Nando’s, the South African-born fast food chain known for its peri-peri chicken, has captured hearts (and stomachs) around the world. Despite its success, however, the chain hasn’t quite taken off in the US, where branches remain few and far between.
One American man, eager to understand the Nando’s phenomenon, recently ventured to a newly opened Atlanta location. After his experience, he took to Reddit’s UKFood community to share his thoughts, admitting he was left underwhelmed.
“Was finally able to get over there for lunch today,” he wrote. “While the staff was great and the place looked great, I have to say the food was…meh. You could say I was ‘whelmed.'”
He 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 appealing image of his half-chicken marinated in peri-peri with garlic sauce and fries, he questioned whether he’d 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.”
His post sparked a lively debate among British Reddit users. Some shared his sentiment, finding Nando’s to be overhyped and overpriced.
“As a Brit, and a Northerner, I fully do not understand the English obsession with Nando’s,” one commenter 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!” Another 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.”
However, others defended the chain, highlighting its popularity and the variations in its menu across different countries.
“They also adapt the menu per country!” one person pointed out. “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!”
Many shared their favorite Nando’s dishes, emphasizing the quality of the food when served fresh and hot.
“It’s my favourite fast food restaurant,” one 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.” Another detailed their preferred order: “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 of course, all the wild herb sauce I can get my grubby little hands on.”
The American visitor’s experience highlights the subjective nature of food preferences and the cultural influence on our perceptions of popular chains. While Nando’s may not have conquered the American palate, it remains a beloved institution in the UK and other parts of the world, offering a unique blend of flavor, affordability, and customization options.
