Portuguese addresses are popping up left, right and centre in Paris. Take Nossa, a churrasqueira (rotisserie) just a few steps from Jussieu metro. This pretty little 15-seat canteen is complete with paved flooring, shelves stocked with sardines and olive oil and blue mosaic tiles. Just the kind of place to remind you of your last sunny sojourn in the Algarve.
Led by a French-Portuguese team, the Nossa menu (‘our’ in Portuguese) features the staple bacalhau (dried and salted cod), starters like accras de morue (deep-fried cod balls) and meat-filled empanadas, mains and several types of croque monsieur. The delicious grilled chicken is the must-order dish though, served in a quarter, half (€8.50) or whole (€12) on a platter and brushed lightly with sauce (either the Nossa garlic or the slightly spicy version). Sides include frites, garlic roasted potatoes, rice or salad – for the modest sum of €3.50.
To wash down these juicy chicks are a selection of Portuguese drinks: Agua das pedras sparkling water, Sumol (the famous Portuguese take on Fanta) and Compal fruit juice. The short wine list includes a very good vinho verde and the famous Muralhas. Try the Canelas pastel de Nata for dessert, which may not life-changing but it’s a good shot. Either way, we’ll back for this finger-lickin’ chicken.
TRANSLATION: MEGAN CARNEGIE