Cover Fogo de Chão opens its first Asia location here in the Philippines
Fogo de Chão opens its first Asia location here in the Philippines
1 / 1
Making its Asia debut, internationally renowned churrascaria Fogo de Chão opens its first of five restaurants at Glorietta 4, Makati
A few have tried to bring the Brazilian churrasco dining experience to Manila before, but with limited success. However, with the local market currently enamoured with premium steakhouses, there seems to be no better time to open a churrascaria than now. Food and beverage powerhouse The Bistro Group has added global brand Fogo de Chão to its extensive portfolio—and based on its first months of operation, it appears to have been a wise move.
“We’re thrilled to bring our differentiated culinary experience to Asia for the very first time and couldn’t ask for a better team to align with than the talented group at The Bistro Group,” said Barry McGowan, CEO of Fogo de Chão. “This opening marks a significant step forward in the execution of our global growth plans, and we are honoured to bring our passion for exceptional hospitality and experiential dining to Asia’s vibrant, dynamic and renowned culinary scene.”
Above Fogo de Chão opens its first Asia location here in the Philippines
Fogo de Chão opens its first Asia location here in the Philippines
1 / 1
Recently unveiled as its first branch in the Philippines—and in Asia—Fogo de Chão is located on the ground floor of centrally positioned Glorietta 4 at Ayala Center, Makati. The expansive dining room is packed on a Tuesday evening, which comes as no surprise, since the churrasco experience brings together many elements that Filipinos love in a restaurant concept: cooking meat over an open fire, the abundance of an all-you-can-eat offering, and a lively, casual atmosphere.
Guests can watch gaucho chefs butcher, hand-carve and grill high-quality cuts of meat that are skewered and brought around the dining room to be sliced tableside. Regular diners know the drill—keep the green side of the coaster up to enjoy the seemingly endless parade of grilled premium meats, or flip it to red to indicate that you’re taking a break or have had your fill.
See also: Bar cart ideas: simple essentials for effortless hosting
Above Fogo de Chão opens its first Asia location here in the Philippines
Above Fogo de Chão opens its first Asia location here in the Philippines
Fogo de Chão opens its first Asia location here in the Philippines
1 / 2
The restaurant’s Brazilian cuts—such as picanha (signature sirloin), filet mignon, ribeye, fraldinha (Brazilian sirloin), cordeiro (lamb), chicken and more—are served alongside unlimited access to the Market Table. This abundant spread is filled with flavourful and colourful sides, crisp salads, charcuterie and the iconic Brazilian feijoada soup, among others. The selection is inspired by Brazilian farmlands and traditional recipes, largely from southern Brazil. The full churrasco experience already includes unlimited servings of all meats and unlimited access to the Market Table. There are also à la carte dishes, such as dry-aged and Wagyu cuts, seafood and other specialities, plus the award-winning Bar Fogo serving handcrafted cocktails and South American wines.
See also: From Lindt to Läderach: a guide to Swiss chocolate houses
Above Fogo de Chão opens its first Asia location here in the Philippines
Fogo de Chão opens its first Asia location here in the Philippines
1 / 1
If there were ever any doubt in the past that the churrascaria concept could thrive in the Filipino market, the warm reception of Fogo de Chão dispels all uncertainty. It has been embraced wholeheartedly, without compromise. “We did not make adjustments except on a few items, such as the beverages where we lessened the tartness, or the calamansi cheesecake, which uses local fruit instead of key lime,” says Guia Abuel, COO of The Bistro Group. “Other than that, the unlimited churrasco and the Market Table remain the core of what the dining experience is all about. Dining here is very much like dining at Fogo de Chão restaurants in other countries.”
If the success of the first branch continues, the remaining four branches included in the franchise agreement will roll out in rapid succession. Fogo de Chão truly meets the demand for quality grilled meats served in a celebratory atmosphere—something Filipinos are already deeply familiar with and have always loved.
Topics
Jaclyn Clemente Koppe is a food and lifestyle writer, as well as a consultant to some of the country’s beloved food and beverage brands. Her passion for food and drink is only surpassed by her devotion to her family, most especially to her soulmate, Pepa the poodle.
