nandos-receipt.jpg, originally uploaded by minhi.

Apparently Nando’s Peri-Peri is a beloved chain from South Africa, mention this chain to any South African or someone that has spent time in SA and they will gaze longingly in the distance.  They will also quickly point out that it is grilled (not fried) chicken and that it is classier then KFC.  The chain has locations in the UK but the first one opened in DC over the summer, check out their classy web site.

I took someone over the weekend, she had been to Nando’s in SA many times, her first impression was that it was the nicest Nando’s she’s ever been to, apparently Nando’s is not quite as fancy in SA.  From the receipt you can see it’s a little upmarket, more expensive then Boston Market or Chicken Out, but less expensive then a full sit-down restaurant.

It’s actually hybrid fast-food/casual dining, you are seated but you have to go to the counter to order and then they bring you your food.  It’s pretty quick turnaround, you get your food in 10-15 minutes so you can get out in an hour.

How’s the food?  Well, i thought it was ok, it tastes different then other chicken places in the area.  And the SA perspective was that it did in fact taste the same.  My chicken was a touch dry and the medium spicy is not spicy at all, just a hint and almost bland, get the hot.  The first order of chicken livers they brought was extra hot and that was too hot for me.  The second order was medium and that was spicier then the chicken but edible.  I thought the livers had a funky finish, not bad but a little off-putting.  My side of butternut-squash and corn seemed like a good idea but it was cold and didn’t really meld together.  It was basically squash sprinkled with corn.  The grilled cheese was really satisfying.  The tea also tasted like fresh tea.

I am wondering how they will compete against all the chicken places in the suburbs but i guess that’s not their competition.  The first location is in Chinatown and their next location is Dupont Circle so it’s a different market that they are shooting for then the value/budget crowd.  They also have wraps and sandwiches if you don’t want grilled chicken.  For dessert they have unlimited serving soft serve! As well as some cheesecakes, ice cream and a portugese tart.

The last comment my dinner companion made was that she would be laughed out of SA if they knew how much we just paid for two at a Nando’s.  In her defense I paid for dinner and she will remain nameless.