South African Cuisine Finds A Home In Houston

When people think of South African cuisine, it can be difficult to imagine what is on the plate. One of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, the “Rainbow Nation” draws influences from the British, Dutch, French, Indians, as well as the Portuguese. South African chef and entrepreneur Paul Friedman has lived in the great state of Texas for many years, but it wasn’t until he joined up with two University of Texas graduates and fraternity brothers Michael Tran and Thomas Nguyen, that the concept behind Peli Peli Restaurants came into focus. The idea wasn’t to just recreate authentic South African cuisine in a new location, but rather to draw on the inspiration and heart of the country itself – a blend of exotic, complex, and sometimes uncommon combinations that bring out something unique and special.

[jwplayer 3ss0h6Kf-RnIdcM25]

When their original Peli Peli fine dining restaurant launched in 2009 in the wake of the housing crisis that crippled Houston’s economy, the business prevailed. The blend of sweet, savory, tart, and rich dishes found a natural home in one of the most diverse cities in the United States. The blending of South Africa’s original settlers has now culminated with Houston’s own diverse combination of ethnicities in delicious harmony, and the community has supported them in full. In return, Peli Peli has become a restaurant that gives back to the home it’s dubbed “The Rainbow City.”

Hosting several community charity events with local hospitals and schools, giving back has become the driving force of the company culture and mentality. Since then, the trifecta of Friedman, Tran, and Nguyen have opened two other restaurants in the heart of Houston’s Midtown Galleria district, as well as a fast-casual concept Peli Peli Kitchen, and with more planned to open this year. While the restaurant chain continues to expand, at the heart of each establishment is the same motivation – there should be no excuse for anyone, whether locality, economically, or otherwise, to not be able to enjoy their food and family.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.