The 'Chicken Piri Piri' sandwich that's served at Toronto's Brock Sandwich is a bestselling menu item that's gained plenty of attention for its simple ingredient list that packs a flavorful punch.
The chicken sandwich consists of a crusted cutlet that's served alongside a traditional house-made Portuguese hot sauce, as well as charred onions and a lettuce leaf. This burger-like dish puts a flavorful new twist not only on flavor, but on health as well with the choice of a leaner meat as an alternative to beef.
With the expansion of foodie culture, the demand for spicy foods has been steadily increasing. This is particularly true since many Millennial consumers continue to crave globally inspired ethnic foods that take inspiration from piquant Asian and Hispanic flavors.
Peppery Chicken Sandwiches
The 'Chicken Piri Piri' Gets a Fiery Taste from Portuguese Hot Sauce
Trend Themes
1. Spicy Food Trend - Increasing demand for spicy food as a result of foodie culture presents an opportunity for the food industry to explore new ways to utilize hot sauce in recipe creations.
2. Lean Meat Trend - The chicken piri piri sandwich's use of a leaner meat alternative to beef presents an opportunity for the food industry to offer health-conscious consumers more options for indulging their burger cravings in a healthier way.
3. Globally Inspired Ethnic Foods Trend - The chicken piri piri sandwich's utilization of Portuguese hot sauce highlights the increasing demand for globally-inspired ethnic foods with bold, spicy flavors, creating an opportunity for the food industry to explore other cultures' flavors and use them in new ways.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Food Industry - The spicy food and lean meat trends presented by the chicken piri piri sandwich could be utilized by fast food chains to offer healthier and spicier fast food options, targeting the growing younger, health-conscious demographic.
2. Food and Beverage Industry - The popularity of the chicken piri piri sandwich highlights an opportunity for the food and beverage industry to explore innovative ways to incorporate traditional ethnic flavors into new products and menu offerings, appealing to consumers' increasing desire for globally-inspired dishes.
3. Restaurant Industry - The chicken piri piri sandwich's success in Toronto's Brock Sandwich shows that there is an opportunity for the restaurant industry to explore global flavors and offer unique, culturally-inspired menu items that cater to customers' adventurous palates.