Gostoso Piri-Piri Chicken: Spicing Up Kapitolyo

There's a new spot along Kapitolyo...and it's hot. Real hot. 

Gostoso Piri-Piri Chicken serves homestyle Portuguese cuisine served fresh off the grill with authentic piri-piri made from a family recipe handed down through several generations for that spicy kick. Portuguese piri-piri chicken, pork and shrimp, you can find it here at Gostoso Piri-Piri Chicken.

Joao Branquinho shares his own family recipes at Gostoso Piri-Piri Chicken along the bustling Kapitolyo area, now quickly emerging as a foodie destination. Starting out at the Legazpi Weekend Market with his Piri-Piri Chicken and Gambas, it wasn't long before a group of friends approached Joao about opening a Portuguese Piri-Piri restaurant... 

Opening their very first restaurant at Kapitolyo seemed the logical and right choice, due to its proximity to residences and corporate offices, as well as capitalizing on the the area's growing reputation for new flavors with numerous and innovative start-ups and restaurant concepts. And early this year, Gostoso Piri-Piri Chicken fired up their grills serving some of the best and authentic Portuguese style piri-piri for a unique flavor experience. Gostoso Piri-Piri Chicken also offers a full range of Portuguese wine and beer to pair with your dish, and a robust, full-flavored dark stout, the Super Bock Stout (P 100), was just perfect. Malty, rich with a subtle sweetness for balanced flavors, and you're ready for Gostoso Piri-Piri-Chicken's signature dishes and unique flavors.

Start your meal with Gostoso Piri-Piri Chicken's signature starters, the Coxinha (P 150), egg shaped snacks stuffed with shredded chicken, bell peppers and cream; and the Bolsas (P 150), with minced meat seasoned with a piri-piri dry rub in flaky pie pockets. Contrasting textures and the savory filling combine for comforting flavors, but the real magic begins when you add Gostoso's signature piri-piri sauce. Made from spicy chili peppers, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and red bell peppers, the piri-piri sauce adds that unique layer of soothing heat to all of Gostoso's dishes. The Coxinha and Bolsas are also great for a mid-afternoon snack with a few bottles of Super Bock. Portuguese style tapas and a few rounds of beer or wine, just can't get better than that.

A cold Super Bock Stout, flavorful Coxinha and Bolsas, and that rich and sharp piri-piri sauce...perfect. Gostoso Piri-Piri Chicken offers two variants of their piri-piri sauce, a milder yet richly flavored sauce for a gentle initiation to piri-piri, and the authentic version with all the heat (just look for the jar marked with the chili label). You can try the mild version, which delivers the same rich flavors of the chili blend without the heat, enriching the flavors of the Coxinha and Bolsas. After a few bites, and another sip of the refreshing Super Bock Stout, add just a little of the spicy piri-piri oil on your next bite. And wait. And as you'll discover, the spicy kick doesn't immediately overwhelm you, gently building up for that refreshing heat. The long curing process for the piri-piri sauces allow the flavors to blend for balanced flavors and the heat smoothly rolls in for that perfect finish. Real and authentic piri-piri based on a traditional family recipe from the Alentejo Region in the south of Portugal. But if you find the heat too hot to handle, simply take a long sip of Super Bock Stout, or the refreshing Super Bock Green with its distinct lemon flavor.

Gostoso Piri-Piri Chicken offers chicken, pork (Porco Gostoso) and shrimp (Espeto de Gambas), as well as combination platters featuring two (P 785 for Gostoso's Half and Half Platter good for 2-3) or all three of Gostoso's signature dishes. As a first timer, I go for Gostoso's All Three Platter (P 1,045 good for 3-4), with a grilled half chicken, a thick and juicy slab of pork, and two skewers of plump shrimps, served with three cups of Gostoso's Olive Rice, and three sides. For the sides, I go for the Creamed Spinach, Potato Gratin, and the Portuguese-style Chick Pea Salad. Other sides include Creamed Corn and Mac N' Cheese. The All Three Platter is great for sharing and ideal for groups, offering the full range of authentic Portuguese flavors.

Each dish at Gostoso Piri-Piri Chicken is marinated with traditional Portuguese piri-piri seasonings, grilled as you order for that unique fresh-off-grill smoky flavor blending with the rich Portuguese marinade. The piri-piri chicken is perfectly grilled, tender and juicy with a lightly crisp layer. The hefty pork slab, a choice and juicy cut of succulent pork rib slow roasted for six hours before a final char at the grill, is soft and tender, with a thin layer of fat for flavor. The fresh shrimps, richly marinated, still retains its natural sweetness, and a fresh snap with every bite. Drizzle some fresh lime, and go for it.

The rich marinade enhances the delicate flavors of the chicken, pork, and shrimps, with a layer of subtle smoky flavor, but the flavors really pick up with a generous spoonful of piri-piri sauce. Either mild or authentic and spicy, adding the piri-piri sauce gives that unique and distinct flavor experience. Add some of the piri-piri sauce on Gostoso's Olive Rice, and prepare for a flavorful ride. The rich potato gratin and creamed spinach perfectly balances the heat, while the Portuguese style chick pea salad, with its sharp vinaigrette, provide fresh and clean flavors. And you're ready for another jab with the piri-piri sauce...and another.

Chicken, pork or shrimps? Gostoso's signature piri-piri chicken is the way to go for a first-time visit. But if  you're in the mood for some serious pork, the Porco Gostoso is definitely it. For a lighter, yet flavorful option, go for the Espeto de Gambas, or Gostoso's skewered shrimps. Then again, why complicate things, just go for the All Three Platter for the full Gostoso experience. And a cold Super Bock.

Comforting and unique Portuguese flavors. It's about time for some real and authentic piri-piri chicken. And it's definitely getting hotter at Kapitolyo...

Gostoso Piri-Piri Chicken is located 51-B, East Capitol Drive, Kaitolyo, Pasig, or call 477-7330 for inquiries. You can also visit their cool Facebook Page here at https://www.facebook.com/ilovegostoso for more information and updates.

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