If you’re planning a trip and wondering, “Is there Nando’s in Portugal?”, the short answer is no: Nando’s does not currently have official restaurants in Portugal. You’re unlikely to find a branch in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, or elsewhere in the country. However, Portugal has a strong tradition of grilled chicken seasoned with piri-piri, so it’s easy to find meals that may satisfy a similar craving—even if they aren’t served under the Nando’s name.
Is There Nando’s in Portugal?
No. Nando’s does not currently operate official restaurants in Portugal. The well-known peri-peri chicken chain has locations in several countries, but Portugal is not among its restaurant markets. That means you should not expect to find a Nando’s branch at a Portuguese airport, shopping centre, or city high street.
This can come as a surprise because Nando’s is closely associated with Portuguese-inspired flavours. Its peri-peri sauces draw on the chilli, lemon, garlic, and herbs often used in piri-piri cooking. Portugal is also famous for grilled chicken, which makes the country seem like a natural place for the chain to operate. But the connection between Nando’s and Portuguese food does not mean that the restaurant has locations there.
Restaurant availability can change over time, so it’s sensible to check Nando’s official restaurant locator if you’re planning a future trip. For now, though, the practical answer for visitors is that Portugal has plenty of local chicken restaurants, but no official Nando’s.
Why Isn’t There a Nando’s in Portugal?
Nando’s began in South Africa, with a menu and brand identity shaped by Portuguese and African influences. The company has expanded into a number of international markets, but it has not opened in every country where its flavours might be popular. Restaurant expansion depends on business decisions such as local demand, operating costs, suitable partners, and the company’s plans for each market.
Portugal already has a deeply established culture of grilled chicken and piri-piri seasoning. Local restaurants, neighbourhood churrasqueiras, and takeaway shops serve these dishes in their own styles. That means visitors can find the basic combination of flame-grilled chicken, spice, and sides without needing a familiar international chain.
It’s also useful to distinguish between a food tradition and a restaurant brand. Piri-piri chicken is not exclusive to Nando’s, and the company’s version is only one interpretation of a broader culinary tradition. Portuguese restaurants may use different marinades, cooking methods, sauces, and accompaniments from those you know from Nando’s.
What to Eat Instead of Nando’s in Portugal
If you’re looking for a Nando’s-style meal, try frango assado—roast or grilled chicken—at a local churrasqueira. Many places cook chicken over charcoal or an open flame and offer it whole, by the half, or in portions. You can often choose how spicy you want it, or add piri-piri sauce at the table.
One especially well-known regional style is frango da Guia, associated with the town of Guia in the Algarve. It is typically small, grilled chicken served with a spicy sauce. Recipes and levels of heat differ from restaurant to restaurant, so ask about the sauce before ordering if you prefer mild food.
Other dishes and sides to look out for include:
- Frango piri-piri: Grilled chicken seasoned with a chilli-based sauce or marinade. The heat and ingredients vary by restaurant.
- Frango assado: A straightforward grilled or roasted chicken dish, often served with chips, salad, or rice.
- Batatas fritas: Portuguese-style fries, commonly served alongside grilled chicken.
- Arroz: Rice, which may be served plain or prepared with additional ingredients depending on the restaurant.
- Salada: A simple salad can make a fresh side if you want something lighter than fries.
- Piri-piri sauce: A chilli sauce that may be served separately, allowing you to control the spice level.
Not every Portuguese restaurant will offer the same menu, and some may use “piri-piri” to describe a sauce rather than a particular level of heat. If you have a strong preference, ask whether the chicken is marinated, whether the sauce is spicy, and whether extra sauce is available.
Where to Find Piri-Piri Chicken in Portugal
Look for a churrasqueira, a type of restaurant or takeaway known for grilled foods. These are found in towns and cities throughout Portugal, and many specialise in chicken cooked over charcoal. You may also see signs advertising frango assado or frango piri-piri. These phrases can help you identify the kind of meal you’re looking for.
In Lisbon and Porto, search locally for a churrasqueira or a restaurant serving grilled chicken. In the Algarve, grilled chicken is also widely associated with regional dining, particularly around Guia. In smaller towns, takeaway counters and neighbourhood restaurants can be good places to look. Opening hours and menus vary, so check a restaurant’s current listing before making a special journey.
Useful search terms include:
- Churrasqueira: A grill restaurant or takeaway, often serving chicken.
- Frango assado: Roast or grilled chicken.
- Frango piri-piri: Chicken prepared with piri-piri seasoning or sauce.
- Frango da Guia: The Algarve-associated grilled chicken style.
Online maps and local restaurant listings can help you find nearby options. Check recent reviews and menus, especially if you want a particular dish or need to confirm that a restaurant is open. A local place may have limited dining hours, offer takeaway only, or serve grilled chicken only at certain times.
How Portuguese Piri-Piri Chicken Compares with Nando’s
Nando’s has a consistent menu and recognisable range of sauces, sides, and spice levels. A local Portuguese restaurant may feel less standardised. One churrascaria might serve chicken with a bright, sharp chilli sauce, while another uses a more savoury marinade or keeps the heat fairly gentle. The cooking method, portion size, and sides can vary too.
The flavour overlap is still clear: grilled chicken, chilli, and a balance of savoury and tangy notes. But don’t assume that every piri-piri chicken dish will taste exactly like a Nando’s meal. In Portugal, you’re trying a local food tradition, not a copy of a chain restaurant. That difference is part of the appeal.
If you’re used to ordering by a named Nando’s heat level, describe what you prefer instead. For example, ask for mild, medium, or spicy chicken, and confirm whether the sauce comes on the side. Portuguese terms and restaurant practices may vary, so a quick question is often the easiest way to avoid a dish that is hotter—or milder—than expected.
Can You Get Nando’s Sauce or Nando’s Products in Portugal?
Even though there are no official Nando’s restaurants in Portugal, you may occasionally come across Nando’s-branded sauces or other products in shops that stock international foods. Availability can vary by retailer and location, and products may not be easy to find in every city. If you want a particular sauce, check supermarkets or specialty food shops near your destination rather than assuming it will be in stock.
Portuguese grocery stores also sell local chilli sauces and piri-piri seasonings. These won’t necessarily match Nando’s recipes, but they can be a useful alternative if you want to add heat to a meal. Read the label or try a small amount first, as the strength and ingredients differ between brands.
What If You’re Travelling with Children or Prefer Mild Food?
Local grilled chicken can be a flexible option for families and diners who don’t enjoy spicy food. At many restaurants, the chicken and the chilli sauce are served separately, or staff can tell you whether the meat has been marinated with heat. Ask before ordering if you need a mild dish, and request sauce on the side when possible.
Simple sides such as fries, rice, and salad can also make the meal easier to customise. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, explain them clearly to the restaurant. Recipes and kitchen practices vary, so it’s best to check ingredients directly rather than assume that a dish is prepared the same way everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Portugal have a Nando’s restaurant?
No. Nando’s does not currently have official restaurant locations in Portugal. Check the company’s official restaurant locator for the latest information before travelling, as its international presence can change.
Is Nando’s food Portuguese?
Nando’s draws inspiration from Portuguese and African food traditions, particularly peri-peri flavours. However, it is a South African-founded restaurant chain, and its menu is a modern, branded interpretation rather than a complete representation of Portuguese cuisine.
What is the closest alternative to Nando’s in Portugal?
Look for a churrasqueira serving frango piri-piri or frango assado. These grilled chicken dishes are widely available, though their sauces, spice levels, and sides may differ from Nando’s.
Can I find Nando’s in Lisbon or Porto?
There are no official Nando’s branches in Lisbon or Porto at present. Both cities have restaurants serving grilled chicken, and searching for “churrasqueira” or “frango piri-piri” can help you find local options.
Is piri-piri chicken always very spicy?
No. Spice levels differ by restaurant and recipe. Some places serve the sauce separately, while others season the chicken during cooking. Ask how hot the dish is and request sauce on the side if you’re unsure.
Conclusion: Is There Nando’s in Portugal?
There is no official Nando’s in Portugal at present, so you won’t find the familiar chain in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, or other parts of the country. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on peri-peri-style chicken. Portugal has its own long-standing tradition of charcoal-grilled chicken, and local churrasqueiras serve dishes such as frango assado and frango piri-piri.
For the closest local alternative, search for a churrasqueira, ask about the spice level, and try the chicken with piri-piri sauce on the side. You may not get the exact Nando’s menu, but you’ll get the chance to enjoy a flavourful Portuguese meal in the place that helped inspire the style.
Recommended Products
These products may be useful:
- Nando’s PERi-PERi Medium Sauce
- Lonely Planet Portugal (Travel Guide)
- Rick Steves Portuguese Phrase Book & Dictionary
Bizzfora
Bizzfora is a hub where business, entrepreneurship, and innovation take centre stage. Through practical insights on startups, leadership, strategy, marketing, finance, and business growth, our team explores the ideas and opportunities shaping today's entrepreneurial world.
0 comments