When you think of Oporto, the first thing that comes to mind is that signature kick of flavour — spicy, tangy, creamy, and bold all at once. But what really sets Oporto apart from other fast food chains in Australia isn’t just the flame-grilled chicken — it’s the sauces. Crafted with Portuguese influence and an Aussie twist, Oporto sauces are what take an ordinary burger, wrap, or meal box and elevate it into something crave-worthy.
In this guide, we explore all the signature sauces available at Oporto — their flavour profiles, what they pair best with, and why they’re the unsung heroes of every Oporto meal.
🌶️ The Importance of Sauce in Portuguese Cuisine
Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand the role sauces play in Portuguese-inspired cooking. Traditional Portuguese flavours are rich in garlic, lemon, paprika, chilli, and olive oil. Oporto has cleverly incorporated these ingredients into their signature sauce lineup, balancing spice and creaminess to suit the Australian palate while retaining authentic roots.
From burgers to bowls, wraps to ribs — every Oporto item is customizable with sauces, allowing customers to tailor heat, texture, and taste to their liking.
🔥 The Signature Oporto Sauces
1. Original Chilli Sauce
Heat Level: Medium to Hot
Taste Profile: Fiery, tangy, vinegary
Best With: Flame-grilled chicken, Bondi Burger, Chicken Rappas
The OG and still the most popular, the Original Chilli Sauce is the heartbeat of Oporto. It’s what gives their burgers and chicken that addictive heat. Made from a blend of red chillies, vinegar, and secret spices, it delivers a balanced heat that builds with every bite but doesn’t overpower the meal.
Pro Tip: Ask for extra sachets — this sauce goes with everything, even fries and rice bowls.
2. Lemon & Herb Sauce
Heat Level: Mild
Taste Profile: Zesty, citrus-forward, herby
Best With: Grilled chicken, salads, Rappas
Perfect for those who love flavour without fire, the Lemon & Herb Sauce is a refreshing contrast to the spicy Original. Its base is infused with lemon juice, oregano, thyme, and olive oil, making it ideal for kids, spice-shy customers, or anyone craving a lighter option.
It’s also a great dip for tenders and a lovely drizzle over rice bowls or salad-based meals.
3. Prego Sauce
Heat Level: Mild to Medium
Taste Profile: Creamy, garlicky, slightly peppery
Best With: Burgers, chips, flame-grilled chicken
Inspired by the classic Portuguese Prego steak sandwich, this sauce is a creamy garlic delight. It blends mayonnaise, garlic, black pepper, and a touch of vinegar. Rich and comforting, it’s a perfect complement to grilled meat and also works wonders as a chip dip.
Fun fact: “Prego” means “nail” in Portuguese, symbolizing the way the garlic flavour nails into your tastebuds.
4. Garlic Sauce
Heat Level: None
Taste Profile: Creamy, rich, aromatic
Best With: Chicken bowls, salads, burgers
If you’re a fan of garlic aioli, this one’s for you. Oporto’s Garlic Sauce is velvety and smooth, without being overly pungent. It adds a creamy dimension to any dish and is particularly good with chicken bowls or crunchy slaw.
Vegetarian customers often request this sauce as their go-to flavour booster.
5. Extremo Chilli Sauce (Limited Availability)
Heat Level: Extra Hot
Taste Profile: Smoky, fiery, intense
Best With: Flame-grilled chicken, dipping, spicy burgers
This one’s for the heat lovers. Extremo Chilli Sauce is not always on the permanent menu, but when it returns — it brings serious fire. Think of it as the bolder cousin of the Original Chilli Sauce, with a smokier and deeper chilli flavour.
Perfect for daring foodies or anyone who loves a challenge.
6. Piri Piri Sauce
Heat Level: Mild to Medium
Taste Profile: Zesty, peppery, paprika-forward
Best With: Chicken burgers, rice bowls, tenders
A nod to Oporto’s Portuguese heritage, the Piri Piri Sauce combines red capsicum, chilli, lemon, and paprika. It’s not overly hot but adds a kick of spice and colour to any dish. Often used in Europe with grilled chicken, Oporto’s take is balanced and versatile.
🍟 What Oporto Sauces Go Best With
Sauce | Best Pairing | Pro Tip |
---|---|---|
Original Chilli | Bondi Burger, Flame-Grilled Chicken | Drizzle over chips for an extra kick |
Lemon & Herb | Chicken Rappas, Slaw Bowls | Light and refreshing with grilled fish too |
Prego | Double Chicken Burger | Mix with chilli sauce for spicy creaminess |
Garlic | Chicken Bowl, Coleslaw | Great on wraps as a mayo alternative |
Extremo Chilli | Chicken Strips or Wings | Use as a dip for bold contrast |
Piri Piri | Rice Bowl, Grilled Chicken | Great for marinating leftovers |
📦 Can You Buy Oporto Sauces?
Currently, Oporto doesn’t retail their sauces in supermarkets. However:
- Extra sachets are available in-store or on request
- Certain locations sell larger containers for home use
- The Flame Rewards App occasionally offers free sauce upgrades or samples
You can also recreate similar sauces at home using online copycat recipes (though nothing quite beats the real thing!).
🌯 Customising Meals with Sauce
Oporto lets you customise burgers, wraps, and bowls with any sauce:
- Swap out chilli for garlic
- Add double sauce for extra indulgence
- Mix two sauces (e.g. Chilli + Prego)
- Request sauces on the side to dip as you eat
This makes Oporto a dream spot for picky eaters or adventurous flavour explorers.
📲 Order Tips: Sauce Up Like a Pro
Here are some ways to make the most of your sauce game:
- Order via App: You can add extra sauce for free or a small charge
- Mix & Match: Combine Original Chilli and Garlic for a spicy aioli
- Ask Staff: Friendly crew members often throw in extra sachets if you ask politely
- Use Sauce as Salad Dressing: Especially Lemon & Herb or Piri Piri
🧪 How Sauces Enhance Nutrition & Satiety
Interestingly, sauces at Oporto aren’t just about flavour — they enhance meal satisfaction by:
- Increasing mouthfeel with creamy or spicy textures
- Boosting metabolism (especially with chilli-based sauces)
- Adding umami that satisfies cravings without over-ordering
That’s why a simple flame-grilled chicken piece with the right sauce can feel like a gourmet treat.
🍽️ Vegan or Gluten-Free Sauces?
While not all sauces are vegan or gluten-free, some options may be suitable depending on your dietary needs:
- Lemon & Herb – typically dairy- and gluten-free
- Garlic and Prego – may contain egg or milk derivatives
- Always ask in-store or check the Oporto allergen guide
📊 Oporto Sauces vs Other Chains
Brand | Heat Variety | Creamy Options | Authenticity | Customisation |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oporto | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Nando’s | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
KFC | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
McDonald’s | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
Oporto leads in heat range and authenticity, staying true to its Portuguese roots while offering flexibility in every meal.