The only Portuguese dish that I really go gaga over is Bacalhau. I love all the elements of this dish – salty, savory, sour with a hint of spice. Apart from that, I am kind of lost when it comes to Portuguese cuisine. But just recently, I was pleasantly re-introduced to Portuguese cooking by way of Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken.
Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken is a fairly new restaurant in Brgy. Kapitolyo that can definitely hold its own and go toe-to-toe with other food establishments in the area.
Parking may be a tad limited but some can easily park along the street as most customers who frequent Brgy. Kapitolyo do as well. Apart from that, Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken will soon be expanding their parking area to the open lot right beside them in order to accommodate more vehicles.
This cozy food spot specializes in (obviously) Piri Piri Chicken among other dishes. This establishment may be quite young in the restaurant scene, but Joao Branquinho (one of the partners) has been doing Piri Piri Chicken and Gambas since 2010, regularly participating in bazaars and Legazpi Market in Makati. For those who frequent Legazpi Market, you may have already tasted Joao’s chicken and shrimps!
It’s very generous of Joao who happens to be Portuguese to share some of his wonderful heirloom recipes for us Filipinos to enjoy and partake of.
Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken’s interiors are screaming with red and brown hues with amusingly large chili ornaments hanging on the ceiling which will remind you of how the Portuguese love their spicy food.
In fact, one side of the wall has an attention-grabbing mural which tells of how the Portuguese searched for exciting ingredients until finally getting their hands on the elusive Piri Piri (“chili” in lay man’s terms).
Since Gostoso means yummy and Piri Piri means chili, a poster pasted on the beam near the counter will guide you on how to mix your sauces properly to give you a “deliciously HOT” mixture which will fully bring out the goodness of their Piri Piri Chicken.
These 2 sauces are placed on every table at Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken. Experiment with it and see what works for you.
Bellpepper with Olive Oil
Red Siling Labuyo and Green Finger Chili in Olive Oil
Red peppers and chilies combined really make for a more interesting flavor.
Since we were there for lunch, Joao, who was there during our visit, served us a carafe of Sangria.
The Sangrias at Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken are prepared on the spot. It has a nice balance of sweetness and tartness from the orange juice and fresh fruits plus a good amount of fizz from Sprite with just the right amount of red wine… Easy and enjoyable! If you love Sangria, make sure to order this as it goes very well with the Gostoso Platter.
TRIVIA: Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken makes their own Red Wine.
Our delicious Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken meal
For starters, we had Coxinha and Bolsa.
Coxinha (Php150.00)
Chicken Croquettas filled with chicken shreds, bell peppers and cream filling formed into balls and fried to perfection. Tasty and filling.
Bolsa (Php150.00)
Empanada filled with minced meat in flaky pie pockets.
Gostoso Platter (Php1,045.00)
Half Chicken, 2 Shrimp Skewers, Slab of Pork, 3 cups of Olive Rice and 3 sides.
Tender and flavorful chicken inside and out with herbs and other amazing rubs blended into the meat.
The slab of pork has been slow-cooked for 4 hours making the meat deliciously fall off the bone. Both the chicken and pork has a nice smoky taste.
The shrimps, on the other hand, were grilled beautifully and a tad underseasoned but with good reason… this is where Joao’s Piri Piri sauce comes into play. I combined both sauces to create that delectable appetizing heat to compliment the shrimp. Perfect! Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken nailed this platter hands down!
The Olive Rice using Jasmine rice, olives, onions and EVOO compliments the flavors of the Gostoso Platter.
You must also try their different sides (Php70.00/side): Creamed Corn, Creamed Spinach and Chickpea Salad
Every side dish at Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken has its own character and fantastically distinct taste. My husband loved the creamed corn while I enjoyed eating the chickpea salad. It was something new that actually grew on me as I continued eating it.
After eating all that savory goodness, get a Creamwich (Php95.00).
Vanilla or Chocolate ice cream sandwiched in-between two wafers. A simple yet heavenly dessert for a sweet ending to a superb meal.
Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken is a fine establishment that offers delectable Portuguese food that is sure to please friends and family. I came in hungry and was totally not disappointed afterwards.
Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken is most definitely another new restaurant discovery that I will keep coming back to.
Contact Details
51B East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City
T: 477 7330 or 2121212 for Quick Delivery
E: [email protected]
Facebook: facebook.com/ilovegostoso
Twitter and Instagram: @gostosopiripiri
Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken is also set to open at the UP Town Center in July 2014