So what in the blazes is Peri-Peri?

In the 16th century, the Portuguese set up a port in a country now known as Mozambique. Their fleet would rest in this port, refuel and continue their journey to the Far East. With their ships, the Portuguese brought settlers, their culture and cuisine to shores of Mozambique. Legend has it that the native African Bird’s Eye Chili or “Peri-Peri”    was soon finding its way into all sorts of traditional Portuguese recipes. 

Fast forward a few centuries to the Gold Rush of the early 1900’s…thousands of people migrated to South Africa in hopes of striking it rich in the gold mines there. Enterprising locals began to sell flame grilled chicken basted with Peri-Peri sauces to the travellers and later miners in South Africa. This tradition and Portuguese culture still thrive in South Africa today. In fact, South Africa still maintains the largest Portuguese community outside of Portugal!

Today Nando’s Restaurants are one of the most successful restaurant chains in the world with over 1000 restaurants from Cyprus to Canada, Qatar to Australia. Nando’s Restaurants have proven that Peri-Peri flame grilled chicken transcends nationality!

But wait…

There was one country- the final frontier - that had yet to have the Nando’s experience. After 20 successful years of international acclaim, Nando’s Restaurants brought its saucy flame grilled chicken to the US! Nando’s first created a Peri-Peri craze in the Nation’s capital - Washington DC. Since 2008, Nandocas have served up our special brand of spice to the masses. And how have Americans responded? A resounding, “MORE PLEASE!” We are growing to satisfy the increasing demand for Peri-Peri and look forward to steadily becoming a destination for those “in the know”.

What’s the secret ingredient?

There are no real secrets. Peri-peri is our name, chicken is our game. But when it comes to making the Nando’s experience a reality; it’s really about the people who make the chicken. From day one, our founders have insisted on providing a fun but challenging environment for our people. If you bring your brain to work and roll up your sleeves, the sky is the limit to what you can achieve!

We’ve got the look…

Don’t be fooled by our casual service style. Our restaurants are outfitted by the industry’s top designers and architects. Each restaurant is unique - no two are alike - and each showcases original hand crafted art. In fact, we are the world’s leading commissioner and collector of South African art. We committed to using high quality natural materials - real wood, leather and ceramic - and reclaiming furniture and buildings whenever we are able. Isn’t it obvious?  We take great pride in every aspect of our restaurant!

Our mission is to serve only the freshest, highest quality chicken with the spicy, delicious flavor of Nando's own PERi-PERi sauces.

Working for us