US Trends

what type of food is nandos

Nando’s is a casual restaurant chain that serves mainly flame‑grilled chicken in spicy PERi‑PERi (chilli) sauces, often described as Portuguese‑style chicken with South African roots. Because your query is set up like a quick, SEO‑style “post”, here’s a compact version in that format.

What type of food is Nando’s?

Quick Scoop

If you’ve ever heard friends say “Let’s go Nando’s” and wondered what type of food that actually is, the short answer is:
Nando’s is a casual dining restaurant famous for its flame‑grilled PERi‑PERi chicken, often described as Portuguese‑style or Afro‑Portuguese chicken with a South African origin story.

What type of food is Nando’s?

  • Nando’s is best known for flame‑grilled PERi‑PERi chicken (chicken marinated in a chilli, lemon, garlic and herb sauce, then grilled).
  • The brand’s story and flavours are rooted in Southern Africa , but heavily influenced by Portuguese cuisine (especially the use of PERi‑PERi peppers and marinades).
  • On menus and in reviews, you’ll often see it called:
    • “PERi‑PERi chicken restaurant”
    • “Portuguese‑style chicken”
    • “Afro‑Portuguese casual dining”

So if you’re categorising it in simple terms:

Nando’s = casual restaurant specialising in spicy, Portuguese‑style PERi‑PERi chicken with South African roots.

What kind of dishes does Nando’s serve?

Nando’s isn’t just plain grilled chicken; it’s a full menu built around PERi‑PERi flavours.

Core chicken dishes

  • Whole, half or quarter flame‑grilled chicken , with a choice of spice level (from Plain-ish to Extra Hot).
  • Chicken wings , butterfly chicken , and chicken thighs , all marinated and grilled, not deep fried.
  • Burgers, pittas and wraps filled with PERi‑PERi chicken.

Sides and extras

  • Classic sides: chips/fries, PERi‑salted chips, coleslaw, garlic bread, creamy mash.
  • “Carb” sides with a twist: spicy rice, corn on the cob, mac & cheese.
  • Lighter options: salads and bowls using grilled chicken and veggies (for example Caesar‑style or rice bowls).

Veggie and plant‑based options

  • Veggie burgers and pittas, such as beanie/chickpea or halloumi‑based options.
  • Plant‑based wraps and sides like hummus with PERi‑PERi drizzle, spicy rice, garlic bread.

Is Nando’s fast food, casual dining, or something else?

Nando’s sits somewhere between classic fast food and a full sit‑down restaurant.

  • You usually order at the counter , then food is brought to your table, which feels more relaxed than typical fast food.
  • The food is freshly grilled to order , not pre‑made, so it’s a bit slower than a burger drive‑through but quicker than a formal restaurant.
  • In most guides and reviews it’s labelled as casual dining or fast‑casual rather than pure fast food.

Think of it as:

More relaxed and “restaurant‑y” than McDonald’s, but quicker and more informal than a traditional sit‑down restaurant.

Here’s a simple view:

[9][7] [8][7] [9][1] [5][3][1] [3][1]
Aspect Nando’s
Main cuisine type Flame‑grilled PERi‑PERi chicken, Portuguese‑style with Southern African roots
Dining style Fast‑casual / casual dining (order at counter, food brought to table)
Signature flavour Chilli‑lemon‑garlic PERi‑PERi marinades with different heat levels
Popular dishes Flame‑grilled chicken, wings, burgers, pittas, wraps, spicy rice, garlic bread
Veggie options Beanie or chickpea burgers/wraps, halloumi pittas, plant‑based sides

Forum‑style angle and “trending” context

On UK social media and forums, Nando’s is often talked about less like a cuisine label and more like a social ritual:

  • People describe it as a go‑to “cheeky Nando’s” meet‑up spot with friends or dates.
  • Posts and memes joke about everyone having a “standard Nando’s order” (usually a PERi‑PERi chicken burger/wrap plus sides).

A typical forum‑style comment might look like:

“It’s basically spicy grilled chicken with rice, chips and garlic bread, but somehow Nando’s just hits different after work.”

That social, slightly “trendy casual” vibe is a big part of how people perceive what kind of food Nando’s is today.

TL;DR

  • Nando’s is a casual restaurant chain.
  • The food is mainly flame‑grilled PERi‑PERi chicken , often called Portuguese‑style with Southern African roots.
  • Expect chicken (in pieces, burgers, wraps) plus sides like spicy rice, chips, and garlic bread, with veggie and plant‑based options too.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.