The piri piri chicken standard for Toronto's Portuguese community — whole and half birds spun on a rotisserie with house-made piri piri sauce, served with excellent rice and fries. A neighbourhood institution.
Neighbourhood: Little Portugal / Multiple · Address: 1203 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON · Hours: Mon–Thu 11AM–9PM | Fri–Sat 11AM–10PM | Sun 11AM–8PM · Price Range: $ · Phone: (416) 532-7701 · Website: https://chickenontheway.ca · Editorial status: Not yet verified
If you want the reference point for Toronto’s Portuguese-style BBQ chicken, this is the place. No fuss, just deeply flavourful meals at an affordable price.
The piri piri sauce here is a true family recipe—equal parts garlicky, tangy, and spicy, painted on as the birds finish their spin. They don’t overcomplicate sides: the rice is tomatoey and tender, and the fries are classic. Few Toronto churrasqueiras hit this level of consistency and old-school charm.
Chicken on the Way has been serving Toronto’s Little Portugal for decades, with a lineup of juicy rotisserie chickens finished generously with their signature house-made piri piri sauce. Family-run and deeply local, it’s a mix of regulars and newcomers streaming in for takeout bags stacked with whole chickens, heaps of garlic rice, and golden fries. The décor is straightforward and no-nonsense; your attention inevitably drifts to the glass rotisserie and those endless rows of spinning birds. Tables are limited, so most folk grab their meal to go.
No reservations—it's counter service and mostly takeout.
Half rotisserie chicken with extra piri piri sauce and rice—the classic combo.
Fine for families picking up takeout, but limited seating makes dining in with groups tough.
Most meals are $10–$20 per person.
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