Chinese Tourists Flock to Hidden Portuguese Chicken Shop in Lisbon

In Lisbon, a small, unmarked chicken shop at Travessa da Tapada 5A has become a surprising hotspot for tourists, particularly from China. Owner António Silva has been grilling chicken for decades, but in the last two years, he has seen an influx of visitors drawn by word-of-mouth recommendations in Chinese. Tourists often arrive directly from the airport, eager to taste the shop's famous piri-piri chicken, which is known for its smoky flavor and juicy meat. Silva, who operates without social media and only accepts cash, has adapted by learning basic Mandarin phrases to communicate with his new clientele. The shop's growing popularity highlights the power of social media and international travel in transforming local businesses.

Key Details: • Address: Travessa da Tapada 5A, Lisbon, Portugal • Famous for its piri-piri chicken, attracting tourists from China • Only accepts cash payments, often in large denominations • Silva uses basic Mandarin phrases to assist Chinese customers • No social media presence; relies on word-of-mouth for popularity