The Humble Beginnings of Nando's
In the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa, a flavorful journey began in 1987. Robert Brozin and Fernando Duarte, two entrepreneurs with a passion for good food and warm hospitality, stumbled upon a small restaurant called Chickenland. The restaurant, founded by Portuguese immigrants, served a unique blend of Portuguese and African flavors that captivated the taste buds of the locals. Enchanted by the aromas and flavors of the restaurant, Brozin and Duarte decided to take a leap of faith and buy the restaurant, renaming it Nando’s.
The Spirit of PERi-PERi
The magic of Nando’s lay in its secret ingredient: PERi-PERi, a spicy chili pepper sauce that originated in Mozambique. This fiery condiment, made from a blend of chili peppers, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs, was the heart and soul of Nando’s cuisine. The PERi-PERi sauce added a depth of flavor that was both tantalizing and addictive, leaving customers craving for more. As Nando’s grew in popularity, the PERi-PERi sauce became an integral part of the brand’s identity, symbolizing the spicy and vibrant spirit of the restaurant.
A Spicy Revolution
Nando’s quickly gained a loyal following in Johannesburg, with customers flocking to the restaurant to experience the bold flavors and warm hospitality. The restaurant’s success was not limited to its food; the atmosphere was equally captivating, with vibrant decor and lively music that transported customers to the sun-kissed savannas of Africa. As the popularity of Nando’s continued to grow, Brozin and Duarte began to explore opportunities to share their culinary vision with the world.
Global Expansion and Innovation
In 1992, Nando’s opened its first international restaurant in Tooting, London. The UK market was initially skeptical, but the restaurant’s unique flavors and warm atmosphere quickly won over the hearts of the British public. As Nando’s expanded globally, the brand continued to innovate, introducing new menu items and cooking techniques that stayed true to its PERi-PERi roots. Today, Nando’s has over 1,000 restaurants in 35 countries, each one a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality, flavor, and community.
🌶️ Note: Nando's PERi-PERi sauce is made from a secret blend of ingredients, but the core components are chili peppers, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs.
Community and Social Responsibility
Nando’s has always been more than just a restaurant; it’s a gathering place for friends and family. The brand’s commitment to community and social responsibility is evident in its various initiatives, from supporting local farmers to promoting arts and culture. Nando’s has also been recognized for its sustainable practices, reducing energy consumption and waste in its restaurants.
The Nando's Experience
Walking into a Nando’s restaurant is an immersive experience that awakens the senses. The vibrant decor, lively music, and mouth-watering aromas all combine to create an atmosphere that’s both energetic and welcoming. From the signature PERi-PERi chicken to the fresh salads and sides, every dish on the menu is crafted to delight the taste buds. Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking for a flavor adventure, Nando’s has something for everyone.
| Menu Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 1/4 Chicken | Tender and juicy chicken marinated in PERi-PERi sauce |
| Chicken Pittas | Soft pitta bread filled with PERi-PERi chicken, lettuce, and tomato |
| Veggie Burger | A flavorful veggie burger patty topped with PERi-PERi sauce and avocado |
As the sun sets on another flavorful day, Nando’s continues to inspire a love of good food, warm hospitality, and community. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the magic of PERi-PERi, Nando’s invites you to join the flavorful journey.
What is PERi-PERi sauce?
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PERi-PERi sauce is a spicy chili pepper sauce that originated in Mozambique. It’s made from a blend of chili peppers, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs.
Where did Nando’s originate?
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Nando’s originated in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1987.
How many Nando’s restaurants are there worldwide?
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There are over 1,000 Nando’s restaurants in 35 countries worldwide.
