a try.

I knew I had to order the pollo a la brasa & the saltado

1/2 pollo a la brasa (2 sides w/ cilantro soup)- Breast, leg, thigh & wing with my sides being cilantro rice & steamed veggies. The main event? That cilantro rice! Perfectly seasoned with just enough of a kick to please those that prefer spicy food, while not alienating those that like things mild. The chicken was good & tender, but I'd remiss if I didn't say I prefer El Pollo Loco. The steamed veggies, consisting of cauliflower, broccoli, corn, peas & carrots were satisfactory. The cilantro soup, while good, wasn't served piping hot. It was a tad hotter than lukewarm. Bits of chunky chicken, rice and other ingredients were pleasing to the palate, but I would've been more satisfied had the soup been the correct temperature. The 1/2 pollo a la brasa proved quite a hefty meal.

Saltado de pollo (w/ white rice & cilantro soup)- Carb city, baby! Forget feeling hungry after a go with stir-fried French fries & rice. Oh, and let's not forget about the thick cuts of chicken interspersed therein. I found the fried chicken much more flavorful then the rotisserie. Next time, I'm going lomo saltado for the win

Before you dig in, don't forget the aji (green hot sauce). Put that beezy on everything! It's that good!

In addition to pollo a la brasa & the saltados, Pollo Inka Express' menu offers chaufas (fried rice), vainitas (stir fried green beans), tallarines saltados (spaghetti stir fry), salad, sandwiches & salchipapas (fries & hot dogs with ketchup, homemade tartar sauce & spicy mustard).

Service was good. The cashier taking my order was friendly & quick with recommendations. Wait time was reasonable, considering how busy the restaurant was, which also has a drive-thru. Ample seating, made up of booths and tables.

Parking is in a private lot, which used to be anchored by Walmart Neighborhood Market.

I thinka I wanna Inka! Pollo Inka Express will be a busy new eatery in Hawaiian Gardens. The food's great, the prices reasonable & the venue is a lot more welcoming than the predecessor . I know my next visit will have me vanquishing an order of lomo saltado &, perhaps, their chaufas de pollo.

Highly recommend! NOMNOMNOMNOMNOMNOMNOMNOMNOMNOM