Some Like it Hot: Nando’s Flame-Grilled Chicken

Peri-Peri sauce

Hubby and I discovered Portuguese chicken back when we still lived downtown where there were a few great Portuguese chicken places nearby. We love the lemon-herb marinade of the chicken basted and then dipped in Piri-Piri sauce. Potato balls and fried rice on the side complete this hearty meal.

So, having tried other Portuguese chicken before, I wasn’t really expecting anything new from Nando’s when I went there with DD#1. But it was not quite the same. The system in the Richmond Hill location was to order what you want at the counter, grab a number and they will bring your order to your table. I got a kid’s meal of chicken skewer and a side of fries for DD#1 and I ordered a combo quarter chicken (dark meat, of course!) with a side of garlic mashed potatoes for myself. You can then choose what sauce you want to baste your meat. I got a lemon-herb for DD#1 and a medium (hot sauce) for me.

They flame-grill the chicken to order so you won’t immediately get your order. But service was not too slow. They provide several bottles of Peri-Peri sauces along with your meal—garlic, hot and extra hot. Whether you call it Piri-Piri or Peri-Peri, this sauce was delectably scorching! Made from African bird’s eye chili, this thick, orange-coloured sauce makes the Portuguese chicken absolutely YUM. Spicy with a bit of tang, the Peri-Peri sauce gave our tastebuds a delicious workout.

DD#1 who tends to go for spicy stuff, enjoyed dipping her chicken in the hot and extra hot sauces—well, along with sips of water and juice in between bites. I actually suggest getting juice or pop with your meal as the water does absolutely nothing to take away the heat from your tongue. In between sniffles from the spice, DD#1 and I agreed that the chicken and most especially the sauce, have already sealed the deal for our return trip to this place.

Nando's Flame-Grilled chicken

The chicken was tender and moist and the skin had a grilled crisp. The flavor of the marinade goes throughout the chicken and the addictive Peri-Peri sauce perfectly complements the meat. The variety of side dishes was substantial as well. Each order was under $10 but they have family packs (for whole chicken and sides) for under $30. We cannot wait to go back, with the whole gang next time!