Fans of the flavorful fare at South African fusion restaurant Peli Peli are in for a treat when the company's highly anticipated fast-casual concept Peli Peli Kitchen officially makes it debut on Wednesday.
Expect a tight menu of breakfast items, naan tacos and brioche bun-based sandwiches (such as the fried kingklip fish, Huguenot pork belly, or “The Prawnster” which marries shrimp and lobster), and signature Peri-Peri deep fried rotisserie chicken. Sides like grilled cauliflower, South African yellow rice, mac & cheese, and candied sweet potatoes round out the menu, and local beer and private label South African wines will quench the heat of homemade hot sauce that ups the flavor factor of everything on the menu.
Designed to invoke the look and feel of shantytowns in chef Friedman's native country, the space incorporates lots of hand painted tables and wall elements in bright yellows, greens, blues, reds, and black. Comparisons to the South African flag colors are intentional, as are the subtle invitations to introduce guests to the culture and influence gifted by South Africa to the rest of the world. Painted murals by local artist Jon Garner depict South Africans Elon Musk (representing innovation), Nelson Mandela (representing inspiration), and Charlize Theron (representing compassion) and a hallway of pop art leads guests to the restrooms.
Peppered throughout the space are words and phrases in English and their Afrikaans variations so diners can get a little linguistic lesson while enjoying their meals, and true to Peli Peli form a unique LED lighting system and black light elements ensure there is never a bland visual moment.
Before Peli Peli Kitchen makes its Houston debut on Wednesday, catch your first glimpse of the space thanks to Eater photographer Ellie Sharp.
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