What is inside
What is inside Peri Peri Fries?
Peri Peri Fries is crisp fried potatoes tossed in a tangy, chilli-forward seasoning. Here is what is inside it, layer by layer, and why each one is there.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 2 min read
Layers
5 in all
Key ingredient
Potato
Heat
Medium to hot
Served
Hot, shareable
The 5 layers of Peri Peri Fries
Peri Peri Fries is built from 5 parts. They are listed in the order you meet them, and the numbers match the diagram.
The potato
Cut into even sticks, rinsed to remove starch and dried well so they fry crisp.
The first fry
A lower-temperature fry that cooks the inside soft and fluffy without browning.
The second fry
A hotter fry that crisps the outside to a golden shell.
The peri peri seasoning
A blend of chilli, garlic, paprika, salt, lemon and herbs, tossed through while the fries are hot.
The dip
A cooling mayo or yogurt dip, or a chilli sauce, served on the side.
01
What it is made of
The fries are plain, and the seasoning makes the dish. A hot, dry fry takes the seasoning best, which is why it is added straight from the fryer.
- Potatoes
- Oil for frying
- Chilli powder or flakes
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Lemon
02
How the layers work together
Salty, tangy and garlicky, with a heat that builds slowly. The crisp edge and fluffy centre make them easy to eat by the handful, and the lemon keeps them from tasting heavy.
03
Where it comes from
Peri peri, also written piri piri, is a chilli-based seasoning and sauce associated with Portuguese and African cooking. It became popular in Indian cafes as a modern, fusion way to season everything from fries to vada pav.
04
Variations and other names
Cafes serve them in a few styles:
- Cheesy peri peri fries: with melted cheese on top.
- Masala fries: tossed in chaat masala.
- Loaded fries: with sauces and toppings.
- Peri peri wedges: thicker cuts with the same seasoning.
05
How to eat it
Eat them hot, by the handful, with a dip if you like. They are made to share.
06
Peri Peri Fries at Tapri Chai
Peri Peri Fries is $6.99 CAD on our menu. We make it in a 100% vegetarian kitchen at 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa, open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm, closed Mondays.
Questions, answered.
What is Peri Peri Fries made of?
Peri Peri Fries is made of potatoes, oil for frying, chilli powder or flakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt and lemon.
How many layers does Peri Peri Fries have?
Traditionally 5: the potato, the first fry, the second fry, the peri peri seasoning and the dip.
Is Peri Peri Fries vegetarian?
Yes. The traditional recipe is vegetarian, and every dish at Tapri Chai is vegetarian.
Is Peri Peri Fries spicy?
They have a medium to hot heat. A cold drink or lassi helps.
Where can I try Peri Peri Fries in Ottawa?
At Tapri Chai, 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa. Peri Peri Fries is $6.99 CAD on our menu.
At Tapri Chai
Taste it for yourself.
Our kitchen in Barrhaven is 100% vegetarian. 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Ottawa. Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm. Closed Mondays.