
If you are wondering what is on the Nando’s menu, the short answer is flame-grilled chicken, PERi-PERi flavour and plenty of ways to customise your meal. The restaurant is best known for chicken marinated with its signature African Bird’s Eye chilli sauce, but the menu can also include burgers, wraps, salads, sharing platters, sides and plant-based dishes. Whether you want a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner or a meal with friends, understanding the menu makes it easier to choose a heat level, portion and combination that suits you.
Nando’s menus differ by country and restaurant, so particular dishes, prices and promotions may vary. Still, the core idea is consistent: pick a main, choose your preferred spice level, add sides and decide whether you want to eat in, order takeaway or use a delivery service. Here is a practical guide to what you can typically expect from the Nando’s menu.
What Is on the Nando’s Menu?
The Nando’s menu centres on PERi-PERi chicken, prepared over an open flame and served with your choice of seasoning or sauce. Guests can order chicken on its own, combine it with sides or choose a dish that makes it easier to eat on the go. Many locations also offer non-chicken mains, including vegetarian or plant-based options, alongside familiar sides and desserts.
A typical menu may include:
- Flame-grilled chicken portions, from wings to a whole chicken
- Chicken burgers, pitas and wraps
- Chicken or plant-based bowls and salads
- Sharing platters and family-style meals
- Side dishes such as chips, rice, corn or coleslaw
- Drinks, sauces and desserts
Not every restaurant offers every item. Some dishes are seasonal, and regional menus may include local favourites or different portion sizes. Check the menu for your location before visiting if you are looking for a specific meal.
PERi-PERi Chicken and Spice Levels
PERi-PERi is the flavour that makes Nando’s distinctive. The chicken is marinated and flame-grilled, then seasoned or finished with a sauce. The result can be smoky, savoury, tangy and spicy, depending on your selection. You can often choose how much heat you want, making it possible to order a mild meal or opt for a much bolder chilli kick.
Spice labels and names vary between countries, but menus commonly offer a progression from no or very little heat to medium, hot and extra hot. A mild option is a good starting point if you are sensitive to chilli. If you enjoy heat but are unsure about the strongest sauce, consider ordering a medium level first or asking for extra sauce on the side. That way, you can adjust the flavour as you eat.
Spice is only one part of the experience. Different sauces may bring garlic, citrus, herbs or smoky notes, so choosing a hotter option does not necessarily mean choosing a more complex flavour. Sauces and seasonings may also be available separately at the table or counter, depending on the restaurant.
Chicken Portions, Burgers, Wraps and Pitas
If you want to focus on grilled chicken, a portion such as wings, a breast or a leg may be available. Some menus also offer combinations or a whole chicken intended for sharing. Portion sizes and names differ by location, so use the menu descriptions to compare what is included and how many people a platter is designed to serve.
Burgers, wraps and pitas are convenient choices if you prefer chicken served with bread and fillings. These meals typically combine grilled chicken with a sauce, salad or other toppings. They can be easier to eat quickly than a traditional chicken-and-sides plate, while still letting you select your preferred flavour or heat level. Where offered, plant-based fillings can provide a similar format without chicken.
For diners who want a lighter-feeling main, bowls and salads may be available. These often pair a protein or plant-based option with vegetables, grains or salad ingredients. Check the listed toppings and dressing, since these can affect the dish’s flavour and nutritional profile.
Sides That Complete a Nando’s Meal
Sides are a major part of building a meal from the Nando’s menu. Depending on the location, choices may include chips, rice, corn on the cob, coleslaw, vegetables, salad or other local options. Some sides are mild and familiar, while others may include seasoning or sauce that adds extra heat.
When choosing sides, think about how you want to balance the main. A fresh salad or vegetables can contrast with a rich, spicy chicken dish. Rice or chips can make the meal more filling, while corn or coleslaw adds a different texture. If you are ordering several dishes for a group, sharing a mix of sides lets everyone try more than one combination.
- For a classic plate: Pair grilled chicken with two sides, if that combination is available.
- For a lighter combination: Choose a salad or vegetables alongside your main.
- For sharing: Order a platter with a selection of sides for the table.
- For extra flavour: Ask which sauces or seasonings can be added separately.
Vegetarian, Vegan and Other Dietary Options
Nando’s is famous for chicken, but many restaurants also list vegetarian or plant-based meals. These might include a plant-based burger, wrap, bowl or salad, as well as sides that can be ordered separately. The range depends on the country and individual menu, so do not assume that a dish available at one branch is offered everywhere.
If you have a food allergy, intolerance or other dietary requirement, review the current allergen information for the exact restaurant. Ingredients and preparation procedures can change, and shared kitchens may handle multiple allergens. Ask a staff member for help before ordering, especially if cross-contact could be a concern.
Dietary labels can help you narrow down choices, but they are not a substitute for checking details. Sauces, dressings, marinades and side dishes may contain ingredients that are not immediately obvious. When in doubt, confirm how the item is prepared and whether any substitutions are possible.
Is the Nando’s Menu Good Value?
Whether Nando’s feels like good value depends on your location, appetite and order. A simple main with one or two sides can be a convenient complete meal, while a sharing platter may work well when several people want to eat together. Prices, portion sizes and deals vary, so compare the available combinations rather than judging a meal by the main item alone.
To plan your order, look at what each meal includes. Some options may bundle a main and sides, while others require you to add them separately. If you are eating with a group, a platter can simplify ordering, but individual meals may make it easier for everyone to choose their own spice level and sides. Check the local menu or ordering page for current prices and promotions.
For a more budget-conscious visit, decide what you want before adding extras. A main and a filling side may be enough, while additional sides, drinks and desserts can increase the total. Takeaway and delivery prices may also differ from dine-in prices, and delivery platforms can apply their own fees.
How to Order from the Nando’s Menu
Ordering is straightforward once you know the basic choices. Start by selecting a main, then choose a spice level if the dish allows it. Next, decide on sides, a drink and any extras. If you are unfamiliar with the menu, ask staff to explain the portion sizes or recommend an option based on how much heat you enjoy.
When ordering online, choose the correct restaurant and check the menu carefully. Availability can differ between dine-in, collection and delivery. Read item descriptions for included sides, toppings and sauces so you do not accidentally order duplicates or leave out something you expected. If you have an allergy or a specific dietary need, contact the restaurant directly rather than relying only on a short online description.
For a group order, it helps to collect everyone’s choices in advance. Record each person’s main, spice level and sides clearly. This is especially useful when ordering different heat levels, since a simple mix-up can make a meal less enjoyable for someone who prefers mild food.
Is Nando’s Suitable for Families and Groups?
The menu can work well for groups because it offers different formats, from individual mains to larger sharing meals. Friends can order their own spice levels and sides, while families may find a platter convenient for sharing. The variety of chicken portions, burgers, wraps and sides also gives diners a choice of meal styles rather than a single fixed menu.
Families should check the current menu for child-friendly portions or options, as availability varies. If someone in your group dislikes chilli, a mild choice or sauce served separately may help. For larger groups, check whether the restaurant accepts reservations or has specific ordering arrangements, especially during busy periods.
What Should You Try First?
If it is your first visit, a simple chicken meal with a mild or medium spice level is an easy introduction to the Nando’s menu. Choose sides you already enjoy, then try a little extra sauce separately if you want more heat. If you prefer handheld food, start with a burger, wrap or pita. For a group, a sharing platter offers a chance to sample several items without committing to just one style.
There is no single best order. The right choice depends on your appetite, how much chilli you like and whether you prefer a plated meal or something portable. If you visit more than once, you can explore different sauces, portions and sides to find your favourite combination.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Nando’s Menu
Does Nando’s only serve chicken? No. Chicken is the signature, but many locations also offer sides, salads and vegetarian or plant-based dishes. The exact selection depends on the local menu.
Can you choose how spicy your food is? Many chicken dishes can be ordered at different heat levels. Options and names vary, so check the menu or ask staff what each level means.
Does the Nando’s menu change? Yes. Menus can vary by country and restaurant, and limited-time dishes or promotions may come and go. Check the current local menu for accurate availability and pricing.
Can you order Nando’s for takeaway or delivery? Many locations provide collection or delivery, although service options vary. Confirm availability and prices through the restaurant’s own ordering channel or the relevant delivery service.
Conclusion: Is the Nando’s Menu Worth Exploring?
The Nando’s menu offers more than its well-known PERi-PERi chicken. With a choice of spice levels, chicken portions, burgers, wraps, sides and, in many locations, plant-based meals, it gives diners several ways to build a meal. You can keep your order simple, try a new sauce or share a platter with friends.
Because dishes, prices and dietary information differ by location, check your local menu before ordering. Start with a heat level you enjoy, choose sides that suit your appetite and ask about ingredients if you have dietary needs. Once you know how the menu works, it is easy to find a combination that fits your taste and the occasion.
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