Galeto, Soho, London - Review

Brazilian Street Food

Kitchen Delights London Reporter........gets to eat Brazilian Street Food.

When the mercury reaches over 30 degrees for over 5 consecutive days in London town, it’s practically a national emergency with stories of buckling rail tracks and schools not knowing how to cope with the heat. It shouldn’t be so dramatic, but when the last heat wave was back in 2006, we do need a little on guidance on how to behave.

If you are in Soho this balmy summer, the chilled out Brazilian restaurant Galeto can show you what to do in this heat. This small yet intimate eatery set over 2 levels serves up real street food and cocktails with plenty of Rio attitude for your pound including the beautifully made Brazilian classic Caipirinha (made with cachaca, sugar and lime).

To start, we had two classics which Fabricia, our Brazilian waitress recommended. Coxinhas de Frango are small pieces of soft potato dough filled with soft shredded chicken. We also chose Kibe – a little bit like small beef balls, both of which were fun to share and ideally suited with a cocktail.

When it came to ordering a main course, there are a few options to choose from and the old saying ‘quality not quantity’ comes to mind. You need to opt for the 8oz rump steak with fries and go for one of their generous salads to share. It was well presented, tender, colourful and full of flavour.

At this point having picked up a few Brazilian words from the menu, we asked what the name of the restaurant Galeto actually means? It’s literally ‘little chicken’ and is what the Portuguese introduced to Rio in the 1960's and has stayed with them ever since (and yes there is chicken on the menu but on this occasion we went for red meat).

In this hot weather, desserts don’t always hit the spot but both my dining companion and I have a sweet tooth and our arms were gently twisted to choose the very worthy Banana Frita – sliced banana pan fried in orange and lime with cinnamon served with vanilla ice cream. It was surprisingly moreish and good for sharing! We also indulged in the mini chocolate doughnuts in chocolate sauce.

The food overall was good value and your wallet won’t take a pounding either – I reckon you could get away with £25 per head with one cocktail.

So it only leaves me to say that if this is what Brazil tastes like on a hot day, then I’m booking my flight now!

Thanks to all the staff at Galeto for their prompt, cheerful and attentive service.

For more information visit www.galeto.co.uk

33 Dean St
Soho
London
W1D 4PW