Monteiro Express: Montreal's Delicious and Affordable Portuguese Chicken Secret

Have you ever stumbled upon a restaurant that completely surprises you? That's exactly what happened to me when my husband and I discovered Monteiro Express. This Montreal export, known for its mouthwatering Portuguese-style chicken at prices that seem too good to be true, has quickly become a favorite in our household. I want to share my experience and tell you why I think you need to try it, too!

While Monteiro Express officially opened its doors as a franchise in 2013 in Montreal, the story behind it stretches back much further, woven with threads of passion, dedication, and the vibrant flavors of Portugal.

A Taste of Portugal: The Origin Story

The journey of Monteiro Express began with Cheikh, the franchise's founder. During his college years in the 1990s, Cheikh had the opportunity to live in Portugal. While there, he took a part-time job at his host family's restaurant, and it was this experience that ignited his passion for Portuguese cuisine. He was captivated by the fresh ingredients, the bold flavors, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that surrounded Portuguese cooking.

Over the next decade, Cheikh honed his culinary skills, dedicating himself to mastering the art of Portuguese cooking. He eventually landed a position at Portus, one of Montreal's most celebrated Portuguese restaurants, working under the renowned Chef Helena Loureiro. This experience further solidified his knowledge and refined his techniques, preparing him for his own culinary adventure.

From Portus to Monteiro Express: A Dream Realized

After years of dedicated learning and experience, Cheikh decided to take the leap and pursue his own culinary vision. He left Portus to embark on a new chapter, one that would ultimately bring the authentic flavors of Portugal to a wider audience. It wasn't long before Monteiro Express was born, a testament to Cheikh's passion and dedication.

The concept behind Monteiro Express is simple: offer delicious, high-quality Portuguese-style chicken at affordable prices. This commitment to both quality and value is what truly sets them apart and has contributed to their growing popularity.

My First Bite: Monteiro Express Belleville

Recently, my husband and I decided to try the Monteiro Express location in Belleville for the first time, and let me tell you, we were not disappointed! From the moment we walked in, we were impressed. The first thing that struck us was the incredible value for money. The prices are unbelievably low, especially when you consider the generous portions you receive.

Don't get me wrong, the seating area is quite minimal, and it's clear that Monteiro Express focuses primarily on takeout and delivery. But honestly, who cares about the seating when the food is this good? We were there for the food, and it absolutely delivered!

The Chicken Combo: A Must-Try

The star of the show, in my opinion, is the Chicken Combo. It's the perfect way to get a taste of everything Monteiro Express has to offer. The combo includes:

• Grilled Chicken Thighs: These were incredibly flavorful and juicy. The chicken was perfectly cooked, with a beautiful char and a delicious marinade that permeated every bite.
• Fresh-Cut Fries: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfectly salted – these fries were everything you could want in a side dish.
• Seasoned Rice: This wasn't just plain rice; it was flavorful and aromatic, a welcome and tasty addition to the meal. It complemented the chicken and fries perfectly.
• Crisp Salad: A simple yet refreshing salad provided a nice contrast to the richer elements of the meal. It was a great way to balance out the flavors and add a touch of freshness.

The whole combo was a symphony of flavors and textures, and it left us feeling completely satisfied.

Sauce It Up: Customize Your Flavor

One of the things I loved most about Monteiro Express is the customizable sauces. You can choose from barbeque, mild, medium, or spicy, allowing you to tailor your meal to your personal taste preferences. I opted for the barbeque sauce (mild), and it was absolutely delicious. It had just the right amount of sweetness and tang, and it complemented the grilled chicken perfectly.

Incredible Value: A Budget-Friendly Feast

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Monteiro Express is its incredible value for money. Each dish is a substantial and filling meal, especially considering the price point of just $10.99! In today's world, where eating out can be so expensive, it's refreshing to find a place that offers such high-quality food at such affordable prices.

We left Monteiro Express feeling completely satisfied and surprised by the quality of food considering the price tag. It's a fantastic option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner, and it's perfect for families on a budget.

Final Thoughts: A Hidden Gem

Overall, my experience at Monteiro Express Belleville was exceptional. The food was delicious, the portions were generous, and the prices were incredibly reasonable. If you're looking for a hearty, flavorful meal without breaking the bank, I highly recommend giving Monteiro Express a try. Just keep in mind that seating is limited and I recommend picking up the food.

I can confidently say that Monteiro Express has earned a permanent spot on our list of favorite restaurants. We'll definitely be back for more of their delicious Portuguese-style chicken and amazing value. It's a true hidden gem in the Montreal culinary scene and a testament to Cheikh's passion for bringing authentic Portuguese flavors to the masses. So, next time you're craving some flavorful and affordable food, remember the name: Monteiro Express. You won't be disappointed!

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