Flame-grilled chicken, rustic ambience and that unmistakable Peri-Peri sauce — ladies and gentlemen, Nando’s on Indiranagar’s 12th Main will keep you well fed and happy! Following the trademark Nando’s set-up, this one also reflects the Afro-Portuguese heritage the brand stands for. So expect earthy textures, wooden furniture, walls splashed with quirky paintings and even some South American art (the chain originated there, you see). Oh, and music to match this décor. Bring on the happy vibes.
Without looking at the menu even, the Peri-Peri chicken was ordered — extra hot, with herb rice and Peri-Peri fries. Then we looked at the menu. To start with, we ordered the Chicken Livers and Portuguese Roll and the Portuguese Nata or an egg tart. Dunked in the mild hot sauce, the liver really soaks up the flavours. Slightly disappointed with the Nata, we gave it up in favour of the mains — Moroccan Butternut & Grilled Peppers Chicken Burger and Mushroom, Halloumi & Chilli Jam Burger. The former was a fillet of the grilled chicken with rocket, and bell peppers brought together with the Peri-Peri sauce. The second burger has us hunting for the halloumi (which we did find, but not as much as we’d hoped) and the bird’s eye chilli, wasn’t a patch on the in-house sauce.
We have no complaints with the signature dish though. Grilled to perfection, the marinade had seeped into the chicken skin which in turn was grilled to a crisp. If you don’t like getting messy with chicken on the bone, opt for the Chicken Tenders with Herb Rice or the Espetada Carnival — skewered with feta, parsley and veggies. We must mention that it’s not as spicy as it used to be or is in other countries. We really had to load up on the extra hot sauce for that quintessential punch. Vegetarian? No problem. Try the Mushroom Paneer Wrap and Cataplana Algarve (Peri-Peri paneer, cataplana sauce, and chickpeas).
We’d be lying if we didn’t say we’re super excited that they’ve brought their loyalty card programme (gets you free or discounted meals). But even more so that frozen yoghurt and sodas are bottomless – buy one and keep refuelling until you collapse.