If you’ve ever visited the Algarve, you might have noticed that there is a bit of a culinary obsession that borders on the fanatical: chicken piri piri. It’s not just a dish; it’s practically a way of life! Since moving here, we have joined in with this obsession and now search for the ultimate piri piri restaurant – we can tell you it is a very enjoyable hunt! For those who have never tried it, the beauty of piri piri lies in its simplicity. The juicy grilled chicken is marinated in a spicy blend of chilli, garlic, and sometimes even a touch of lemon, all perfectly charred to crispy perfection.
It's the Algarve’s equivalent of comfort food, except it’s so good that it often leads to debates over who makes the best version! Many restaurants in the Algarve that specialise in the dish do not even offer you a menu – instead the questions are just whether you want it spicy, and if you want salad as well as chips! There is nothing better than walking into a restaurant, with the smell of spicy grilled chicken wafting through the air like a siren call!
Legend has it that once you try piri piri in the Algarve, you might just be tempted to sign a lifelong contract! There are stories of visitors who arrived on a two-week holiday, and by the end of the trip, they’d mastered the art of asking for "extra spicy" in Portuguese and were contemplating a relocation just to be closer to their beloved piri piri chicken. They say love is blind, but in this case, it might also be a little spicy!
So, if you ever find yourself in the Algarve, brace yourself for the inevitable love affair with chicken piri piri. Just remember to keep a glass of cold beer or wine handy to cool your taste buds and maybe pack an extra pair of stretchy pants. After all, when you’re in piri piri paradise, every meal is a chance to fall head over heels!
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