The Port Of Peri Peri - Bothell — Restaurant in Bothell

In September, Port of Peri Peri opened its doors, marking a defining moment for Seattle's halal food scene. A nationwide favorite zabiha halal chain finally making its way to the Pacific Northwest was big news for foodies across the region. I know I’m late to the party, but here I am, over two months later, ready to see if it lives up to the hype.

Stepping inside, I’m pleasantly impressed by the thoughtful interior. The simulated interplay of lighting and shadows creates an inviting ambiance that feels both cozy and modern. Corners with couches beckon me to sit back and relax—perfect for sipping on their teas or coffees alongside some sweet or savory crisps.

The owners are on-site, warmly greeting customers and taking time to explain their spice levels. In our conversation, they share fascinating details about how their antibiotic free chickens are raised in a dedicated farming community in the heartland of the U.S., as a symbol of their rigorous qualities.

When the food arrives, the chicken thigh and leg immediately steal the show. Its glossy, perfectly charred exterior is irresistible. One bite, and I’m hooked. Smoky, tender, and juicy, the mild peri peri sauce blends beautifully with the meat, creating a rich, tangy, and utterly satisfying bite.

The breast and wing pieces are just as impressive—soft and juicy. For me their dark meat still rules , but especially for those who love savoring the natural flavor of chicken, this is your shot man. A slight lemony tang from the medium peri peri sauce balances the flavors perfectly, letting the quality of the chicken shine.

I pair the chicken with their yellow seasoned rice, and it’s the perfect match. Lightly spiced and aromatic, the rice soaks up the meat sauces beautifully, creating a delicious harmony of heat and savory goodness in every spoonful.

The Cajun wings deliver bold flavors with a solid kick of heat. When the spice level hits its peak, the creamy garlic mayo dip offers the perfect counterbalance. I try the wings in mild, medium, and even bare, and each version has its own charm. The smokiness and slightly charred edges make them completely addictive—finger-licking good!

The sides here are special. The cassava fries boast a crispy exterior and a soft, mushy interior with a gentle hint of spice—perfect if you love that contrast. The potato chips are next level—thinly sliced, fried to a golden crisp, and utterly addictive. I haven’t seen fries like these anywhere else, and they’re a must-try.

The milky corn is a pleasant surprise. Sweet and creamy on its own, it transforms when I drizzle it with peri peri sauce and garlic mayo. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors turns it into a comforting, delicious treat.

The meal ends on a high note with farturas, a classic Portuguese carnival dessert. Similar to churros but even better, these fried delights are served hot and crispy, with a soft, addictive interior. They’re the perfect indulgence to round off the feast.

To finish, I enjoy a cup of Adeni chai. Deeply spiced and bold, it’s a warming, comforting drink. While I’m not the biggest fan of masala chai, I’ve heard rave reviews from friends who are—and for good reason.

Everything about Port of Peri Peri feels thoughtfully crafted. I don’t compare it to Nando’s (since there’s no Nando’s in this part of USA and even the nearest one in Canada isn’t halal.). From the smoky, flavorful juicy meats to the unique sides, refreshing drinks, and addictive desserts, this isn’t just a meal—it’s a culinary journey. Their dedication to quality shines through in every bite, and with so much more to explore on the menu, I’m already planning my next visit.

They have a private clean prayer room, with prayer mats. MashaAllah. Can be converted to a nursing room. They carry Salaam Cola and Yemonade(anti-oppression cola). Thanks ! The cola is amazing , don’t forget to try if you haven’t yet. Prices are a bit expensive, which they attribute to the specially sourced antibiotic free chicken and...

TLDR Inedible food - Raw chicken, stale fries Questionable food safety and handling No staff training, long lines

Port of Peri Peri: A Disastrous Launch I had high hopes for Port of Peri Peri, as our area desperately needs a good peri peri option. Unfortunately, my experience was nothing short of a disaster, earning them a measly 1-star review.

Not only was my food inedible (raw chicken), rock hard stale fries , it cost me $40 and 1.5 of my life.

Chaos and Disorganization The lack of line management was immediately apparent. I waited 15 minutes in a disorganized queue, only to have someone cut in front of me while the staff completely ignored it. I had to confront the person myself. When I finally reached the cashier, it took an excruciating 5 minutes to place a simple order.

Food Safety Nightmares My order was mistakenly prepared for dine-in, but thankfully a manager corrected it. However, the hour-long wait for my food was just the beginning of the problems. The cassava fries were rock-hard and inedible, clearly having sat out for ages. The worst was yet to come: when I got home, I discovered the chicken was RAW.

Management and Training Failures The restaurant's potential is overshadowed by its glaring issues. The staff seemed completely untrained, with children repeatedly being instructed on how to fold a paper bag. It was painful to watch. Basic food safety and handling were nonexistent. I even saw a bag of food placed on the kitchen floor during preparation. When I brought this up to a manager, his dismissive response about it being opening day was appalling.

Conclusion Port of Peri Peri needs a complete overhaul to address its fundamental problems. Until they prioritize food safety and provide proper staff training, I cannot recommend this restaurant. It's a shame, as they have the potential to be a great addition to the area. For now, I'll be steering clear and hoping for significant...

I’ve been to port of peri peri multiple times in Texas. I was super excited for a branch opening here in bothell. This is a nightmare. I am still sitting here and writing this review. I ordered precisely at 2.08pm and right now it is 3:30 pm. I still have no food at my table. When asked for an order update couple of minutes back, the reply was “your order is still 4 orders behind”.

This branch is definitely not upto the mark of the port of peri peri brand. The entire branch is being handled by family members including children and teenagers. No proper staff is causing the chaos. People should be informed prior to ordering that the wait times are long.

They should atleast hire trained staff and trained cooks (unaware of who is cooking since the wait time is this long) I would’ve prepared my own food at my home within 2 hours even if i started from scratch.

The only thing that was upto the mark was the brand advertising which was happening from 2 months.

“This is our first day” is no excuse for stalling over 50 people’s food. I might edit this post later for the taste of the food.

Edit: The food was definitely amazing. Got my order at 3:55pm. The rice in the Chicken and Rice bowl was low on salt. Upon asking a server to provide some salt, we got the reply that “we dont have salt” . But anyways atleast the owners apologised for the delay upon serving the food. Would definitely recommend trying it but maybe after sometime when these guys have had enough time to settle down and get the franchise up and...