BBQ stand rechristened as Vi-Lyn’s BBQ

A barbecue stand known for its distinct sweet and tangy marinade of a Filipino classic has changed its name.

Owner Reynaldo P. Joson Jr. said they recently rechristened Lyn’s BBQ across Martha’s Store in Garapan to Vi-Lyn’s BBQ to finally correct an oversight that happened five years ago when he took over the business.

“Actually the name in our business license is Vi-Lyn’s. The former owner created a signboard that only said ‘Lyn’s’ BBQ because it’s easy to say and memorize,” he told Saipan Tribune.

The new name of the barbecue stand also helps distinguish Vi-Lyn’s BBQ from Lyn’s BBQ in Susupe.

Joson said if he remembers right he was told the owner of the Susupe barbecue stand and its counterpart in Garapan are related, which explains the use of the same name.

Regardless of the name, Vi-Lyn’s BBQ has long been a favorite of residents of Garapan and its surrounding villages who are always looking for a quick snack or even sometimes a viand to pair with rice for lunch or dinner.

“So far so good and we’re always thankful for the patronage and the business as well,” said Joson.

What distinguishes Vi-Lyn’s BBQ apart from other barbecue stands on Saipan is its marinade.

Joson said their marinade is a well-kept secret and it also helps that their cooks literally douse the meat with the sweet and tangy sauce even after perfectly grilling them.

“Our marinade is made with a lot of heart and of course people who work with us are always happy.”

Aside from the usual pork and chicken barbecue skewers, Vi-Lyn’s BBQ has also become famous for its isaw or beef intestine and lumpiang shanghai (Filipino spring rolls).

Other items on Vi-Lyn’s BBQ’s takeout-only menu are pork ears, chicken feet, hotdog, corn on the cob, hot sausage, tilapia, reef fish, squid, fried chicken, spicy chicken wings, vegetable lumpia, kwek-kwek, tempura, and regular and flavored French fries.

It also offers cold drinks like lemonade and pearl shake.

At $1 a stick of pork or chicken barbecue, Vi-Lyn’s BBQ and other barbecue stalls on island offer island residents a way to maximize their budget, especially during these hard economic times.

“People nowadays instead of cooking, they just buy food from us because they’re either too busy to cook or it’s affordable to buy barbecue,” said Joson.

Vi-Lyn’s BBQ is open Monday-Sunday from 9am to 9pm. To place your orders, call 233-38-39 or 285-7365.