Sabor Piri Piri, founded by Candido Gadaga, has been a staple at farmers markets in Pacific Beach, North Park, Oceanside, Little Italy, La Jolla, and Hillcrest, where it gained a loyal following for its authentic Southeast African flavors. The new 480-square-foot eatery, which marks the first brick-and-mortar location for Sabor Piri Piri, brings a unique blend of Mozambican-inspired cuisine and spicy chicken dishes to the Parco development, a mixed-use complex that opened in October 2021 adjacent to the Market on 8th Food Hall in National City.
The restaurant's menu is rooted in Mozambican traditions, featuring vegan and chicken curry bowls, samosas, and vegan wings tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce made with their signature piri-piri hot sauce. The restaurant also produces its own bottled piri-piri sauce, available for purchase online, which adds a mild heat to dishes like the Red Chicken Curry. Other offerings include chicken peanut curry, broccoli sweet potato with peanut curry, and black-eyed peas with kale in a coconut curry, often served over rice in environmentally safe containers. For a beverage, their strawberry lemonade, made with agave instead of sugar, provides a refreshing complement.
Candido, who grew up in Mozambique where cooking was a family affair, moved to San Diego to pursue music but found his calling in food. His culinary journey began with catering events, drawing on the resourcefulness of his upbringing - using every part of ingredients like pumpkins, from leaves to seeds. His dishes reflect this philosophy, blending traditional Mozambican flavors with influences from neighboring countries, often incorporating spices like piri-piri, garlic, and coriander. The addition of West Coast Hot Chicken to the concept introduces a broader appeal, catering to chicken lovers with bold, spicy flavors while maintaining vegan options for inclusivity.
For years, Candido has navigated the demanding farmers market circuit, often working 10-12 hour days to prepare and serve his food. The new restaurant fulfills his long-held dream of a permanent space where customers can come to him, offering a more stable platform to showcase his culinary talents. The menu retains favorites from the markets, including three types of samosas - vegan, breakfast samosas for the morning, and chicken samosas - alongside curry bowls and vegan wings for plant-based diners.
Sabor Piri Piri East African Kitchen & West Coast Hot Chicken is now open at 804 B Avenue in San Diego's South Bay city of National City. For more information, visit saborpiripirikitchen.com.
For years, Candido has navigated the demanding farmers market circuit, often working 10-12 hour days to prepare and serve his food. The new restaurant fulfills his long-held dream of a permanent space where customers can come to him, offering a more stable platform to showcase his culinary talents. The menu retains favorites from the markets, including three types of samosas - vegan, breakfast samosas for the morning, and chicken samosas - alongside curry bowls and vegan wings for plant-based diners.
Sabor Piri Piri East African Kitchen & West Coast Hot Chicken is now open at 804 B Avenue in San Diego's South Bay city of National City. For more information, visit saborpiripirikitchen.com.
Originally published on March 19, 2025.