In Portugal, you’ll see a lot of roadside restaurants that is little more than a shack, with butterflied chicken or poussins smoked on huge braziers, full of Portuguese families shouting for more piri piri sauce. Whether it is piri-piri or peri-peri, that chili originally found in Portugal and Africa and used primarily in the marinade, I know that I’m pretty pretty (see what I did there) in love with these smoky, spicy and slightly sweet grilled chicken.
Frango is the Portuguese word for chicken. One Saturday lunch, we trooped to Frangos in Makati as I’ve been hearing quite a stir about the new restaurant among my foodie friends. Taking influences from the authentic Portuguese recipes while fusing it with what will get the Filipino palate approval, these chix are marinated for at least 24 hours before hitting the grill.
On the Table
Roasted Pumpkin Hummus Php 95
Chickpea mixed with roasted pumpkin and dusted with paprika served with bread. This was a good starter, simple flavors yet beaming.
Crab Croquetas Php 170
I love crab croquetas and theirs were simply delicious. One serving has three croquetas. I wish I didn’t have to half the dish.
Beef Trinchado Php 260
US Beef Rib Finger cooked similar to salpicao-style with garlic and baby potatoes.
–
Frangos Rice Php 45
Yellow rice cooked in chicken broth, turmeric and butter. My lunch buddy was happy with Frangos Rice while I enjoy a less starchy alternative, which is the couscous salad.
Couscous Salad Php 80
Piri Piri Half Chicken Php 285
Frangos Piri Piri chicken is available in quarter, half and whole sizes. I was about to order a side of mango salsa but the wait staff mentioned there’s one that comes with the order.
The chicken was grilled tender and juicy. You can taste the basic marinade of oil, cayenne, salt, pepper and that minced chile but I think they tamed it down to make it less spicy for the Filipino taste. There’s a good breath of smokiness on the chicken although I was really looking for that spicy peppery kick to follow.
I doused the chicken meat in a mix of the three sauces they served it with – Chili Garlic Sauce which contained the heat, buttery and sweet Tomato Piri Piri, and balanced by the Green Harissa with wansoy and parsley. We finished everything we ordered.
Sea Salt Caramel Ice Cream Php 120
To cap off the meal, he had the Merry Moo sea salt caramel ice cream for dessert.
The place was super packed for lunch last Saturday. You’d be happy to note that there’s ample parking space in front of the restaurant.
Frangos
9595 Buma Bldg., Kamagong Street,
Brgy. San Antonio, Makati City
(63) 917 800 7777
Operation Hours:
1130am to 230pm / 6pm to 1030pm
—
The post Frangos Piri Piri Chicken in Makati appeared first on Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle.