A new addition to London’s burgeoning Portuguese dining scene, Casa do Frango, has opened on Southwark Street in London Bridge.
Casa do Frango specialises in regional Algarvian-style piri piri chicken “frango†cooked over wood charcoal using traditional techniques. The grill is overseen by experienced Algarvian pitmaster, Lucidio da Fonseca Monteiro, who has moved to London for the project.
Cooking frango piri piri is deceptively simple. The nuances of this unpretentious style of grill cooking are important for drawing maximum flavour from the chicken.
Brushed with a special recipe immediately after coming off the grill, the chicken at Casa do Frango will be served tender. This unique seasoning adds a complex piquancy of heat and depth of flavour and is based on years of the dish’s tradition studied by the team.
The wood fired grill is the focus of the open plan kitchen. Alongside frango, the menu showcases exceptional regional charcuterie, cheeses, seafood, salads and desserts. Starters to share include dishes such as ‘Grilled Chorizo’ (£5).
Simple flavoursome salads include ‘Salada Montanheira’ of tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and peppers (£4) and sides like ‘Arroz Africano†a rice dish that highlights Portugal’s close ties to Africa (£5).
A signature portion ‘dose de Frango’ chicken from the grill (£8), an ‘Octopus Rice’ (£10), and ‘Grilled Vegetables in Piri Piri’ option make up the mains. For dessert, Portugal’s most famous sweet Pasteis de Nata (£3) is on the menu, with Almond Cake (£4) and Chocolate Mousse (£4) options too.
The drinks menu offers wines in the country’s typical styles vinho verde, vinho branco, vinho tinto alongside a selection of natural wines, celebrating the growing reputation of the country’s winemakers.
Bringing an authentic Algarvian restaurant experience to London for the first time, Casa do Frango is now open. Open daily from 12pm until late.
Casa do Frango – 32 Southwark Street, SE1 1TU
Opening hours: 12pm until late.