Peri Peri It All (Nandos)

Member Name: Hanash84

Product:	Nandos
Date:	29/07/09 (57 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Spice, taste, value for money

Disadvantages: Can get crowded

I remember my first visit to Nando's, at the 02 centre in Finchley Road.
It was my first sighting of this chain, gosh more than 10 years ago now, how time has flied.

Upon browsing the menu and having a peek inside to see what it was about, I finally gave it a go and went inside.

The service and way of ordering is the same as it is now.

You go in, get given a table number that is on a stick, and get some menus.

The menu at my first visit was more like a fast food chain, with meal deals where you got burger, chips and a drink for a pretty reasonable price, under £5 if I remember correctly. However nowadays, the menu has changed and the prices have increased, though it is still reasonable!

Nando's is a portugese restaurant chain that has brought excitement to dining. The restaurants are kitted out with good decor, and often music is played.

The famous peri peri chicken is served here, in a variety of ways. Whole, half, quarter, or in burgers and pitta.
There are plenty of other options avaible too though, such as steak, or veggie options, which are yummy too.

The menu presently has varied a great deal since my first visit, with more variety in the sides, where apart from the chips, there are other options such as sweet potato mash, spicy rice, coleslaw and more!

So once you have chosen your meal, you head to the till and place your order. You then pick pick up plates if you need extra, and there are a selection of sauces which you take to your table if you wish to have them with your meal.
There is also Ketchup, if you prefer.

These sauces come in a range of flavours and spice levels:
Lemon and Herb, Mango and Lime, Medium, Hot and Extra Hot.
There previously used to be a Garlic sauce too, however I am not sure if this is still the case.

Now I will warn you, the sauces are what they say they are, Hot is hot and Extra Hot well...beware! It may blow your socks off, or your mouth at least!

There is a selection of drinks available as well, from beer to wine to soft drinks. The option for bottomless soft drinks is what I tend to go for, as you get given a glass which can be refilled endlessly, which in my experience is needed upon enduring the large portions and spicyness.

What I like about this restaurant is that it has a great atmosphere with a variety of food at an affordable price. The way you order is more like a fast food chain, however the vibe inside is different.
At times I admit there are the teenagers and kiddies in there, but I have found this with a lot of average priced restaurants. The prices vary depending on what you have, but I'd say generally speaking you can get a meal for around £10 including the bottomless drink.

Some of my fave items from the menu are:

Spicy Olives: These olives are devine! They are flavoured with chilli and garlic just to the right balance and come with bits of whole garlic and pepper. Give them a try!

Peri Peri Chicken: This is spiced to your liking and has great flavours! If I am in the mood for chicken on the bone, I go for the half chicken, the quarter sometimes is quite a small portion.

If I fancy a burger, I tend to go for the Veggie or Bean Burger option. Yum.
I always get extras put on too such as cheese and pineapple. More yum.

I usually get chips as a side, with added Peri Peri Spice. I have been trying to figure out for ages what is in this spice, but have not quite got it right. I think it is a mixture of salt and paprika and sugar.

Now I am craving a Nando's. Hopefully soon :)

Summary: A different experience in dining!