El Shaddai Chicken — Restaurant in Manteo

We had heard there was a Peruvian restaurant nearby and jumped at the chance to go. It is a store front building with plenty of parking out front. We were a group of seven and were welcomed and accommodated with tables put together for our party. The waitress was friendly but it is rare I find a waitress with no writing pad that gets our order right. This was no exception. After taking our drink orders, it was quite a wait for our dinner orders to be taken. The chips helped get us through. When our meals came, it was another server who brought them, and he had the wrong orders. We had ordered beef fajitas and were brought chicken, the sides were wrong with the orders. They came back making a longer wait for our meals and us eating at different times. I am thinking because of the tourist flare of the area the portions are small in comparison with the price. $14 for the half chicken and the sides are served in mini sauce bowls. Four slices of plantain or ten fries. A little ridiculous. The chicken taste more smoked than freshly charcoal with a crispy skin and charcoal flavor. All in all the food tasted good, but after eating at Peruvian restaurants on the mainland with price to portion and quality, this one is okay. I would suggest they focus on a few dishes, making them great than such a vast selection...

Disclaimer: I was born in Peru, lived there until my teenage years, still continue to cook/eat Peruvian food... bottom line: I KNOW Peruvian food! First, the restaurant is so welcoming. Marita received me with her super sweet demeanor, and suggested the Maracuyá (passion fruit) agua fresca (non-alcoholic refreshment). It was delicious, very refreshing. Then she proceeded to bring canchita serrana (Peruvian version of popcorn). It was fresh, warm and perfectly salted. I started with the Ceviche appetizer. Oh boy! It was Mahi ceviche: fresh fish marinated perfectly, with the right amount of spiciness, with canchita, Peruvian corn and sweet potato! Then I had Arroz con Mariscos as an entrée. Wow! The calamari, squid, scallops, and other seafood were so fresh! The seasoning was on point and the rice was cooked perfectly. It was enough for two as well, so I took half with me. The service was superb too! Marita constantly asked how my meal was and she didn’t mind me asking so many questions about Peruvians in the area, how people experience Peruvian food, etc. Her husband Rodrigo had cooked my meal, and got to meet him and thank him too! This was just a truly amazing dinner at Shaddai. I’ll never forget it! Thanks, Marita...

Hands down a must go!! You can get Mexican food anywhere, but Shaddai has 100% authentic Peruvian food that is beyond delicious. We got the Ceviche with Mahi Mahi, and the Arroz Chaufa, churros, and the flan. The food was over the top delicious. I ate myself full and then couldn’t say no to dessert. I have never had Peruvian food before, but I am in love. Cynthia was there to help us decide what we wanted and she was so patient! I can understand how someone could get tired of always teaching white kids like me from the Midwest about their culture, but she was 100% happy and open with us! She really promotes her love for her culture and it made me love the whole experience that much more. I was able to relax and get some dang good food while also learning and experiencing new things. I am a die hard seafood fan (especially on the coast) but I think I just found the one food that I would choose over fresh caught seafood - a truly...