The African Bird’s Eye Chili

The Tiny Pepper That Packs a Punch

Don’t underestimate the African Bird’s Eye chili. This small, fiery pepper (often just 1–2 cm long) is proof that big things come in small packages. Known locally as peri-peri or piri-piri, it thrives in Africa’s hot climate and has become a staple in global cuisine.

On the Scoville Scale, these chilies clock in at 50,000–175,000 SHU, about 10 times hotter than a jalapeño. Despite their heat, they also deliver a bright, citrusy flavor, making them perfect for marinades, sauces, and grilled meats.

One of their most famous uses is peri-peri sauce, made popular in Portuguese-African cuisine. This tangy, spicy condiment has traveled the globe, from Mozambique to South Africa to backyard grills everywhere.

At Wild Side Pepper Company, we admire peppers that punch above their weight. Bird’s Eye chilies prove that heat and flavor can come in small, fiery packages.