About Calisto’s
Family recipes since 1992
Authentic peri-peri sauce since 1992
From Jorge Calisto’s Portuguese restaurant in Turffontein to The Sauce Kitchen, over 50 sauces and spices handcrafted in South Africa.
The story behind Calisto’s peri-peri sauce
In 1992, Jorge Calisto opened the original Calisto’s Portuguese restaurant in Turffontein.
Driven by his passion for authentic Portuguese cuisine, he began creating his own sauces, spices and marinades, quickly earning a devoted following.
One standout was his signature peri-peri sauce, a bold and fiery blend that brought hot sauce lovers from across Gauteng to the table.
Over time, Jorge’s dedication to quality and flavour turned Calisto’s into more than a restaurant. It became a destination known for real taste and real tradition.
Building a flavour legacy
By 2010, Calisto’s had grown into a beloved brand, paving the way for national franchising. To keep quality consistent, Jorge launched The Sauce Kitchen, a dedicated facility to manufacture, bottle and distribute his sauces to every location.
As the brand expanded, so did The Sauce Kitchen, becoming a full-scale operation in 2012. Today it produces over 50 sauce and spice products, sold by retailers across South Africa and in a number of other countries.
Bring authentic flavours home
At the heart of Calisto’s is a commitment to bold flavour and family tradition.
Guided by the belief that great food brings people together, we still make handcrafted peri-peri sauce with the same care. From our table to yours, made for braais, meals and special memories.
