Peli Peli's Exciting New Espetadas

There are now two new delicious Espetadas to choose from at Peli Peli. Photo by Jamie Alvear.

If you're on social media, chances are you've seen a video or two of a hanging meat skewer dripping with garlic butter. That my friends, is an Espetada, which means "skewered beef" in Portuguese. The Espetada is a specialty served at Peli Peli on a custom designed skewer and stand created by co-owner and Chef Paul Friedman. The entree is typically available in chicken or beef, but for a limited time guests can order pork belly, bacon-wrapped seafood, or a extra large 12-ounce portion of the filet.

Peli Peli is a South African restaurant with three locations in the Houston-area, Katy, Galleria and Vintage Park. Chef Friedman plays homage to the many cultural influences in South Africa, including Portugal, which results in Peli Peli's diverse menu. 

A drizzle of the Huguenot topping gives the Pork Belly Espetada an extra wow factor. Photo by Jamie Alvear.

These are no ordinary roasted potatoes. Photo by Jamie Alvear.

​The pork belly espetada has tender braised pork belly that is deep fried and then layered with chunks of caramelized pineapple. It's served with sauteed spinach and roasted potatoes for $32. The best part is the Huguenot topping (creamy blue cheese, raspberry chipotle sauce and bacon bits) that can be drizzled on top for an extra dose of yum!

Seafood lovers will enjoy the bacon-wrapped seafood espetada. Scallops, shrimp and kingklip are wrapped in bacon and served with a spicy peri-peri sauce. Kingklip is a firm white-fleshed fish with a delicate flavor that is popular in South Africa. The skewer comes with spinach, roasted potatoes and carrot bredie for $46.

Expand you palate by trying one of several South African wines at Peli Peli. Photo by Jamie Alvear.

The Cape Town Cucumber Martini is a bargain during happy hour. Photo by Jamie Alvear.

Don't miss Peli Peli's new Summer of 69 Happy Hour. Available Monday to Friday from 2 to 7 p.m., there are 9 items to choose from for just $6. Not hungry enough for a full espetada? You can still enjoy the same great taste in an Espe-taco. Or munch on some Frikadelle meatballs while enjoying half-off wine, beer and select cocktails. 

Dessert is a must at Peli Peli so be sure to save room. The Sticky Toffee Pudding is popular, but the Sticky Toffee Pudding Cheesecake takes the classic British dessert to another level. A Melktart (milktart) is a typical South African dessert, but Peli Peli adds their own twist to it. Their Melktart is thicker and creamier with a graham cracker crust and a homemade honeycomb topping. 

Peli Peli puts their own spin on the South African classic Melktart. Photo by Jamie Alvear.