The best testament of how
original a particular type of food is when the country’s native citizens show
up to eat it. So imagine how chuffed Carmen Loo – owner of Brasaria restaurant was
when Peruvian customers showed up to enjoy Pollo a La Brasa, Peruvian-style
rotisserie chicken at Brasaria recently.
Opened in February this year,
Brasaria has steadily won plaudits for its delicious charcoal-grilled chicken. According
to Carmen, the restaurant uses chickens from a halal-certified supplier. The chooks are
marinated for 24 hours with the house Peruvian-style marinade.
“We use fresh, locally
sourced chillies, coriander, mint and jalapeños among others in our preparation,” said Carmen. “In
Peru, Pollo a La Brasa is a popular street-food dish found at almost every
corner. The rotisserie grilled chicken is usually served with rice or fries and
grilled vegetables.”
In sync with this casual, simple
food approach, the owners have kept Brasaria’s interior uncluttered and
functional. At the entrance, a whimsical Ilama replica ‘greets’ diners while solid
blocks of colour accents evoke vibrant vibes inside.
The straightforward menu
proffers grilled chicken in quarter, half or whole servings. Our dining
party opted for El Jefe ‘The Boss’ (RM45.90 whole chicken a la carte, RM60.90
whole chicken with large green salad & 2 sides).
We wolfed down the delectable
Peruvian chicken within minutes and thoroughly enjoyed every bite of the
tender, juicy chicken. For variation in flavour, dip chunks of the meat into
the house Aji Mild and Aji Hot sauces. Made using different amounts of aji amarillo peppers with coriander, garlic,
vinegar and mayonnaise, some preferred the milder creamy
green dip while others went wild over the feisty hot version. There
is also fruity BBQ Peruano sauce.
“Most Peruvians will supplement their chicken feast with rice or potato
fries and grilled veggies,” explained Carmen. “Our customers prefer the
Latin Trio (RM5).” We soon discovered why − the slightly charred sweet
potato, plantain and pineapple had such homespun appeal, it was easy to succumb to
their basic, comforting taste.
I was also partial to Elote (RM5), grilled corn cob slathered with aji
sauce, chilli powder and cheese. The buttery and fragrant Brasaria Rice –
Peruvian yellow rice with raisins (RM5) was heartily satisfying. Ditto for the addictive
Salchipapas (RM5), deep-fried French Fries (RM5) with strips of fried chicken
frankfurters and a choice of house sauces.
Grilled Vegetable (RM5) comprising eggplant, zucchini, carrot and
capsicum dices tossed in a piquant sauce made a complementary side to the
overall equation.
Pasta lovers may like to sample El Tallarines (RM14.90). A typical spaghetti
dish tossed in Peruvian pesto with shredded roast chicken and a sprinkling of
cheese, it won the day thanks to the dish’s fresh herbaceous and nutty-savoury
accents.
After that stellar line-up, we reckon El Sanguche ‘The Sandwich’
(RM14.90) paled by comparison. Okay, the soft roll filled with
hand-pulled chicken with mixed greens, aji sauce and salsa criollo
was decent enough but was nothing to write home about.
Since no dessert was available that day, we made do with Agua Fresca (RM5), a refreshing
drink made with fresh fruit of the day as the palate refresher.
For reservations, call Brasaria, tel: 03-7627
4626. Address: D-59-G, Block D, Jaya One, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
