Where does peri peri come from?
Portuguese explorers arrived on the coast of Southeast Africa in the 1400s and discovered the African Bird's Eye chili pepper. They blended it with garlic, lemon, and olive oil to make marinades for grilled meat. That combination became a staple everywhere the Portuguese traveled — Angola, Goa, Macau. Peri peri chicken got most popular in Southern Africa, where it's still everyday food. Nando's, the global chain, is a commercialized version of this tradition. There's no Nando's in New York — the closest are in DC and Chicago.
What makes peri peri chicken different?
People hear "spicy chicken" and think buffalo wings or Nashville hot. Peri peri doesn't fit in that category. The marinade goes on first, not after — the chicken sits in it for at least 12 hours, so the flavor goes all the way through the meat. It's grilled, never fried. Open flame, real char. The heat is adjustable — 7 levels from zero heat to blistering extra hot. The African Bird's Eye chili brings fruity, tangy heat with almost berry-like notes that open up over the flame.
What is the African Bird's Eye chili?
The African Bird's Eye chili (Capsicum frutescens) is tiny — 2–3 centimeters — but hits 50,000 to 175,000 on the Scoville scale. That's habanero territory. It has citrus on the front, slow berry sweetness, and an herbal finish. All of that opens up when you grill with it.
How is peri peri chicken made?
At Peri Peri Grill House, three steps:
(1) Overnight marinade — minimum 12 hours in African Bird's Eye chili, garlic, lemon, herbs, and oil.
(2) Flame-grilled to order — open flame, cooked fresh. No heat lamps.
(3) Basted with your chosen heat level as it comes off the grill.
What are the peri peri heat levels?
We offer seven heat levels on the Peri Scale, so everyone from heat-averse to fire-seekers can find their place:
| Level | Flavor Profile | Heat |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon & Herb | Citrusy bright | None |
| Mango Passion | Sweet tropical | None |
| Garlic & Herb | Savory roasted garlic | None |
| Jerk BBQ | Smoky Caribbean | Mild warmth |
| Mild | Balanced peri peri | Medium |
| Hot | Serious Bird's Eye heat | Hot |
| Extra Hot | Maximum heat | Very hot |
Is peri peri chicken halal?
At Peri Peri Grill House, yes. 100% halal certified at both Brooklyn and Bethpage. Always check with each specific restaurant — not all peri peri spots are halal. Read our full breakdown of halal peri peri chicken.
Where to get peri peri chicken in NYC and Long Island
Peri peri is still rare in New York. There's no Nando's in NYC. Peri Peri Grill House opened in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn in 2018 and added Bethpage, Long Island. The New York Times reviewed us in 2019. Gothamist featured us in 2024. 700+ Google reviews across both locations.
Ready to try it?