El Paso's Hidden Gem: The Chicken Shop Drawing Chinese Tourists

A small chicken shop in Lisbon, located at Travessa da Tapada 5A, has unexpectedly become a hotspot for Chinese tourists, attracting visitors from thousands of miles away. António Silva, the 66-year-old owner, has seen a dramatic shift in his clientele over the past two years, largely due to word-of-mouth recommendations and social media influence. Despite the influx of tourists, Silva maintains a no-frills operation, focusing on his signature roast chicken that is renowned for its smoky flavor and juicy meat. Tourists often arrive with suitcases straight from the airport, eager to experience the culinary delight, while Silva adapts by learning basic Mandarin to communicate with his new customers. This phenomenon highlights the power of social media and word-of-mouth in transforming a local eatery into an international attraction.

Key Details: • Address: Travessa da Tapada 5A, Lisbon • Operating hours: Starts grilling chicken at 11:30 AM • Cash only for tourists; local customers can use MB WAY app • Silva has learned basic Mandarin phrases to assist Chinese customers