Mmm Que Rico

This place is fantastic — a hidden gem of delicious diversity and much needed. The owner is delightful and we really hope they keep growing — awesome to have them here!
The homemade tacos are awesome as are the empanadas. Must go if you like food with flavor!

I wanted to give them a 3.5… rounded up to 4 as there were more positives than negatives. We were staying nearby and decided to come and check this place out based on the great reviews. We used to have a spot we loved in New York for Peruvian chicken and, since moving to London, haven’t had a chance to check out any of the London Peruvian spots. The space is newly renovated and clean with some booths and tables, enough seating for around 30 or so.
When we arrived on a Friday during lunch time, there were about 10 people in the restaurant. We had a look at the menu fully intending to stick to the chicken but then a couple of things caught our eye; the special of the day (chicken vegetable soup — $ 6.00) and their homemade burritos and tacos. We love tacos and burritos but at a Peruvian place? We were a bit skeptical. However, when the diner in front of us ordered four tacos, we decided to give them a whirl. We might have been a bit too overeager and ended up ordering 2 tacos (carnitas and chicken, though they also had beef — $ 2.00/each), chicken vegetable soup and a half chicken ($ 10.55). The half chicken came with 2 sides and we decided on rice and beans. Black and white beans were offered and we went with the white.
Our tacos came out first and they shared there was some kind of mix-​up so they had given us three tacos! Now that’s super nice service. The tacos came dressed with onion and cilantro (how we love them to be dressed) and the option of a medium or hot salsa. We opted for the hot and you could tell it was homemade. The medium seemed to be a salsa verde from seeing another diner’s order but we didn’t try it so don’t know how it tasted. The hot salsa could have used a bit more salt but had a good amount of heat that went well with the tacos. You could tell that the tortillas were homemade, which was a big plus. That being said, these weren’t the best tortillas we’d ever had. The meats were well seasoned but just a tad bit dry; though, a bit of the salsa helped immensely. Overall, a really good taco — especially for North Carolina!
The half chicken was moist and had a nice blend of spices rubbed onto the skin. The rice and beans were pretty forgettable and a bit bland. Though, a bit of the green sauce perked it right up. The chicken was definitely the star — as it should be!
Surprisingly, my favorite of the meal was definitely the special for the day. The vegetable chicken soup came with chunks of carrot, celery, potato, chicken (duh) and half a cob of corn. This was such a homey dish and very satisfying. There was a slight sweetness to the soup, probably from the corn and carrots along with a chicken-​y broth that you could tell was from simmering and not store-​bought chicken broth. The soup was reminiscent of the Colombian ajiaco.
Overall, a nice place for a quick lunch bite! There aren’t a ton of options in the area that aren’t touristy and you can tell this is a locals place. From the clientele to the genuine care reflective in their food and service, if you’re looking for something other than fried seafood… this is the spot!

Had to try this Peruvian chicken place, a new gem in the area. The food is authentic and delicious. The rotisserie chicken is seasoned nicely and cooked until tender. I had the canary beans (white beans) and rice. The canary beans are tasty with just a little kick. The owner is very pleasant and gave us great service with our large group. The prices are very affordable for great food. We’ll definitely be going back! It’s a nice break from the traditional seafood dinners in the area.

Good food at a good price. The owners were very friendly and helpful. The chicken is nice and tender. Try the fried yucca.

I had high hopes for this little place. Came here with family. Was disappointed in the empanadas– not much flavor. The pork was tasty and everything else was mediocre

Glad this was recommended that we try this place. The yucca was fantastic along with the top sirloin sandwich and the chicken. Very nice owners and very informative on the dishes since it was my first time. Perfect place for meat and potatoes place.

Fantastic food, best yuka you will ever taste! Friendliest owners. Simply a must visit.
Bonus: I’ve never seen it crowded and there’s a delicious creamery next door.
Enjoy!

There are times when the siren’s call of fried seafood isn’t so alluring — but if you’re in Calabash, there are few other options. Que Rico brings a delicious, somewhat healthier, and more worldly choice.
My wife and I have been to a few Peruvian chicken restaurants, and I consider myself fairly familiar with the concept. It’s rotisserie chicken, and you can pieces that you tear off in sauces that are either a peppery hot, or that are smooth and tangy like mayonnaise, with a kick.
The chicken here is absolutely the best I’ve had. It’s moist, seasoned well, and just the right size. If you’re an average guy, get the half chicken (I liked the dark), which will fill you up. The skin on this chicken isn’t to be missed — it’s so well-​spiced that if you want to watch your figure and decide to skip the skin, you’ll be missing what I think is the best part.
As for sides, you’d be foolish not to get the fried yucca, which is cooked to starchy perfection. It’s especially good if you dip the yucca sticks in the ahi Amarillo sauce (the yellow one). If you’ve never had yucca, the owner explains that it’s like «French fries filled with mashed potatoes». That’s not a bad description, but they’re more appetizing than that description.
The empanadas are all delicious — unlike others you may have had, which are deep fried, these appear to be baked, but that causes no loss in flavor. I especially liked the Spinach and Ricotta empanadas (which tasted like it had nutmeg in it), and my wife liked the chicken, which was a type of «barbecued» chicken with berries in it. Try one of each with your chicken!
Overall, it’s a deceptively simple meal that I will be sure to return to when I’m back in Calabash.

Hand-​made tacos make a great appetizer for the delicious chicken. The white beans, rice and plantains are very good sides. The maracuya (passion fruit drink) was refreshing.

Wonderful spot for lunch if you are craving a hot meal and something aside from the seafood and delis populated in the area. I love Peruvian food and welcome this little gem to Calabash. The restaurant is very clean and the workers are very attentive. Lunch is filling and affordable. The plantains are a wonderful side and I enjoyed the green hot sauce that accompanied the chicken. My husband also enjoyed his meal thoroughly. Try it out!

This place is a hidden little gem in Calabash… right behind the creamery.
The owners are precious and can cook up some DELISH chicken and rice!
My kids loved the chicken and rice as well… beware the green sauce is HOT!
Empanadas were surprising DELISH as well (my first time trying!!)
We love that it’s quiet in the middle of the crazy summer crowd at the local OVER PRICED places!
You get your money’s worth here…

Just had a late lunch with my husband and dad and everything, I mean everything, was wonderful. The owners obviously take great pride in their business and the food that they serve. I had the fried plantains and they were amazing, just amazing. The chicken was cooked to perfection and the iced tea was fresh and cold. I’m only bummed I’m just visiting! Excellent locally owned find! #happytummy

Very impressed by this place! Walked in, and they looked like they were getting ready to close, but they served my friend and I with a smile. I ordered the chicken plate with boiled potatoes and plantains. The food was delicious! You should definitely check out this place!

Stopped here for lunch with my girlfriend and everything we tried was very good. We got the rotisserie chicken with rice and plantains, I also got a beef empanada with this green hot sauce. This is a great place for a quick meal.

We came here for lunch with my mom based on her recommendation (which surprised me, because she doesn’t normally like different types of food), and we absolutely loved it! I tried a carnitas (pork) taco with spicy sauce and a beef empanada. The taco tortilla was a corn tortilla and was a little small, but had a good heap of deliciously seasoned shredded pork, and the spicy sauce was definitely spicy and a great complement to the pork. The beef enchilada filling was slightly spicy, and I added some of the spicy taco sauce to it which also tasted amazing. I even went back and ordered another carnitas taco because it was that good! My mom ordered the rotisserie chicken (which I tried, and it was nice and tender and juicy).
The atmosphere is casual and you order at the counter, and they bring the food to your table. The people who work there are so nice and friendly, and they answer any questions you have.
My husband and I can only take so much fried seafood, and this is such a unique place for this area! We’re looking forward to going back soon.

This is a great find behind the Creamery. We stopped by and had a little lunch. We were a little gun shy about trying this food, so we stayed safe and ordered the chicken, fries and coleslaw. I did brave it and had the pineapple cola.
The chicken was moist and flavorful, and I wished I could have had more. The fries, well they’re fries and they were fine. The cole slaw was delicious and the pineapple cola is surprisingly delicious. I didn’t touch the hot sauce, because, well I don’t want to go there. The most memorable was the chicken and we’ll be coming back for more. The lunch was reasonably priced and the food was so good. Next time, I’ll venture to try more.

Que Rico indeed! Awesome chicken. As good or better than anything I have found in Peru. The owners are super friendly. The hot sauce is actually hot and packed with flavor. Best flan I have had in a while.
If this is your first time I would reccommend the fried yucca, Peruvian (canary) beans, and the Chicha Morada. Can’t wait to come back with some friends!

Had the lunch special today ($ 6.99) which was the ¼ chicken with 2 sides and a 12oz drink. For my 2 sides I got Peruvian beans, which tasted like white beans, and they were very good. I also got the rice, which was okay. I also ordered a side of plantains ($ 2.75) which were also very good. My chicken was pretty good, but it was a little dry. I would definitely go again, and try the Carne Asada sandwich. The owner described it to me, and it sounded good. Hope this place makes a go of it, but when I got there at 1pm, there were 2 people at a table. Take a step out of your «comfort zone», and give this place a try. 3 ½ stars on my first visit. Owners are very friendly…

In Calabash, when it comes to restaurant choices, there’s basically, seafood, seafood, and more seafood. I love Calabash seafood! Don’t get me wrong. But it’s nice to have something different occasionally. And with Calabash not offering much variety, this is why my husband and I were so excited to stumble upon Mm Que Rico. The bold splash of blue, yellow, and red colored décor brings a nice change to the average everyday décor in Calabash, and does so without appearing tacky or gauche. Inside the restaurant is clean, the vibrant colors continuing, and two owners who greet you with sincerity and hospitality.
Can the quality of the food match the attractiveness of the décor and customer service? Absolutely. The welcoming simple menu (and reasonably priced, I might add) offers guests authentic Peruvian cuisine, without overwhelming them with too many choices which aren’t discernible. My husband and I both ordered the ¼ chicken plate with rice. He also ordered black beans; I, the guacamole. My husband’s meal was 100% cohesive – the black beans mixed with the yellow rice was a perfect balance to the rotisseries chicken which is seasoned with a recipe the owner worked to perfect over seven years.
Mmm Que Rico’s arrival has spiced up the little fishing village whose luster was beginning to fade. I hope tourists and residents will give this establishment their business and embrace the bold flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Next time we venture to the beach, we’re going to try the flan. It looks amazing!

I visit North Carolina about five times a year and have always driven past this place not knowing what it was, boy was I missing out. Some of the best South American cuisine I’ve ever had (and I’m spoiled with South Florida food)!
Wonderful atmosphere and the owner and his staff are wonderfully helpful. Food was flavorful and moist. Must get the chicken. I will definitely stop by again!!!