There really are just three chicken places for most people in Calgary: the dirty bird, the dirty Calgary bird, or the Swiss bird. A grim selection, if you ask me.
Then in the northeast rises Nando’s, a glorious gift from South Africa. The chain was started by a Portuguese man living in South Africa who took influences from colonists from Mozambique who moved to Johannesburg. How’s that for a blend of flavours?
At the heart of the chain is moist, flame-grilled, delicious chicken. The signature marinade is made from the African bird’s-eye chili pepper, commonly known as peri-peri (or piri-piri). It’s also been called the African red devil pepper!
Don’t be turned off if you dislike spice; you can order lemon and herb or medium for your desired “heat” level. But you’re missing out if you don’t try the hot or extra-hot. (I usually order hot.)
Nando’s peri-peri marinated chicken has a flavourful, slow-burning bite with hints of smoke, sweetness and then a creeping spiciness. Under that is juicy, tender meat whether you order breast, leg, kebabs or chicken wings.
You can get meals for one person like half a chicken (with one side for $12.49, two sides for $14.99), or two legs ($10.49/$13.29). A Peri plate (breast $15.49/$17.99) is a great sampler with 1/4 chicken, kebab, and four wings.
Most meals come with a choice of sides including peri fries (tossed with a spicy seasoning salt), spiced rice (mildly flavoured), baked potato or coleslaw. As you can see, even the one-person plates are quite substantial.
The restaurant setup is quite nice and a step above fast food. You go order and pay at the counter, and then grab a table and they bring the food to you. The Calgary location is bright with modern booths and tables, more like an Earl’s than a Burger King. Bonus: they’re licenced! You can’t beat a cold beer to go with that spicy chicken.
Nando’s is also a very family-friendly place. They have sharing meals like Nando’s familia pack that feeds four for $39.99 (1 chicken, 2 kebabs, 1 large side, 1 regular side and 1 large salad). A great idea for weekday meals there or to take home.
Nando’s franchise includes bottled sauces and marinades that you can buy at the counter. You can try some of them at your table. The peri-peri garlic sauce is hot and slightly sour; the wild herb peri-peri sauce is sweet and slightly hot.
Nando’s, 3333-32nd Ave. NE, Calgary, (403) 769-0610. Locations in B.C. and Ontario as well.
As the name of my blog suggests, I will pretty much eat anything.
Iām partial to meats but will suffer fruits and vegetables.
I dedicate this to people who love to eat, and find art in their meals. If this blog piques your interest at least once, then Iām happy as a goldfish that eats til it explodes. 
The peri-peri garlic sauce is where it’s at!
DM
I really like Nando’s because the food is so simple and yet so yummy. It’s a bit pricey, but I don’t mind because that grilled chicken is worth every penny if you ask me š
Nando’s is great but this plate looks terrible… All other Nando’s plates look way better…
I love nandos too, thank god they have it in England! I find it really funny, when I was back in Malaysia, I never appreciated it, actually my 1st experience of Nandos was in England. Sucha shame, but im glad that its one of my favourites now š Cold beer with spicy chicken is a good idea š will try that one day.
I tried Nandos in London a few years ago and really liked it. I keep meaning to try out the Calgary one and see how it compares but there are so many other places that keep coming up on my list first….
I love Nando’s in the UK, hate the Nando’s in Calgary.
What’s the difference between the two?
Loved the Nando’s in Calgary…tastes just like back home in Johannesburg! Had Nando’s in Soho in London and it just didn’t compare. The Calgary branch stayed true to the pure Nando’s South African roots. I could eat it every day, if only I didn’t live in Saskatoon.