Nando's

Welcome to “Spice Up Your Life: A Guide to Nandos Peri-Peri Chicken”! Nando’s is a beloved global chain of restaurants known for its delicious and fiery Peri-Peri chicken. Originating in South Africa, Nando’s has expanded to over 1000 locations in 35 countries, becoming a favourite spot for those looking for a spicy and flavorful meal. This guide will look at the history of Nandos and Peri-Peri chicken, explore menu favourites, and help you navigate the heat levels of Nandos sauces. We will also delve into vegetarian and gluten-free options and highlight regional variations of Nandos worldwide. We will share tips and recipes for those who want to enjoy Nando’s at home. Whether you’re a regular at Nando’s or trying it for the first time, this guide will give you an in-depth look at all things Nandos Peri-Peri Chicken.

The History of Nandos and Peri-Peri Chicken

The history of Nandos and Peri-Peri chicken can be traced back to Johannesburg, South Africa, in the late 1960s. The first Nando’s restaurant was opened by Robert Brozin and Fernando Duarte, who was inspired by the flavours and spices of Peri-Peri chicken they had tried at a local restaurant. Nando’s is a combination of the first name of one of the founders, Fernando, and the Portuguese word “Nandos”, which means “little boy”.

Peri-Peri sauce, also known as Piri-Piri or African bird’s eye chilli sauce, is a key ingredient in the Nandos menu. The sauce is made from a blend of African bird’s eye chilli peppers, spices, and herbs. The unique flavour and heat of Peri-Peri sauce set Nando’s apart from other chicken restaurants.

Menu favourites: What to Try at Nandos

At Nando’s, the menu star is undoubtedly the Peri-Peri chicken. The chicken is marinated for 24 hours in a blend of spices, lemon and herbs before being flame-grilled to perfection. It comes in various heat levels, from the mild “Lemon & Herb” to the extra hot “Extra Extra Hot”. The chicken can be ordered in various ways, including as a quarter, half or whole bird, in a wrap or burger, or on a skewer as a “Piri-Piri Skewer”.

Another menu favourite at Nando’s is the “Butterflied King Prawns”, which are marinated in a blend of spices and lemon before being flame-grilled. These are often served with peri-peri or garlic butter sauce.

For sides, Nando’s offers a variety of options such as “Peri-Peri Chips”, which are fries with peri-peri seasoning, “Spicy Rice”, which is a blend of rice and spices, and “Portuguese Rolls”, which are warm, fluffy rolls served with a variety of butter spreads.

For vegetarians and vegans, Nando’s offers a range of options such as the “Butternut Squash & Feta Wrap”, which is a wrap filled with roasted butternut squash, feta cheese, and a peri-peri dressing, and the “Vegan Nando’s Burger” which is a vegan patty served with a variety of toppings.

Sauce Guide: Navigating Nando’s Heat Levels

At Nandos, the heat levels of the Peri-Peri sauce range from “Lemon & Herb” to “Extra Extra Hot”. Each heat level is a unique blend of African bird’s eye chilli peppers and spices, allowing customers to choose their desired spiciness. The heat levels are:

Lemon & Herb: The mildest option, this sauce is a blend of lemon, herbs, and just a touch of chilli. It has a tangy and refreshing flavour, making it perfect for those who prefer a milder taste.

Mild: This sauce is a bit spicier than Lemon & Herb, with a balance of chilli and herbs. It has a subtle heat and a hint of garlic.

Medium: This sauce is a bit spicier than Mild, with a more robust chilli flavour. It has a good balance of heat and flavour.

Hot: This sauce is spicier than Medium, with a more robust chilli flavour and a bit of smokiness. It’s a popular choice for those who like a bit of heat.

Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options at Nando’s

Nando’s offers a variety of options for vegetarians and those with gluten sensitivities.

For vegetarians, Nandos offers a “Butternut Squash & Feta Wrap”, a wrap filled with roasted butternut squash, feta cheese, and a peri-peri dressing, and the “Vegan Nando’s Burger”, which is a vegan patty served with a variety of toppings. Additionally, several side options, such as “Spicy Mixed Olives” and “Spicy Rice”, are suitable for vegetarians.

For those with gluten sensitivities, Nandos offers a gluten-free menu that includes options such as the “Gluten-Free Chicken Breast”, which can be ordered in a variety of ways, including as a quarter, half or whole bird, in a wrap or burger, or on a skewer as a “Piri-Piri Skewer”. Additionally, there are several side options, such as “Peri-Peri Chips” and “Spicy Rice”, which are gluten-free.

Nando’s Around the World: Regional Variations

Nandos is a global chain of restaurants with locations in 35 countries around the world. While the menu is mainly consistent across locations, some regional variations exist in different countries.

In the UK and Ireland, Nandos offers “Halloumi Sticks”, skewered and grilled halloumi cheese served with a peri-peri dip. The UK and Ireland locations also offer a “Halloumi and Veg Wrap” filled with grilled halloumi cheese, mixed peppers, and a peri-peri dressing.

In Australia, Nando’s offers a “Prawn Skewer”, which is marinated in peri-peri sauce and grilled. Additionally, the Australian locations offer a “Prawn and Chorizo Skewer”, which is marinated in peri-peri sauce, and grilled with chorizo.

Conclusion

Nando’s Peri-Peri Chicken is a delicious and unique dining experience that offers a variety of flavours to spice up your life. Whether you prefer a milder taste or a fiery kick, Nandos has a sauce to suit your taste buds. The restaurant’s Afro-Portuguese heritage is reflected in the food, and the lively atmosphere makes it an excellent spot for a casual meal with friends and family. With its wide range of options, Nandos is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add excitement to their dining routine.

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