Description: Nando's is now one of the most popular chains in the UK thanks to its reasonable prices and the restaurant type atmosphere with fast food. Nando's specialises in chicken dishes from Portugal with flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken served how you like it. The restaurants are well designed with African artwork to adorn the walls and there is always a friendly atmosphere. There are 214 Nando's restaurants in the UK with restaurants in most major towns and cities. There are over 50 in London!
The menu...
The menu is chicken based as you would expect with wraps, pittas, chicken burgers and regular chicken. They have expanded the selection to include steak rolls, vegetarian options and salads which are all reasonably priced. The food can either come by itself, with a side, two sides or a 'fino' side (Portuguese for 'posh') which include ratatouille and sweet potato mash. But generally at Nando's you won't pay more than £10 for the meal. Drinks are reasonably priced and bottomless soft drinks are £2.10. There is a decent selection of desserts which are all priced at £3.95 including chocolate fudge cake and cheesecakes. I generally buy a dessert and then persuade whoever I'm with to get the £2.80 bottomless frozen yoghurt so that I can help myself!
Nando's always offers a take away option where you can call up or pop in and wait for your food to cook. I've never waited more than 10 minutes before which I think is great service. Hopefully one day they will also offer delivery service!
Spice options...
There are 5 different spice options for Nando's chicken.
- Extra hot
- Hot
- Medium
- Lemon and herb
- Mango and lime
The restaurant and how to order...
The restaurants as mentioned earlier are quite similar with African artwork on the walls. The menus and crockery match the art well and the restaurants are generally appealing. You can watch the chicken being made in a lot of them which is quite fun! There is a relaxed vibe at Nando's which is added to by the fact that you serve your own soft drinks, pick up your own cutlery, serviettes and choose your own sauces. There are waiters available when you need them but guests are required to order at the bar, which unfortunately, during peak times results in long queues.
The website...
The Nando's website is excellent. With full menus, an online shop, nutritional information and an events page for children.
Why it is so good...
Nando's is ideal for a quick bite while shopping or an evening out with friends. For me, the real draw is that it's quick food of an excellent standard. The chicken is succulent and you have the option to choose how you want it flavoured and what you want it served with. It's a great place to socialise with a group of friends and perfect for a pre-theatre meal. However, the main issue remains in the queuing for food and the fact that if everyone in your group is paying separately some may have finished before other's food has arrived!
Another big benefit to Nando's are the Nando's loyalty cards! Every time you spend over £6 you get a new stamp on your card. At stamp 3 you can claim a free quarter chicken, at stamp 6 you can claim a free half chicken and after 12, a full chicken awaits!
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