Bringing South African-style grilled chicken to Chennai, Galito’s opens their first outlet in the city

It was 22 years ago that entrepreneur Louis Germishuys opened the first ever Galito’s restaurant in his hometown in Nelspruit, South Africa. Known for flame-grilled chicken using their signature spices and sauces, the brand is now spread across the globe with over a hundred branches. Brought to India by UAE-based food company, Tablez, the fourth outlet has now come to Chennai after having opened two in Bengaluru and one in Kochi.

With colourful chairs, hanging lampshades and live kitchen counters, the week-old restaurant located on the second floor at Forum Vijaya Mall is easy to spot. Greeted by Indrajeet Singh, the head chef at Galito’s, we occupy a corner table at the 40-seater. Sauces of four varieties, labeled Lemon and Herb, Mild, Hot and Very Hot, placed on the table are probably the first thing anybody would notice after securing a table.

And, we learn that these are the four levels of spiciness and flavours that are available for their grills. “All the sauces and spices we use are imported from South Africa in order to maintain the consistency in taste across all our branches,” shares Indrajeet, who has been working with Galito’s for the past two years.
 

Peri peri good
Settling down with a tall glass of lemon ice tea, we first try the Peri Shrooms — grilled mushrooms in a thick onion and tomato sauce served with garlic bread — a very appealing combination. Yet another starter that we try, Chicken and Pineapple Sosaties, skewers of grilled chicken and pineapple with a strong flavour of coriander, is a must try dish. The refreshing Country Salad that followed had lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, peppers and feta in it with an olive and lemon dressing and helped clear our palate. 

Chicken Espetada, succulent chicken thigh pieces, skewered and grilled with onion and bell peppers is served to us next with our choice of basting sauce. We choose two —  the lemon and herb sauce as well as the hot sauce. However, apart from the first one being slightly tangy, we didn’t find much of a difference between the two.

Flame on
Up next, we try the Flame Grilled Chicken, a Galito’s signature. The grilled chicken that comes in generous portions is spicy, grilled and perfectly juicy. “The Indian variation of grilled chicken is mostly marinated with spices and yoghurt whereas here we use only garlic, oil, vinegar and lemon,” says Indrajeet, adding that the chicken is marinated to the bone for at least 24 hours before cooking.

The Pulled Chicken Burger that came with a rich filling of grilled chicken and cheese could do extra well with toasted buns, we feel. As we struggle to make room for the dessert, we are served Malva Pudding, a moderately sweet spongy pudding of apricot that goes really well with the vanilla ice-cream that was served alongside.

Average price for two is `750.

fathima@newindianexpress.com| @fathiimaashraf