Guia’s Piri Piri Paradise: 2 of the best Piri Piri Chicken restaurants
Updated: Apr 18
Nestled in the sun-kissed south of Portugal, Guia emerges as the undisputed haven for the best piri piri chicken, a culinary masterpiece that transcends the saucy renditions you have previously tasted in Nandos or other chain restaurants. Here we unravel the secrets to savouring the best piri piri chicken in Guia, explore the area's history, unveil the contenders for the crown, and share insider tips on avoiding the notorious lines.
Guia, located in the Algarve region on the South coast of Portugal, is easily accessible by car or plane. A drive from Lisbon takes approximately two hours, while those flying in from elsewhere can land in Faro, and make the hour-long drive from there. The Algarve’s charm will begin to unfold as you approach Guia, a small town in the region with a big reputation for its delectable Piri Piri chicken.
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Guia holds the proud title of being the birthplace of piri piri chicken. The roots of this dish are from the influence of Portuguese exploration and colonization in Africa. “Piri Piri” is a Swahili word for pepper, and refers to the small, fiery chilli peppers that give this dish its distinctive heat. The Portuguese sailors and traders brought home this ingredient, leading to the dish’s creation.
The Contenders: Ramires vs. Restaurane O Teodosio
These two giants stand tall in the piri piri battleground - Ramires, which is the original creator of this delight, and Restaurant O Teodosio, considered by many to be the best tasting currently. We were split down the middle as to which one was better, so you too may have to visit both.
Ramires served a more dry and extra charred chicken, which intensified the flavour in every bite. It is a massive three-story establishment, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a line out the door at all hours. Restaurante O Teodosio gained our praises for their extra moist chicken with a mix of spices, oil, and juices dripping off of each piece. Their line of waiting patrons also dwarfs this massive restaurant, however, the hidden gem here is their separate take-out window. If you find yourself in Guia and unable to find a table at any of the packed restaurants, this will be your saving grace.
Insider Tips:
Off-Peak Hours: Use the Portuguese's love for late-night dinner to your advantage and go early to avoid the dinner rush that usually begins around 9 pm.
Size Matters: When we were faced with the seemingly endless line at Ramires, we were delighted to learn that often smaller groups gain quicker entry. Our party of two passed by all of the larger groups waiting outside and were seated within five minutes of our arrival.
Takeout Triumph: After two tries at landing a table, O Teodosio seemed impenetrable. Thus we were delighted to learn they had a takeout window available for us to order at, complete with draft beers to sip on while you wait. If you are determined to dine in at this restaurant don’t leave it too late. Although the restaurant has set opening hours for lunch and dinner, they stop accepting new names onto the waitlist long before that time.
Conclusion on the best Piri Piri chicken
Guia’s Piri Piri chicken is more than a meal; it is a journey into the heart of Portuguese culinary excellence. Whether you prefer the charred intensity of Ramires or the moist allure of O Teodosio, use these tips to navigate the lines and relish the best Piri Piri chicken this enchanting town has to offer. As the birthplace of such an iconic dish, Guia is a must-visit destination for any culinary explorer.
