Brazil’s churrasco dining culture has arrived in Manila with the opening of an internationally acclaimed restaurant.
On August 18, Fogo de Chão (fogo-dee-shown), Brazil’s renowned churrasco steakhouse, launched its maiden location at Glorietta 4 in Makati City, also the first location in Asia.
The restaurant showcases an experience built around the Brazilian tradition of churrasco.
Skilled gaucho chefs take center stage as they butcher, hand-carve, and grill premium meats over an open flame.
Guests also do not have to line up or wait as these meats come straight to your table, served hot and as often as they like.
From Picanha (top sirloin) and Filet Mignon to Fraldinha (Brazilian sirloin), Ribeye, lamb, chicken, and more, diners can enjoy up to 16 different cuts of meat.
For the fun part, diners cna also control the pace of meal using Fogo’s signature circular cards. One card is green (“Sim, por favor”), which can be flipped up when you want more. The other card is red (“Não, obrigado”), a signal when you need a break.
“It’s all about progression,” Barry McGowan, CEO of Fogo de Chão, told the members of the press during the media launch on August 28.
At the heart of the restaurant is the Market Table, a vibrant spread of fresh sides. These include seasonal fruits, cheese zone, smoked salmon, antipasti, whole foods, leafy greens, signature salads, charcuterie, and even the classic Feijoada (a traditional Brazilian black bean stew).
This area is where diners can also get a close look at the main grill, the centerpiece of the Fogo experience.
For those looking beyond churrasco, the restaurant also offers à la carte dishes like dry-aged and Wagyu cuts, seafood, and other specialties. You can also enjoy drinks from the award-winning Bar Fogo, with handcrafted cocktails and South American wines to pair with your meal.
According to McGowan, the restaurant is designed to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences.
Asked if they will add a Filipino twist to the menu, Fogo execs said they could consider it in the future, along with the expansion of the franchise.
‘Tribute to Brazilian roots’
The flagship Fogo de Chão location in Makati City spans two levels, designed to pay homage to the restaurant’s Brazilian roots.
The exterior features natural stone and warm wood, with patterns that nod to traditional Brazilian design. Inside, the space is cozy yet refined, with ornate accents and thoughtful lighting that tells the story of the brand’s heritage.
The upstairs dining area is divided into zones for a more relaxed dining flow, and at the center is, once again, the Market Table.
McGowan considers the latest branch a “good location,” at the heart of Makati Central Business District.
The opening of this location marks the beginning of a planned rollout of five restaurants through a franchise agreement with The Bistro Group.
McGowan said they are thrilled to bring their “differentiated culinary experience” to Asia for the first time, thanking the team of The Bistro Group for their partnership.
“This opening marks a significant step forward in the execution of our global growth plans, and we are honored to bring our passion for exceptional hospitality and experiential dining to Asia’s vibrant, dynamic, and renowned culinary scene,” he said.
Jean Paul Manuud, president of The Bistro Group, likewise expressed excitement over the entry of the restaurant to the country.
“A world-class brand with an incredible menu that guarantees an authentic churrasco experience, it is expectedly going to be a huge success with the local market. We are privileged to add Fogo de Chão to our brand portfolio,” Manuud said.
“Its 45-year history speaks volumes about how this innovative brand continues to
celebrate Brazil’s vibrant culinary heritage combined with the Filipinos’ hospitality,” concurs,” he added.
The restaurant group is also behind the launch of world-class brands in the country, such as TGIFriday’s, Morton’s The Steakhouse, LongHorn Steakhouse, Italianni’s, Denny’s Buffalo Wild Wings, Texas Roadhouse, Randy’s Donuts, Hard Rock Cafe, among others, as well as Asian concepts like Watami, Modern Shanghai Bulgogi brothers, Fish and Co. and more.
Meanwhile, Fogo de Chão welcomes guests from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and stays open an hour later on Fridays, until 11 p.m.. On weekends, doors open earlier at 10 a.m., with Saturday service running until 11 p.m., and Sunday closing at 10 p.m.
As for pricing, here’s what to expect for the full churrasco experience:
Weekday rates
- Lunch – P3,200
- Dinner – P3,950
Weekend rates
- Brunch: P3,650
- Dinner: P4,200
Indulgent Churrasco, on the other hand, is priced from P4,945 to P5,695. It adds lobster or crab cake and a decadent dessert.
Watch our #InteraksyonTries video here:
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—Video by Lea Devio; Anjilica Andaya
