Maybe it’s not as famous as bacalhau, but piri-piri chicken is one of the most loved meals in Portugal. When I was a kid, I used to go every Sunday with my grandfather to eat grilled chicken at a local restaurant. Even today, if you visit a summer festival in any village, you’ll always find chicken on the grill.
We eat it with fries, rice, and salad. And if you don’t like spicy food you can always ask for it without the sauce.
The Story of Piri-Piri
The chili pepper used in the sauce was first brought by the Portuguese from South America to Africa during the Age of Exploration.
In Mozambique and Angola, these peppers were turned into a spicy sauce that became part of local cooking. When Portuguese people came back from Africa, they brought this flavour with them. That’s how grilled chicken with piri-piri became a classic dish in Portugal.
(Today, almost every Portuguese restaurant and home has its own version of piri-piri sauce.)
Where to Eat in Lisbon
In my Lisbon Travel Guide, I share my favourite places to eat piri-piri chicken. But here’s a personal tip:
If you're in the Arroios neighbourhood, visit a small restaurant called Quionga. It’s not in tourist guides, but it’s where I like to go for good chicken. And don’t leave without trying their Pudim Toucinho do Céu (my favourite dessert).
0 comments