A Taste of Latin America: Modern Peruvian Flavors at Tosh and Chikos

With Sarah, Ate Liza and Sir Aldean Plaza

The National Capital Region is still in GCQ (general communit quarantine) status, though movements are still limited, dine-in in food establishments is now permitted, with  strict social distancing protocol.

So here's my first gourmand trip with new colleagues in the time of pandemic.  A Peruvian cuisine food adventure!

No need to travel to Lima to sample Peruvian flavors in big servings, Makati City in the Philippines has plenty to offer of real Latin food taste. 

I haven't been to any food trip in Makati, this is my first time to visit a dine-in restaurant in the area. And my first since the metropolis has been placed on lockdown.

Life of a gourmand traveler is a bit crazy during this difficult time when movements are restricted and strict quarantine rules are put in place.

Going anywhere is prohibited, so taking adventure, both on the road and flavor, has been shackled. Thank God there's some opportunity to hop around for a quick gourmand trip. 

This moment to dine out is a great breather. Got a chance to do some food blogging again.  Very grateful with Sir Aldean, Ate Liza and Sarah for tagging me along. 🤗

What's in Tosh?

This food destination merged two Western food cultures - pasta of Italy and big servings of Latin America. Flavors that capture everyone's palate. 

Though I've been to some Latin-inspired restaurants like Silantro - a mix of Filipino and Mexican cuisine - and Taco Bell, I have never been to any Peruvian-themed restaurants. So, this is a bit new.

Stepping inside Tosh Cafe and Chikos feels like home, a classic experience. Interiors are earth tone, warm, homey and relaxing. And the setup looks like you're just dining at home.

Tosh Cafe prides itself as an old Spaghetti house serving a smorgasbord of delicate pasta fares  and All-Day breakfast favorites, while Chikos offers contemporary Peruvian dishes in big servings and rich flavors.

Homey interior of Tosh Cafe 

Modern Peruvian Dishes

Peru is a lovely South American country known for its hearty meals and starchy culinary flavors.

Just like most countries in Latin America, Peruvian menu is often composed of cheesy and creamy recipes, grilled chicken with side dishes, and usually in big flavors and servings.

Tosh Cafe and Chikos particularly highlighted this food culture of Peru in its menu. Savory flavors wafting in the air as you step inside. A typical gourmander delight.

Pasta and creamy concoctions, roast  chicken and flavorful grilled fish are the popular items in the menu.

Peruvian roast chicken 

In the Philippines, restaurants offering intercontinental fares have mushroomed in the metropolis in recent years but Peruvian-themed dining spots are not among them because it's somewhat a highly specialized cuisine done in elaborate cooking style. 

It's so rare to find a Peruvian-inspired restaurant in Metro Manila. So a gourmand trip to Tosh x Chikos is a good starting point to discover the unique taste of Peru.

The Dishes

They have the usual all-time breakfast fix. The pasta concoctions are some classic Italian favorites like Bolognese, Carbonara and Pesto.

Main course recipes are flavored chicken and salmon in creamy or grilled selections. And I loved the chicken recipe because of its succulent taste! Both selections are served  with either mashed potatoes and rice with side dishes. 

Pan Grilled Salmon Fillet served with mashed potatoes Php365.00

I chose the Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken with Salsa Verde served lettuce and plain rice, Php245.00 per serving and good for one. I love this recipe. Chicken meat is so tender and savory. 

Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken with Salsa Verde Php245.00

Their Pan Grilled Salmon fillet with butter and served with mashed potatoes  is worth trying. The salmon slob is so huge for a single diner!

Must-try Dishes

Peruvian roast chicken sounds like a scrumptious treat at Tosh Cafe, it is known as Pollo A La Brasa with fried rice and french fries. 

Another one is Chicharron de Pollo, a Peruvian fried chicken specialty served with fried rice or pasta. Quarter cut is around Php195.00 while half cut is Php340.00. 

Peruvian Roast Chicken

Their pasta concoctions are also must-try! Classic savory in every taste, so cheesy and creamy, ideal indeed for pasta lovers. 

Pasta concoctions at Tosh Cafe

Pollo A La Brasa

Last Tuesday finally we tried this best-seller, tastier chicken recipe of Tosh x Chikos, Pollo A La Brasa is a savory grilled chicken soaked in rich aromatic spices. 

Pollo a la brasa quarter cut Php275.00

We chose the quarter cut portion in sour cream dip. The meal already has a one cup of plain rice and a side dish of your choice, we chose mac 'n cheese.  Php275.00 per order and good for one person. 

Location 

Tosh Cafe and Chikos is just located along Valero street in Salcedo Village, just a walking distance from Ayala Gardens.

Exact address: 142 Paseo Parkview Tower, Valero Street, Makati, Philippines. Telephone number: 228107527. This restaurant has a delivery option for those who do not want to dine in. Opens from 9:00 in the morning until 9:00 in the evening.

New normal in dining outside

In this time of pandemic, when most of us are living in the new normal era of home quarantining and social distancing, restaurants are also strictly abiding government protocols to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Social distancing is strictly implemented for dine-in 

At Tosh Cafe, social distancing is strictly implemented for dine-in setup, and diners are having their temperatures taken by staff upon entering the establishments.