The Arrival
After finishing a long day at work, I was really craving some comforting food. I decided to head to Pepe’s Piri Piri – The Home of Fresh Flame-Grilled Chicken. Although Pepe’s is mainly known for its chicken, I had read that they offer a few vegetarian options too, so I was curious to check it out for myself. This particular visit was to the East Ham branchin East London (postcode E6 1HZ), which is part of their franchise network.
First Impressions
As I stepped into Pepe’s Piri Piri East Ham, there were a few people already enjoying their meals. The setup here is self-service — you simply join the queue to place your order at the counter, then wait for your food to be prepared before choosing a seat. The atmosphere was pleasant, with modern wall designs and a good mix of seating. There were both booth-style options and regular chairs, so you can pick whichever feels more comfortable.
Ordering and Atmosphere
The menu at Pepe’s Piri Piri East Ham is displayed clearly on screens above the counter, making it easy to browse while you wait. There’s also a QR code for leaving feedback, a self-serve drinks machine, and you get a glimpse into the kitchen, which I always think adds to the experience.
It’s worth noting that the restaurant can get quite busy, especially with delivery drivers popping in to collect online orders. I decided to sit near the back of the restaurant where it was a little quieter — a good tip if you’re looking for a more chilled-out spot to enjoy your meal.
Impressive Veggie Options at Pepe’s Piri Piri
I was genuinely impressed with the vegetarian options at Pepe’s Piri Piri East Ham. Usually, when I visit a chicken-focused restaurant, I’m lucky to find a basic veggie burger on the menu. But here, I was spoilt for choice! They offered a Paneer Rice Box, Paneer Wrap, Paneer Burrito, Paneer Salad, and of course, the usual Veggie Burger.
I went with the Paneer Rice Meal, which included the rice box, peri chips, and a drink — I chose a bottle of water. The total came to £9.30, which I thought was reasonable for a full meal.
I also decided to add a corn on the cob to my order. The server asked what flavour I’d like, and there were quite a few to choose from: Mango & Lime, Lemon & Herb, Mild, Hot, and Extra Hot. I went for hot, of course! You also get a sauce with your meal, and I picked their Hot Chilli Sauce. If you’re feeling extra saucy, you can purchase additional dips for 50p each.
Quick Service and Fresh Food at Pepe’s Piri Piri East Ham
Once I placed my order and paid, I was told there would be an approximate 10-minute wait for my meal. I didn’t mind at all — it’s always a good sign when your food is freshly prepared. I was handed a receipt with my order number, which would be called out when my food was ready.
After a short wait, my number was called, and I headed to the counter to collect my meal. The server kindly asked if I’d like any ketchup — which is free of charge, by the way. You can also help yourself to cutlery, napkins, and hand sanitiser if needed, all conveniently placed nearby. A nice, simple system that works well during busy times.
First Impressions of the Meal
I must admit, when my food was served on the tray, it looked amazing. The colours, the presentation, the portion size — everything looked so inviting. My mouth was literally watering at this point. You could tell it was freshly made, and I couldn’t wait to tuck into the paneer rice box with peri chips. First impressions really do count, and Pepe’s did a great job here.
Tucking In – Veggie Feast at Pepe’s
I have to admit, it was a lot of food for one person – I couldn’t quite finish it all! But the taste was spot on. The paneer was cooked well, the rice was nicely seasoned, and the peri chips had just the right amount of spice. I know it’s not the healthiest meal out there, but sometimes you just need a bit of comfort food — and this really hit the spot. I was genuinely impressed by the flavour and portion size.
Final Thoughts – Is Pepe’s Worth It for Vegetarians?
If you’re a vegetarian like me and ever find yourself wondering whether a chicken shop is worth visiting – Pepe’s Piri Piri might just surprise you. The East Ham branch was clean, well-organised, and had a wide selection of veggie options that went beyond the usual token burger. The Paneer Rice meal was delicious, filling, and full of flavour.
For under £10, I felt like I got a proper sit-down meal, and the option to customise spice levels and sauces was a bonus. If you’re nearby or just fancy something different, Pepe’s is a solid option for vegetarian fast food in East London.
