After it was founded in 1987 in South Africa, Nando’s’ success has led bosses to roll out restaurants around the world.
The chain reached the UK in 1992, and by 2021 there were more than 450 of its hugely popular eateries up and down the country. Surprisingly, however, Nando’s hasn’t taken off in the US – where its branches are few and far between.
However, after one opened in Atlanta recently, one American man decided to sample it for himself in a bid to see what all the fuss is about. Following his expereince, he took to Reddit’s UKFood community to share his thoughts – admitting it was a “lesson learned”.
“Was finally able to get over there for lunch today,” he began. “While the staff was great and the place looked great, I have to say the food was…meh. You could say I was ‘whelmed’.”
The man continued: “I went hot and honestly should’ve gotten the extra hot. What I didn’t know is I could have gone naked on the chicken and added the sauce as I went along.”
Despite the contents of his plate looking mouth-watering – half a chicken marinated in peri peri with garlic sauce and accompied by fries, he was left questioning whether he’d ever return.
“Lesson learned if there is a next time,” he concluded. “For what you see in the picture including tip was $30 USD (£22.77). So not something I can do every day. But I can see why it became real popular back when prices were easier to swallow.”
Brits were quick to respond with mixed reactions to his visit. “As a Brit, and a Northerner, I fully do not understand the English obsession with Nando’s,” one explained. “It’s subpar soggy chicken (never ever have I managed to have a crispy one!) with a below average sauce. Honestly, find an independent chicken shop, pay half the price and have a much better experience!”
A second added: “It’s always been just okay. Felt like a step up from the usual fast food which is how it should be. It’s an institution but yeah, just okay.”
Whist a third Redditor agreed: “I never got the hype over Nando’s. It’s fine, I’m never gonna be mad if someone I’m with is dying to eat there, but it’s hardly the religious experience people make it out to be. If I cared enough to try I could probably make better peri peri chicken at home.”
However, one person pointed out Nando’s restaurants change from country to country. “They also adapt the menu per country!” they explained. “For instance skewers aren’t available in the UK! The idea of having naked chicken to put sauce on freaks me out though as it wouldn’t be marinated (if we’re talking about flavour here) and regardless there wouldn’t be no extra cost for choosing a spice. There’s always a sauce bar it’s part of the concept!”
Others defended the chain, backing up exactly why its so popular this side of the Atlantic. “It’s my favourite fast food restaurant,” one Reddit user gushed. “I have the wrap with cheese and pineapple, spicy rice (which I add to the wrap to make it like burrito) and peri fries. If it gets to you fresh and hot then it’s hard to beat.”
And a second detailed their favourite concoction: “Extra hot chicken thighs, garlic bread , tenderstem broccoli and an extra pitta with cheese on the side. I make a garlic bread burger with a thigh and put another in the pitta both with cheese! And ofcouurrsseeee all the wild herb sauce I can get my grubby little hands on.”
