Yellow Chilli Restaurant has established itself as a favourite dining destination among Lagosians.
With two outlets in Lagos, one in Ikeja and the other on Victoria Island, the Ikeja branch is mostly preferred for enjoying African and Nigerian meals on the mainland.
The restaurant is perfect for enjoying a meal with friends, hosting business lunch meetings, gathering with family, or unwinding after a busy day.
We visited their Ikeja outlet to explore the menu and to find out what makes Yellow Chilli special.
- Menu variety – 8/10
- Food Quality – 6/10
- Service – 7/10
- Ambience – 8/10
- Value for money – 6/10
- Hygiene standards – 8/10
- Accessibility – 9/10
- Consistency – 7/10
- Innovation – 5/10
- Sustainability – 6/10
- Waiting time – 6/10
- Online presence – 8/10
- Special features – 7/10
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Menu Variety
Yellow Chilli boasts an extensive menu divided into nine sections: The Prelude, Tango for Two, Light Symphony, Signature Melodies, Old Faithfuls, Classic Staples, Out of Africa, Extras, and Drinks.
This diverse range ensures there is something for everyone, catering to various dietary needs and preferences.
The Prelude offers appetizers like pepper soup, Nkwobi, spicy stewed snails or prawns to kickstart your meal, while Tango for Two features dishes like a flavourful plate of isi-ewu or a seafood basket perfect for sharing.
Light Symphony includes lighter options like chicken with french fries or yam pottage. Signature Melodies showcases the restaurant’s unique dishes, and Old Faithfuls features beloved Nigerian classics.
Classic Staples presents familiar continental options like white rice, fried rice and Jollof rice, while Out of Africa highlights flavors from across the continent. Extras provide additional sides, and the Drinks section offers a variety of beverages to complement your meal.
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Food Quality
We ordered potato fries and chicken, priced at N6,000. The fries were crispy and well-seasoned, while the chicken was tender and flavourful. .
The potato fries and chicken were served with roughly chopped tomato, onion, and pepper sauce, which was delicious..
Next, we tried the delicious white rice with ’obe-dindin’ sauce, costing N6,500. The rice was perfectly cooked, and the sauce added a rich, peppery depth to the dish. This sauce also had an overwhelming crayfish flavour, with chunks of assorted meats in it.
We also ordered plantains as a side to complement the rice and ’obe-dindin stew for N2,000. The plantains were pleasantly crispy, served as three long slices instead of the usual oval-shaped pieces.
For drinks, we opted for mocktails. The Tutti Frutti, priced at N3,000, was sweet, colourful, and cold, served in a tall glass with a cucumber slice. The Rocky Sandy, also N3,000, had a lemon flavour with an overpowering bitter taste.
Service
The service started off a bit rocky. When we first entered, the staff seemed somewhat standoffish. However, this initial impression quickly changed once we placed our order.
The staff proved to be friendly, efficient, and professional. They were attentive to our needs and willing to help with anything we required, making sure our dining experience was pleasant.
Ambience
The restaurant’s interior was modern, with a stylish and welcoming atmosphere. The indoor dining area was dimly lit, and the air conditioning was working well, keeping the entire restaurant cool and conducive for a comfortable meal.
The restaurant was also impeccably clean. After customers left, a waiter promptly cleaned the area, ensuring a consistently tidy environment.
The exterior was landscaped with flowers, plants, a charming walkway and a terrace for outdoor dining. ,
Value for Money
The serving sizes were generous, and the quality of the food and service was high, making the prices quite reasonable.
The only issue we encountered was the plantain portion, which was just three slices for N2,000. Despite this, the meals were flavourful and well-prepared, offering great value for the pricing.
The overall dining experience, combining quality food and attentive service, justifies the cost.
Hygiene Standards
The dining area was kept neat at all times, with staff promptly cleaning up after customers. The restrooms were also clean, though they offered limited ventilation and lighting.
A notable feature was the diaper changing table in the women’s restroom, which is a thoughtful addition for women with babies.
Location
Yellow Chilli Restaurant in Ikeja GRA is conveniently located on 35 Joel Ogunnaike Street, making it easy to find.
The restaurant provides parking space within its building, ensuring convenience for those arriving by car. However, we did not notice any wheelchair-accessible stairs or areas, which could be a limitation for some guests. Dining upstairs will be difficult for guests who have mobility issues due to the stairs. However, they can dine outside on the terrace.
Consistency
Although this was our first time dining at Yellow Chilli Restaurant, the quality of our meals and the large number of customers present indicated a high level of consistency.
The dishes were carefully prepared, and many diners appeared to be regulars, confidently placing their orders without browsing the menu.
This suggests that Yellow Chilli reliably delivers the same quality of food and service over time, contributing to its popularity among Lagosians.
Innovation
The menu is accessible online via a QR code placed on all tables, allowing customers to easily browse and order using their phones. This modern approach adds convenience and a touch of technology to the dining experience.
The presentation of the dishes also reflects a high level of creativity and expertise. Meals are served on plates placed in steel dishes, which are then brought to the table.
This method not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also ensures that the food remains warm until served.
Sustainability
In terms of waste management, Yellow Chilli uses reusable plastic containers for serving takeout meals, which helps to minimise single-use plastic waste.
We assume that since most of their meals are Nigerian dishes, they would probably prioritise using locally sourced ingredients for their meals to support local farmers and markets. We were unable to confirm this from the management.
Waiting time
Due to their commitment to preparing meals fresh to order, our experience indicated longer waiting times.
On our visit, we waited for an hour until our food was served, which proved to be quite inconvenient.
Online Presence and Ease of Reservations
While their social media accounts may not have recent interactions with followers, their website is i well-designed, providing comprehensive details about the restaurant’s location, menu offerings, and overall ambience.
The website is regularly updated, ensuring accuracy and relevance for potential customers seeking information or making reservations online.
Special Features
While they do not offer unique features such as live music or themed dining experiences, Yellow Chilli caters to group services.
They have a special outdoor space for rental to accommodate small event gatherings with a maximum of 20 people. This provides a venue suitable for intimate celebrations or business meetings or conferences Their outdoor rental space costs N300,000, which includes buffet-style meals.
They also offer private dining for customers who prefer an exclusive or personal dining experience. This costs N20,000 per hour.
This service-oriented approach allows them to cater to specific customer needs beyond typical dining experiences.