Imagine craving your favorite peri peri chicken so much that you decide to hop on a plane to the home of the spicy delight, Portugal, to satisfy your hunger. You might think such an adventure would cost a pretty penny, but surprisingly, it set me back less than my usual order at Nando’s. In a world where travel is more accessible and affordable than ever, sometimes the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination, especially when food is involved.
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Nando’s, the well-known British restaurant chain famous for its Peri Peri chicken, has become a household name. My family and I have always enjoyed their delicious, flame-grilled chicken marinated in spicy Peri Peri sauce. However, the prices at Nando’s have been steadily increasing, leading me to wonder if there was a more economical way to enjoy my favorite dish. That’s when I had the idea to fly to Portugal, the country where Peri Peri sauce originated, to taste the authentic version.
Armed with budget airlines and travel hacks, I set out on my culinary adventure. After securing a round-trip ticket for less than £50, I made my way to the vibrant city of Lisbon. Worth noting is that budget airlines, especially during off-peak seasons, often offer incredibly cheap flights within Europe. By booking in advance and keeping an eye on flight deals, I managed to reduce my travel expenses significantly.
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Once in Lisbon, my mission was clear: find the best Peri Peri chicken. I had done my research and pinpointed a few local eateries that were famous for their authentic offerings. My first stop was ‘Bonjardim,’ a quaint but bustling restaurant tucked away in a narrow street. Known for its traditional Portuguese dishes, Bonjardim served up a plate of mouth-watering peri peri chicken for just £8. The flavor hit my taste buds with the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory notes. It was every bit as good as, if not better than, what I had been eating at Nando’s.
I continued my quest by visiting ‘Frangasqueira Nacional,’ another gem in Lisbon’s culinary scene. Here, I paid a mere £6.50 for a whole chicken, generously seasoned with peri peri sauce and grilled to perfection. The succulent chicken, coupled with the rustic, cozy atmosphere of the restaurant, made for a truly memorable dining experience. The peri peri sauce had just the right amount of heat without being overpowering, letting the natural flavors of the chicken shine through. And to top it all off, the local Portuguese hospitality made me feel right at home.
Apart from the gastronomy, what added value to my trip was the sheer joy of immersing myself in the Portuguese culture. Lisbon, with its cobbled streets, historic places, and friendly locals, offered a charm that enhanced my food adventure. Walking around the city, I stumbled upon local markets and bakeries where I indulged in freshly baked pastéis de nata and sip on refreshing sangria. Every corner of Lisbon offered something new and exciting.
When comparing my expenses, the advantages of making the trip were clear. A typical meal at Nando’s for two people easily costs around £30, and that does not include side dishes or drinks. In contrast, my entire trip, including flight, food, and local transport, ended up costing me around £60. This broke down to £50 for the flight and £10 for two meals of peri peri chicken. Even if I had a sudden craving for Nando’s and decided to visit twice in a week, my travel to Lisbon still stood as the more economical choice.
Moreover, this adventure taught me that sometimes stepping out of the usual routine and exploring new possibilities can lead to finding unexpectedly delightful experiences. As someone who relishes culinary delights, traveling to the birthplace of peri peri sauce offered me not just a meal, but an entire experience enveloped in culture and history. Traveling for food introduced me to a whole new world of flavors and encouraged me to appreciate the origins and traditions behind my favorite dishes.
In conclusion, while Nando’s will always hold a special place in my heart for its flavorful peri peri chicken, my trip to Portugal reaffirmed the joy of tasting authentic cuisine in its place of origin. I highly recommend any food lover to consider such culinary adventures. Whether it’s for peri peri chicken or any other beloved dish, stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring where your favorite flavors come from can lead to a memorable and potentially cost-saving experience.
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