The name Frangó is no mere coincidence; the “Ó” at the end symbolizes Freguesia do Ó, the neighborhood where the bar that popularized Frangó’scoxinha is located. The establishment gained international status when its coxinha was deemed by chefs worldwide to be the best in São Paulo.
Opened in 1987, Frangó’s original concept was to be a rotisserie specializing in chicken— grilled, roasted, and served in a pie with catupiry cheese. However, after launching its own line of craft beers, it transformed into a bar.
What makes Frangó’s coxinha so special?
Served in portions, Frangó’s coxinha is a great accompaniment to beer. It’s small, with a crispy, dry crust , thin dough, and a creamy filling of shredded chicken that has already won over thousands of fans.
With the same flavor since 1990, the recipe comes from Dona Maria, matriarch of the Piccolofamily, who are the owners and founders of the bar. Coxinha lovers assure us that one of the main distinguishing features is the care taken to fry the snack fresh, without using storage containers.
Currently, the bar sells around 2,000 coxinhas a day, reaffirming the success of the establishment’s signature dish. Among the bar’s hall of fame of regulars are former minister Delfim Netto, cartoonist Jaguar, and São Paulo Senator Eduardo Suplicy.
When the coxinha made headlines
During the dramatic 53-day kidnapping in 2002, advertising executive Washington Olivetto was finally released. What was unusual was that during interviews, Olivetto stated that one of the first things he missed while in captivity was Frangó’s coxinha.
The episode had a massive impact. Not only on sales—which saw 1,220 units sold the very next day—but it also helped transform the bar into a São Paulo icon.
Where can you try Frangó’s coxinha?
Frangó is located in Largo da Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Ó, in a charming mansion built in the 19th century. On weekendnights, you may have to wait in line to get a table, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead before leaving home.