The Barcelos Rooster Woke Up The Capital With A Delectable Portuguese Fare

‘Portuguese flavor with heart’, are words that the restaurant lives by. And we couldn’t agree more after tasting the palatable spread at Barcelos.

Situated in the bustling inner-lane of Khan Market, Barcelos grabs your attention with its tastefully done up wooden exterior and a massive hoarding that make silent promises to you of a luscious world inside. These promises are well kept by the restaurant, its courteous staff and the delicious food.

The interiors of the place set a very casual and happy mood that is complimented well by the foot-tapping music played in the background. It’s the kind of place you’d want to go and kickback with some refreshing cocktails and delicious food.

Legend Has It

Barcelos is titled after an old-world Portuguese town that is famous for an ancient legend of the Barcelos rooster.

According to the 17th century legend, a pilgrim seeking food and water in the town was accused of stealing from a landowner. The pilgrim was sentenced to hang despite his protests of innocence. In a last minute appeal to the judge, who was enjoying a roasted rooster for dinner at the time, the pilgrim boldly stated, “If I am innocent, then that rooster will get up and crow!” Suddenly, a gorgeous scarlet-plumed cockerel rose from the plate, crowing loudly.

The man was released of course! Today the town’s shops and streets are decorated with colorful ceramic roosters, and it is still a place to have a leisurely and hearty meal or a slow cup of coffee.

While the re-telling of the legend varies, offering different versions, Barcelos’ Flame Grilled Chicken has written a modern story of its own. Barcelos opened its first store in Pretoria, South Africa in 1993. Using recipes mastered by the Portuguese hundreds of years ago, their flame-grilled flavors became so popular that they franchised the business in 1998. And rest, as they say, is history.

How come the Pilgrim Landed in India?

“Barcelos has outlets in multiple African countries, UK, Canada and some in South East Asia as well, so we figured it was about time we opened up an outlet in the Indian subcontinent,” explains Rohit Malhotra, General Manager Operation, Barcelos India.

“India is an easier market to capture and the consumer here welcomes new brands and setups with open arms so it was perfect” he adds.

True that. The Indian consumer is open to trying it all – at least the foodie in all of us is!

The Fiery Flamin’ Comida

The restaurant is famous for its authentic Portuguese menu that has exciting hints of African food in it. The base of Barcelos’ grills and grubs are their four signature sauces and a Marinade recipe so ancient, it cannot be traced. The restaurant has a refreshing menu that comprises of some super enticing dishes, salads and sides.

The Barcelos signature dishes include the marinated chicken, the Chicken Steak and for the vegetarians a Soya Steak. Complimenting this fine chicken preps are the Portuguese Perfections complete with a variety of palatable esptadas and trinchados. And just in (the rarest of rare) case you haven’t eaten enough to feed an entire army, try out the Rice-Afro Portuguese Fusion.

Barcelos’ four signature sauces – Tangy Lemon, Mild Peri, Very Peri and Super Peri (it’s fire in a bottle) – add to the brilliance of their cuisine.

What We Had:

Hey Rosie

A delicious concoction that includes rose water, rose syrup, cardamom water, vodka and crushed ice. It’s the Mediterranean counterpart of the Cosmopolitan.

Mixed Sprouts & Bean Salad

The perfect start to a flawless meal, the salad was fresh, crunchy and delicious with a Tangy Lemon sauce dressing.

Chicken Liver with Garlic Roll

A well-cooked portion of chicken liver in Barcelos’ Mild Peri served with a roll of garlic bread with just the right amount of butter.

The Black Burger

This item does not need any introduction but we just can’t stop from pouring ourselves out! Sandwiched between two fluffy black buns, the succulent grilled chicken chunks marinated in the Very Peri sauce, a mammoth pineapple slice, and cheese stacked atop a bed of omelet and fresh veggies – is the least we can say about it!

¼ Chicken

A Barcelos signature, the ¼ Chicken or the Quarter Chicken is a generous portion of chicken marinated in the Spicy Peri sauce and grilled to perfection, served with a side of fresh veggies and potato wedges.. The sauce is exciting and hits your palate in the most beautiful way possible.

Barcelos has gorgeously realized the Portuguese legend and brought it to the table with sheer brilliance. The chain that redefines the culinary traditions of Portugal and we are completely awestruck!