Find top value Portuguese cuisine at Chicken & Egg

In the corner of one of Shanghai’s oldest and busiest streets sits Chicken&Egg (Fuming Rd No. 291), a Portuguese-styled restaurant specializing in roasted chicken. It’s outdoor area sits nestled in the middle of an array of traditional-Shanghai-styled architecture. Among the several western restaurants on the street, Chicken&Egg is arguably the most popular in the area, with customers filling every seat the minute the restaurant opens its doors. Despite serving a western cuisine, the price is surprisingly quite reasonable, making it the perfect gathering place for students.

Portuguese roasted chicken has been Chicken&Egg’s specialty ever since it has opened its doors for business. With just 75 RMB, customers have the choice of either chicken breast or leg, along with a dressing and two side dishes. Robin Jeon (12A), who has eaten at Chicken&Egg recently, said, “It [the food] is very good for it’s cheap price.” Chicken breast includes nearly the entire half of a chicken, excluding the legs, while the chicken leg includes a gigantic cut of chicken thigh and leg. The chicken is roasted to perfection with a golden crispy layer of skin and tender meat that falls off the bone underneath. Despite the chicken being the star of the show, Chicken&Egg’s homemade dressings are what truly sets them apart from other restaurants. The house provides a selection of sauces – varying from the basic Chicken Gravy and Homemade Piri-Piri to the more creative such as Roasted Garlic Ranch, Bourbon Barbecue, and many more. Although both strong, neither the chicken nor the sauce overpowers the other but, instead, creates the perfect balance of flavors. With each sauce brings a different experience as well, making customers coming back for more.

Next to the main dish, customers can choose two side dishes, either hot or cold, to accompany their meal. Hot side dishes that bring a feeling of grandma’s cooking include cauliflower gratin, creamy mashed potatoes, honey roasted carrots, and more. Cold side dishes include a selection of salads that offer both Asian and western flavors – Asian coleslaw, cauliflower salad, wosun salad, and more.

For those who are not up for a big filling meal, there are other options for a reasonable price as well. For a meal on the go, large hearty chicken wraps and sandwiches are available for only ¥50. Feeling under the weather or simply not in the mood for a heavy meal? The restaurant provides three warm soups with a light base of chicken stock and selected vegetables. As the name suggests, Chicken&Egg also serves eggs. From curry egg sandwiches to Asian egg gratin, Chicken&Egg does not disappoint in the egg department.

After a scrumptious meal, it is only right to end the night with a delightful dessert. Luckily, Chicken&Egg provides a dessert menu of six different cakes that change every day. There are the classics which include red velvet, carrot, and New York cheesecake, and there are the creative such as s’more cheesecake and hazelnut cheesecake.

As students, we seek for areas to meet up with friends and family within a reasonable price. Western restaurants are known for their overpriced meals in Shanghai, which makes Chicken&Egg a rare sight. “I’ve heard a lot about it [Chicken&Egg] from my friend,” commented Robin Kim (11A), “and I can’t wait to go there.” With the average expenses at 100 RMB, Chicken&Egg is the ideal gathering place for a filling and delicious meal with friends, a loved one, or family.

Featured Image – A roasted chicken leg set served with Asian coleslaw and cauliflower cheese gratin – Courtesy of Jane Xia

Photos courtesy of Jane Xia