Nandos Chicken, biggest fastfood ripoff in Australia?
Everybody knows someone who is blindingly fanatical about Nandos fast food.
‘So I’m taking you somewhere special tonight for dinner.’
‘OMGNANDOS!’
‘No, something a little classier than that.’
‘OMFGSTFUNANDOSNOW!’
‘But…I don’t like chicken.’
‘WHAAAT? We need to break up’.
I don’t quite know what it is about Nandos but I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s found themselves trapped in a fanboy conversation about the lengths a fan will go to recreate the taste at home.
‘OMG I found the most rare bottle of peri-peri Nandos sauce ever! It was a limited first edition. The sun god Ra came down himself and handed it to the elder chiefs of the Aztecs and then they put it on ebay for only $300! It arrived in the mail last night.
Man I had the best breakfast today, limited edition peri-peri eggs, limited edition peri-peri toast and oh my god you have to try limited edition peri-peri milo!’
‘DUDE SHUTUP I DON’T LIKE CHICKEN!’
Last week I found myself wanting something different for lunch so I figured I’d give the local Nandos a shot. Here’s my experience.
You walk into Nandos and the experience is like any other fast food joint until you read the menu and are hit with the insane prices.
A quarter of chicken, chips and small Coke bottle will set you back $11.50′ish and was my first meal. I opted for eat in as it’s been freezing in Melbourne recently and was then handed a big black rooster sign thing and went and found a table.
This is when the waiting began. I noticed when I walked in that they had a sign up asking customers to be patient because the food was so good and worth waiting for (not exact quote but something along those lines), but I didn’t think it’d take fifteen minutes to receive my order.
I spent a third of my lunch break waiting for my chicken!
This is what $11.50 gets you at Nandos:
When it arrived I realised I had no cutlery and had to ask someone where it was. It was hidden in a box near the front counter, when placing my order the staff made no mention of it.
I’d heard so much about peri-peri sauce and was keen to try some but this is when I realised my table had no bottles. In the middle of peak hour lunch rush I had to get up and awkwardly scout around other people’s tables looking for sauce bottles.
I eventually found a bottle which turned out to be their mildest ‘tomato sauce’ variety. By this stage I just wanted to eat so I wasn’t keen to keep hunting around reading the label of every bottle I could find on other people’s tables.
The sauce bottle looked horrible, it had used dry sauce all over the nozzle and I felt like I was breaking umpteenth health violations just by holding it. Still it was either disease sauce or unflavoured chips (I can’t remember if they were even salted) and even I have my limits.
Being the Tomato sauce variety (I have a sneaking suspicion fan boys might have raided the store and run off with all their spicier sauce bottles) it was very bland. The chicken itself was pleasant though although there’s only so much meat on a 1/4 chicken and certainly not $11.50 worth.
I left the store feeling unfulfilled and poorer for the experience.
Surely there was some merit to the fanaticism some people have for the store right?
I returned to Nandos later on in the week determined to give it another shot hoping my earlier meal was just some sort of sadistic initiation meal or something that I just didn’t get. This time I ordered one of their burger meals, the most basic one which sets you back $13.50 or so.
Pressed for time I ordered take away and after about 5-10 minutes was handed by bag of food. Back at the office I discovered the chips were just salted. I’m what supposed to open up my bag of food, take out the chips, run around bugging people to borrow their sauce (there’s none at the counter), spray grotty sauce all over them and then carry my bag off again?
…and pay $13.50 for the experience? Oh I get it, Nando’s fans are just RETARDED.
The burger itself was nothing special. The chicken was nice enough but the lettuce was slightly yellow, although I’m not sure if this was because of the sauce which thankfully was included in the burger. Other than that I had one slice of tomato and that was the great Nandos lunch I’d heard so much about over the years.
After finishing my meal I couldn’t help but sit there wondering how I’d come to blow nearly $30 in one week on take away food I didn’t even enjoy. It didn’t leave me feeling as stupid as blowing $3 on 10mls of diluted Red Bull but it was pretty damn close.
July 27th, 2009 at 11:51 am ben(Quote)
Were both visits to the same restaurant? I’ve had mixed experiences depending on the store.
15mins is still reasonably quick for a meal that is cooked after you order. I’ve waited as long for a cheeseburger at McDonalds.
I’ve never encountered the fanboys you speak of, but if they exist, I agree with you. In my view, Nandos is better than the other fast food options (except Grill’d), but not the religious experience you seem to have had impressed upon you.
In terms of value for money, perhaps the problem is you’ve been to led to expect restaurant quality food, whereas the comparison should really be made to grease pits like KFC, McDonalds or Hungry Jacks. The food is (usually) less fatty and more filling than what you get from them.
…also, please stop using “then” when you mean “than”.
July 27th, 2009 at 12:36 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Yeah both visits were at the same restraurant.
In comparing Nandos to Hungry Jacks/McDonalds et al. I think the biggest problem is you’re paying nearly double the price which puts Nandos in the bottom end of the restaurant price category.
I agree it was better tasting then the usual fast food but at that price definately not worth it.
Surprised you haven’t run into a Nandos fanboy yet, I’m lost count the amount of times they’ve hijacked a conversation about food when they pop up.
Also thanks for bringing the grammar to my attention, I’ll have to be a bit more diligent with my proof reading methinks.
August 18th, 2009 at 9:10 pm Faye(Quote)
First, you have to ask for peri-peri chips, or the chips will be plain ol’ non-salted chips.
Secondly, get the HOT or EXTRA HOT peri peri sauce or everything won’t taste good!
Third, when you get a take away ask for takeaway packets of peri peri sauce. Get at least 2 of hot and extra hot sauce!
Its not that great, granted, but its pretty good for a once in a while.
Its also better if you can to get the Deluxe burger with carmelised onion and swiss cheese with peri peri chips or half chicken meal if you can.
Give it another shot!
August 18th, 2009 at 9:34 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Well they didn’t have peri peri chips on the menu it just said chips.
Hot or extra hot hey… noted.
They have take away sauce? What the hell is it with the communication at Nandos – ffs NONE of this was communicated to me nor was it on any menus or written anywhere.
I’m not even going to ask how much that burger costs, if I got the plain one and it was $13 something I dread to think what that costs. Must be what close to $20?
When I was Costco yesterday I did see giant bottles of Peri Peri sauce in one of the grocery aisles. Might suss that out the next time I’m there and just make chicken at home!
October 17th, 2009 at 7:12 pm JJ(Quote)
Australian retail in general is a rip off. Go to the US and compare, then you will know what I mean.
November 20th, 2009 at 6:22 pm Steve(Quote)
Just had my first Nandos experience & my last!
We ordered 2 x “8 ribs meal” + 1 extra drink & paid over $30. It was 9:00pm & they were only offering takeaway. The chips & drinks were fine (lets face it – you cant get that much wrong!) but the ribs were no bigger than my little finger (I have a small hand) and have a bone in them – you get about 1 mouthfull out of 4 pieces. I complained to little avail & we had to go elsewhere to eat again as we were all hungry! I feel like going to consumer affairs.
November 20th, 2009 at 6:38 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Gday Steve, I’m glad I’m not the only one who felt I wasn’t getting my money’s worth.
I didn’t dare order anything that sounded fancy, fancy = who knows how small the serving size would be.
The tragedy is $30 is venturing into restraunt prices and Nando’s is supposed to be fast food!
December 14th, 2009 at 9:43 pm Ruben(Quote)
Let me start by saying I am Portuguese born and raised (and live in Portugal, when I’m not working).
Nando’s is NOT authentic Portuguese flame grilled chicken! But is nonetheless very very good. The taste is very different and in Portugal we use piri piri (not peri peri which I only heard in Nando’s and by taste is definitely not the same).
First time I had Nando’s was in South Africa. First taste: This is good but not really portuguese chicken, but still very good! Next time I went to a different Nando’s restaurant and the chicken was even better.
In Australia when I went to a Nando’s restaurant was disapointed, was really not great, but OK. Tried a different restaurant and it was very good again, only problem this restaurant it takes forever (30+ mins).
In summary Nando’s can be quite good, not portuguese falvor as they try to make it, but there is a small hint of it. If you try at one place and not good try another place. Sometimes it’s like night and day from one restaurant to another.
Also do not order burgers. First of all burgers are not Portuguese and we only eat them back home in McDonalds or Burger King, second that is not what Nando’s is for. I tried a burger and felt it was ok but far too expensive, not worth it. Go for chicken and not the mild or whatever sauce, only HOT and Extra HOT are worth it.
I am currently in Perth right now and all of this chicken talk made me hungry. I guess I’m gonna drive up to Nando’s and get me some chicken!
December 15th, 2009 at 12:46 pm Steve(Quote)
Hi Ruben,
Be sure to go via the bank before you drive up to Nandos!
February 7th, 2010 at 6:00 am John(Quote)
Nando’s portions are much bigger in the UK and cheaper too looking at it.
btw It’s South African not Portuguese
Stop whinging down under and buy chicken !
February 9th, 2010 at 12:34 am ozsoapbox(Quote)
Lucky you guys! Their style of chicken seems to be pretty non existent here in Taiwan. Chicken is always served in small portions with some kind of sauce or whatever.
Nando’s the company might be from South Africa but their style of food is Portugese. Nandos is heavily advertised as serving Portugese chicken in Australia, I don’t think I’ve ever heard South Africa and Nandos in the same sentence!
February 21st, 2010 at 12:47 pm joe(Quote)
i just got back from nandos and was so upset,i had to google nandos is a ripoff and this is what i got.what a bunch of thieves.i sure as f**** wont go back.puny portions.
March 7th, 2010 at 9:45 pm Jay(Quote)
I as a lover of good chicken must admit that the chicken and sauce were delicious. Wont pay that price for breastless chicken again though, i will go cook a chook at home with a woolies brand peri sauce yea.
Feel absolutely violated “kinda like they turned me upside down and shook all my Gold coins out of my pockets”, and in particular the store in browns plains. customer service people!! was appauling, the teenage girl behind the counter glaring at me like she owns the place and having a good giggle with her pals at the grill.
I for one will not “Pay” to be treated like a lepper waiting for his gold enrcusted bird sided with pure gold chips finished with incense from the queen of sheeba herself coke.
blah anyway not to sound like whiner its nice but not worth it. Jack
March 7th, 2010 at 9:48 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Lol thanks for sharing that Jay.
I also felt the ‘hey we know we’re charging you way to much for this but smile because you’re going to freaking enjoy it’ vibe when I was there.
July 28th, 2010 at 4:09 pm Paul Ryan(Quote)
I dont care what any of you guys say. I love Nandos. Nandos is the best food in the world and I love nothing more then gouging on as much nandos and I can.
It can be a little bit of a wait, sure. It may cost a bit more too, but you pay for what you get. Your paying for authentic, imported, free range Portuguese chicken made from the sweat and blood of an experienced cook working the BBQ.
You dont get this ANYWHERE else in the WORLD. Nandos for life!!!!!!! I’m going there with my bf right now.
July 28th, 2010 at 5:45 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Oh please, the chefs at Nandos are no different to your McDonalds burger flippers and their overpriced chicken is sourced locally.
Not even in Portugal?
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:41 pm Paul Ryan(Quote)
@ozsoapbox
Your blatant dislike of Nandos and their master chefs is quite frankly offending.
Today i had Nandos with 9 of my mates and we all agreed it was the best meal of our lives.
Take a chill pill you!
People have feelings, if someone that works at Nandos reads this how do you think that comment will make them feel?!
I’m shattered from reading it and i’m only a customer, please don’t write comments of this sort any longer.
Now i’m SO stressed out – thanks ‘ozsoapbox ‘
August 3rd, 2010 at 3:32 am ozsoapbox(Quote)
Must be some culinarily exciting lives you chaps lead hey.
Hopefully like finding another job where they don’t serve overcharged small servings of admittedly tasty chicken?
Shattered from reading this article and admitting Nandos is the penultimate culinary bliss you’ve ever experienced.
I don’t know what’s worse.
September 3rd, 2010 at 6:12 am getreak(Quote)
get real boys. this is as much portugal as i am black. IT IS MARKETING. in australia it is terrible. in UK it is basically OK, but a completely different operation.
Now you all get real and go for real chicken. That’s popeyes from USA. it is damned good. and the reason. it is never frozen, cooked in beef fat. yes… now y’all admit it; the reason y’all love that take away stuff is the fat! anyway, it is loveeelllyyy.
Try it in USA (ghetto areas), Middle East, USA airforce bases in Europe and Hong Kong Airport (god knows why Hong Kong Airport!) but this is true. And baby, visit New Orleans – It is another side of America you never seen before, baby.
September 3rd, 2010 at 1:05 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Uh… have you ever even had Nandos? They don’t deep fry their chicken, it’s grilled and most definitely not cooked in beef fat.
I think you’re confusing Nandos with KFC. Well either that or you’re working for the marketing dept of Popeyes…
September 9th, 2010 at 9:04 pm Woody(Quote)
WELL, we we out to Nando’s in Frankston and after spending $50 for 4 it was a huge disappointment. Their Chicken burgers that once upon a time had a chicken fillet is now a strip of chicken 3mm thick and 30mm wide. I think you could make 5 burgers from one fillet.
The owners are obviously cost cutting but the only thing they will end up with is the total loss of customers. I complained to their head office and they send me a free meal voucher, not good enough after being ripped off after spending $50 for $4.00 at most worth of Chicken.
Yes no sauce bottles on the tables…poor effort.
October 5th, 2010 at 1:18 pm Devilz(Quote)
In New Zeaqland GST has just risen from 12.5% to 15% so a few places have raised their prices as such, but not at Nandos, nooo, they didnt raise their prices 2.5% they raised them by 15%! yea, thats not 15% GST thats the entire prices raised by 15 PERCENT
People from my work complained about the massive price rise and will no longer be going there.. loosing customers big time.
Wouldnt surprise me if they made their buns/chip sizes slightly smaller at the same time without telling people.
October 5th, 2010 at 4:43 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Wow, 15% in one hit is a bit harsh. Almost like they’re not even wanting to retain customers.
I’m not 100% sure how the GST applies to food in NZ but does it even count to prepared food?
October 9th, 2010 at 6:42 pm Luke(Quote)
I had Nandos for the first time today, in Bendigo and I will be going back very soon, i didnt find a problem with them at all, it cost more than Mcdonalds, but i got more of a feed out of it so i dont mind that.
The peri peri chips tasted pretty awesome and (this obviously cant be said for every nandos restaurant) but the Owner/Manager was friendly and more talkative than one would be at KFC/Mcdonalds.
October 10th, 2010 at 6:08 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
If you got a decent feed out of a Nandos sitting without having to remortgage your house either you have a stomach the size of a 20 cent coin or you’d just absolutely stuffed yourself elsewhere prior.
As for talking managers, who goes to fast food joints to talk to the manager?
October 11th, 2010 at 12:03 am Luke(Quote)
Nope, Regular Chips, classic chicken burger with the 390ml coke for 13 bucks, I would still chose it over Mcdonalds, Hungry Jacks or KFC
October 12th, 2010 at 3:55 am ozsoapbox(Quote)
$13… see this is where Nandos fails.
A Big Mac Meal is what, $7 odd in Australia or thereabouts? Nandos is fastfood as it’s definitely not selling itself as a fully fledged restraunt with table service.
It might be a cut above McDondalds, Hungry Jacks or KFC – but double to a third over the price? Not likely.
Even today, $13 is a ridiculous amount to spend on a fast food meal, let alone for a burger, chips and small coke.
October 16th, 2010 at 6:23 am Dave(Quote)
Hey Ozsoapbox,
The reason for the smaller portions/higher prices is that the chicken is >>>free range<<<,
Sure it may mean substantially smaller portions but I would gladly pay more for good quality chicken.
In addition take note that you recieved the leg of the chicken, which in my experience, is a substantially less generous serving of chicken.
Another trick with Nando's is its better to get a share meal. For example, me and my girlfriend get "Two's a Party"
2x (1/4) Chicken both the WING/Breast!< important, ask for it
2x Chicken Tenderloins
2x Chick Thighs
2x Sides/Chips
Extra Hot.
$25
It's usually enough to satisfy your hunger. So next time bring a friend along and try the above? Remember to ask for the breast!
October 16th, 2010 at 6:24 am Dave(Quote)
On second thought that looks like the wing!
October 16th, 2010 at 1:31 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Ugh I hate having to ask for value just to get it. Reminds me of KFC and having to do similar with their fried chicken so you don’t wind up with a tiny leg.
$25 is still pushing $12.50 each. Better then paying close to $15 but still on the upper side of fast food. Having said that the meal does sound better split, my girlfriend doesn’t eat much in one sitting so that’d be a plus too.
October 23rd, 2010 at 10:37 pm vino(Quote)
Hi there guys,i think its better to visit nandos website and leave your comments there,so the right people can pay attention to your experiences and find solutions to your problems.
I know thet nandos is a excellent brand,which strives for service excellence.
October 24th, 2010 at 1:16 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Why? Firstly there’s no record or means to have a discussion with other people there. Secondly the end result will no doubt be an email sent back to you thanking you for your time and maybe a $5 food voucher or some sort.
At least this way people can discuss and share their own experiences to the benefit of others.
If Nandos are indeed an excellent brand striving for service excellence then they’re no doubt aware of this article.
Hi Nandos!
February 26th, 2011 at 7:59 am peter(Quote)
Just got back from nandos and what a rip off we paid £55 for what can only be classed as the smallest portions of food i have ever seen and will never go back
February 26th, 2011 at 3:20 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Good to hear Nandos is just as much a ripoff in the Uk as Australia!
Charging stupid amounts for chicken seems to be a global policy.
June 4th, 2011 at 6:13 pm Terry(Quote)
If portion size at Nandos was bigger I would frequent the place more often – it’s that simple. One feels a little ripped-off looking at the portion size so I choose to vote with my feet and spend my fastfood money elsewhere
The issue is the actual size of the chicken, it’s bloody tiny. It can’t be very old when it gets the chop. Even kfc chickens are bigger…just
I saw a poor sucker have to pay over $50 for an average sized meal for 4 people. When I do buy a meal there (for one) I have to order at least a half chicken cause a quarter ain’t going to cut it unless you are a 5 year old child.
Now I would have to spend around $15 if I ordered the fries and PET bottle soft drink too (good grief) but to cut this down I order only the chicken. Here in Melbourne that currently costs $10.50. I bring my own water bottle in normally
When you consider a fully cooked ‘bigger’ chicken at the supermarket costs $11 you understand why I normally give Nandos a wide berth.
One point of difference over the other fast food joints is they do have rather nice restaurants with pleasant seating and tables, but if they have a counter at a food hall in a shopping centre then you only have the standard shopping centre seating so that point of difference is lost.
June 5th, 2011 at 2:24 am ausGeoff(Quote)
I’d have to agree with the other guys about Nando’s pricing — it’s outrageous!
At their Frankston store, a chicken “breast” burger and a large chips will set you back $17-90 and no, that’s not a typo!
The Department of Fair Trading needs to investigate this outfit.
June 5th, 2011 at 8:18 am Terry(Quote)
Looks like it is ‘company policy’ to sell very young and therefore small chickens, leading to small portions at this restaurant. After all the longer they let them grow the more it costs to feed them. But there comes a point where us the consumer feel they are not getting a fair go and I personally feel nandos have crossed this line
I would like to know how old they are before they are fit for the chopping block. Can’t be mre than a few months old surely, they are positively sparrow sized
But I can only reiterate what I said before and that is to vote with your feet and go elsewhere with your hard earned cash
June 6th, 2011 at 11:39 am ozsoapbox(Quote)
@ausgeoff
Photo please! I love signage typos
.
June 6th, 2011 at 2:29 pm ausGeoff(Quote)
That ain’t no typo Oz!
They’re hardly gonna call ‘em chicken tits are they?
June 7th, 2011 at 4:25 pm GoodtimesInstigator(Quote)
Just to address some earlier comments; Firstly Nandos IS a South African company (if you look at any bottle of take home sauce in Woolies for example it says product of South Africa).
It states this too in the restaurants. If you take the time to read some of the “history/legend of Nandos/peri-peri” stuff on the walls and such it tells of how peri-peri is the name of the African birds eye chilli, how Portuguese colonists discovere this on the east coast of Africa (Mozambique), adopted the word into Portuguese as Piri-Piri (from pili-pili) and the method of cooking and spice into Portuguese cuisine. I’m not sure if they have that stuff written in all Nandos outlets but it’s in a lot.
You probably seem like one of those people who just “don’t get” Nandos and if you can’t handle spicy food then there’s no point in eating Nandos, (lemon&herb and mild just don’t cut it).
The spicy intensity of Nandos is a big part of the attraction, although it is toned down in Australia (Aus extra-hot is a bit above mild in other outlets particularly in Africa). Anyhow here’s some hints to help you better enjoy the experience:
Study the menu very carefully and for a long time before hand. (Then you’ll see stuff like peri-peri chips and thw wonderful perinaise sauce/dip!)
Order only hot or Extra hot
If ordering chicken order the breast/wing if very hungry, the only time Nandos regulars eat the thigh/leg is when they get the short end of the stick from a whole chicken meal (even then you can ask for 4 breast/wings)
Get stuck in, use your hands and devour every scrap of flesh and edible material off the bone, it is encouraged (thats why all outlets have hand basins in them)
* The lack of signage about the whereabouts of cutlery, serviettes, sauces and glasses is annoying however at least they are all kept in the same place
June 8th, 2011 at 3:22 am ozsoapbox(Quote)
Sorry what’s there not to get?
Your whole argument seems to be about the chicken being ‘hot’ and the ‘spicy intensity’. Let me assure you I’m quite capable of holding my spices and by no means is that a valid justification for the prices Nandos Australia charges its customers.
The rest of what you mentioned I guess does add to the experience, but isn’t anything you can’t experience in your local Indian curry joint… at far more reasonable prices for what you get.
July 23rd, 2011 at 1:29 am Ryan GG(Quote)
It’s a shame you’ve had such a bad experience as it makes all the difference.
As a Nandos lover I’ll share my experience. There are a few reasons while I eat at Nandos over other takeaways.
1) My stomach feels better after eating Nandos whereas Maccas, KFC etc I don’t feel good. (Once I had maccas I spent a night in the toilet vomiting because of food poisoning)
2) I’m a regular face at my local Nandos so now the owner will always give me extras and he takes good care of me like I’m his Son haha.
There’s plenty of food that I can halve it with my GF (sometimes we even have leftovers) So a $16 meal that feeds 2 people is good value, for me anyway!
I order the 4xChicken Tenderloin meal with extra hot sauce & Peri-Peri salt on my chips which costs about $16. PLUS the owner will give me extra chips an extra chicken tenderloin & bowl of salad free
August 6th, 2011 at 9:22 am Terry(Quote)
Awww C’mon! Who are you trying to kid? “$16 feeds 2 people” is simply not true unless they are both 5 years old
Why mention what you get for free? Nobody else gets it so what the hell has that got to do with anything?
I’m wanting to say something positive…at least their toilets are clean
August 7th, 2011 at 12:32 am Matt(Quote)
A nandos recently opened near me so I tried them out. I was disgusted by the service but more importantly the food didn’t meet the expectations considering how much I paid for it.
I really regretted going there.
August 7th, 2011 at 3:34 am ausGeoff(Quote)
Was coming home last Friday night (from visiting someone in hospital—no food on-site) so, despite previously reading their outrageous pricing on Nandos’ web site menu, thought we’d give ‘em a go, and I could also check out the reality of all the lousy comments here.
Oh dear…
“We’re Grilling Until 10PM” proclaims the big sign outside.
Unh unh… not if you happen to walk in the door at 9:50PM like we did, and try and get something they happen to be NOT grilling. To the dumbfounded looks from the pre-schooler serving behind the counter, we simply just walked out LOL. Why bother to argue the toss?
I mean… what food outlet closes at 10PM on a Friday and Saturday night? What’s their target demographic at Nandos? Aged pensioners? Both the nearby McDonalds are 24/7 with table service until 2AM when it changes to drive-through only.
I guess I’m doomed (or saved, depending on your viewpoint) to never getting to taste these gold-plated chicken and chips dinners?
September 2nd, 2011 at 11:52 pm bushrat(Quote)
I walked into one in Sydney with a mate some years ago, saw the size of the serve – and asked the gal whether they had any chicken for sale. She pointed to the pathetic plucked avian that was being served to another customer and told me the price, my mate quipped “we want a chook, not a bloody pidgeon”
Well, that didnt go down terribly well, a couple standing near us actually gasped and managed to look at us like we’d dropped a particularly bad fart, (maybe they were fans) then the manager came over and started jumping up and down and told us to “please leave the restaurant”
We did, then went and got a chinese and sat opposite the joint smacking our lips and saying loudly “gee, this is REAL TASTY!”
Good fun that!
I’ve never set foot in one, and can say that I’ve never eaten at one. Doesent matter how good it tastes, the portion sizes we saw were far too small.
September 3rd, 2011 at 4:33 am ausGeoff(Quote)
It’s interesting how well these fast-food franchises do considering the quadrella of lousy service, lilliputian serves, high pricing and crappy food.
I guess they rely mainly on the sozzled midnight desperadoes, or the schoolkids that wouldn’t know the difference between a chicken burger and a toasted dog-turd sandwich.
September 3rd, 2011 at 10:43 am ozsoapbox(Quote)
I think it’s also a reflection of society at large. Most people don’t know how to cook decent food anymore and find that eating out is more convenient than cooking themselves.
Despite the price, places like Nando must start to look attractive to them as admittedly it’s a cut above McDonalds.
White collar junkfood?
September 3rd, 2011 at 3:22 pm bushrat(Quote)
Thats true, my eldest bloke bought a gal home once who did not know how to boil an egg, I kid you not!
September 3rd, 2011 at 4:50 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Why was he boiling an egg after bringing a date home!
‘hey bebee… wanna make out?’
‘uh, sure’
‘cool, but lets eat some eggs first.’
September 3rd, 2011 at 9:27 pm ausGeoff(Quote)
Maybe it was Bushie junior’s idea of foreplay?
September 4th, 2011 at 10:03 am bushrat(Quote)
Ha Ha!
Yair, she couldnt cook for shit but she was an ok gal, unlike a lot of the others that have landed on my doorstep over the years. Since this is a public forum, I will take the 5th on any further comment.
October 14th, 2011 at 4:08 pm Anonymous(Quote)
I dont know waht your on about – the nandos in canberra is perfectly fine. Sure, its more expensive then teh KFC across the road, but its a whole lot better. There are PLENTY of clean sauce bottles, glasses and water bottles available, clean tables, friendly staff….
Perhaps its just a bad store?
October 14th, 2011 at 6:57 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
@anonymous
How exactly? I remember KFC in Australia being a bit on the expensive side too (have they breached $10 for a zinger meal yet?)… but for what you get, certainly a better option than Nandos hands down. Paying nearly double the price for half the food just isn’t worth the money.
Is that because nobody goes there?
I think the other readers who have contributed to this article indicate otherwise.
October 20th, 2011 at 8:09 pm Anonymous(Quote)
Zinger meals are over 10$ last time i checked.
Tuggeranong nando’s is usually packed at lunch, but you never wait mroe then 15min.
Maybe its a case of a “good” store?
October 20th, 2011 at 9:29 pm ausGeoff(Quote)
I’m guessing that all these slops-houses will be packed at lunchtimes…
A lot of tradies around our neck of the woods use ‘em for a quick misrepresentation of a feed, but the most of them would be happy with a toasted dog-turd sandwich, so it’s not much of a recommendation.
I’m surprised that most take-away “food” doesn’t contravene the Trade Practices Act.
October 21st, 2011 at 10:47 am ozsoapbox(Quote)
@Anonymous
Possibly, and if it is as busy as you suggest – perhaps the other Nandos stores in Australia need to take note of what they’re doing.
October 28th, 2011 at 6:48 pm Ben(Quote)
Just got ripped myself!!
I knew they were expensive but was at the shops and thought what the hell, got 4 BBQ Thigh pieces for $8.95 and would make a salad at home.
Basically two mouthfulls. Tiny tiny pieces. I’ve got cook because what i had was a fucking snack.
I searched for nandos ripoff and found this site. Never ever again.
October 28th, 2011 at 7:25 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Sorry to hear about your experience Ben.
I love how some people who find this article still profess that Nando’s is the greatest food source on Earth… and then there’s others who relay similar experiences to my own which clearly show otherwise.
Either people have wildly different standards as to what is and isn’t acceptable pricewise, or Nandos quality control is up shit creek!
October 30th, 2011 at 12:38 am ausGeoff(Quote)
I’m guessing that it all depends on how well (or not) the individual franchisee follows the Nando’s HO “instruction book” on quality assurance.
The dreaded McDonald’s, Hungry Jacks, Red Rooster et al have similar issues.
October 31st, 2011 at 10:47 am ozsoapbox(Quote)
@ausgeoff
Red Rooster is notorious for this but can’t say I’ve had similar experiences with Hungry Jacks and McDonalds.
Apart from sundae prices varying at different McDonalds, the service and food is pretty much universal regardless of the location when we’re talking McDonalds/Hungry Jacks.
Even here in Taiwan Hungry Jacks (Burger King) and McDonalds are the same as Australia (slight menu changes aside).
November 7th, 2011 at 6:06 pm Maxine(Quote)
What you guys don’t realise is that Nando’s served free range chicken, and what you pay for in a restaurant/fast food store is not only for the food itself but you also got to pay for
-the quality of the cutlery,
-staff {a lot more then Maccas/KFC pay)
-RENT – which is very high
-Food costs – around 25-30%
The prices are very reasonable, and they do not make as much as you people think!!!…!…without their prices they would not be able to sustain a reasonable profit of 18-20% !
Also if you are going to complaion about the prices… why not just cook at home and don’t eat out at all:S!
November 7th, 2011 at 6:50 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
What’s your source for this? I was unable to find anything backing up this claim.
…really? You’re going to try and justify Nando’s ripoff prices because of the cutlery? Oh dear.
What staff? There’s like 3-4 people in the store! And clearly they don’t have enough staff because the food takes forever to be served.
pfft, everyone has to pay rent.
pffft again, everyone has to pay food costs too.
So that leaves us with… cutlery.
I don’t know what’s better, Nandos ripping off people because they can, or because they have cutlery.
(seriously, omg cutlery!)
Aww, poor them!
That’s pretty much what I wound up doing most nights.
November 8th, 2011 at 3:40 pm ausGeoff(Quote)
And this (free range poultry) should be more than a normal consumer expecatation in an enlightened 21st century market, but NOT require an effective surcharge for doing so.
I’m sorry Maxine, but due to your over-defensive comments re Nanados, I can only conclude that you either have a vested financial interest in one of their franchises, or are an employee of an outlet.
The particualr staffing, overheads and stocking issue costs you mention are no more than any other similar fast food outlet has to bear, and are therefore really irrelevant as a specific defence of Nandos excessive pricing policies and poor customer service.
November 8th, 2011 at 6:07 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Yes but they have cutlery Geoff… CUTLERY!!
Honestly, here I was eating everywhere else with my hands. God bless Nandos and their cutlery!
November 9th, 2011 at 1:15 am ausGeoff(Quote)
LOL…
Maybe it saves Nandos providing soap and towels in their rest rooms by not having all those greasy fingers. But shouldn’t that null and void the “extra” costs of providing cutlery?
November 9th, 2011 at 1:28 am ozsoapbox(Quote)
Rest rooms?
I thought they were another exclusive at Nandos… you mean other places have them too?
INCREDIBLE!
Bloody hell, Nandos should double their prices now for the luxury of restrooms alone – towels and soap or not!
November 11th, 2011 at 9:00 pm bob(Quote)
wow whats rong with you ozs just got my first nandos after reading this.
i got a half chicken meal for takeaway in hot sauce and peri peri chips with a drink which came to 18.00 and i thought thats about 3 dollars overpriced but still the smell in the car on the way home was worth 3 dollars and that was the best damn chicken iv ever had.
i am a nandos fanboy and im going to run around letting everyone know how good it is, definatly going back even if it is slightly overpriced and it took about 8-10 mins to make at 8.30pm. SOOOOO nice
November 11th, 2011 at 9:07 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
You paid $18 for half a chicken, some chips and a drink… waited 10 minutes for it and think it was only $3 overpriced.
…a fool and his money?
November 11th, 2011 at 9:30 pm bob(Quote)
your a fool
November 11th, 2011 at 9:32 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Yet you’re the one buying a half chicken for $18 and crowing about how great it is.
Kudos to Nandos for being able to take such great advantage of people. Not only do they charge you ridiculous sums of money for their chicken, they convince you it’s worth it.
November 11th, 2011 at 9:35 pm bob(Quote)
i would pay $30 for that chicken
November 11th, 2011 at 9:38 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Good luck with that.
I expect Nandos must post mega profits year after year.
November 11th, 2011 at 9:40 pm bob(Quote)
im agreeing its a bit overpriced but compare that to a three piece feed from kfc, 3 drumsticks, chips, gravy, drink for 12.50 and my point is its the best chicken ive ever had and ill pay the 3-5 dollars of overpricedness for it.
November 11th, 2011 at 9:46 pm bob(Quote)
you have to agree it was tasty
November 11th, 2011 at 10:03 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
At $18, the bitter taste of being ripped off would trump the flavour of the food.
Might as well be eating cardboard at that price.
November 12th, 2011 at 1:33 pm ausGeoff(Quote)
Well, I’m glad to see you were satisfied with both Nandos quality and their pricing Bob…
As a comparison, I can buy a fresh-off-the-spit full charcoal-BBQ’d chicken at my local chicken shop, plus servings of home-made coleslaw and potato salad for $10-95 + $4-95ea + $4-95ea = $20-85.
I can’t understand how you can admit that the Nandos’ stuff is overpriced (by up to FIVE dollars!), and also takes a relatively slow 10 minutes to walk out with as being satisfactory. I can only assume that you’re made of money, and have all the time in the world to waste in take-away stores?
The taste of food is, of course, very subjective, but gee, you’d be hard-pressed to beat my charcoal chicken shop for a scrumptious free-range chook.
Incidentally, I don’t see it as very constructive to insult someone on their own blog…
We’re all entitled to our own opinions, but responding with crass insults certainly won’t endear you to the “regulars” here Bob. And as a self-described Nandos “fanboy” your opinions can all-too-easily be dismissed as totally biased anyway.
November 16th, 2011 at 2:16 pm KR(Quote)
what an idiotic rant. now, i’ve never worked in fast-food, but i have worked in service.
firstly, you ordered without knowing what you wanted, and then blamed them for you not knowing. it’s not maccas – the customer is not always right, and they’re not mind-readers. if you’re old enough to write a blog, surely you’re old enough to look after yourself?
you may think it’s overpriced, but you’re expecting cooked-to-order for the same price as mass produced, cardboard enhanced junkfood. it is take-away, not fast-food, and it indeed is on the higher end of the price scale, but it’s like comparing dominos to wood-fired pizza.
you know you’re getting better quality product, with better quality ingredients and if you don’t want to pay for the privilege, then don’t order it. believe me, that HJs meal is going to leave you with a dirtier feeling than nandos ever will, and that is but one of the things you’re paying for.
your rant cries of “i want my cake (or cheap but better quality than cheap take-away food, as the case may be) & to eat it too”. if you want better value, cook yourself – there’s no better value than that.
other things worth paying extra for – they don’t really attract the dregs of society (and consequently no bashings/shootings etc) and their facilities are cleaner.
oh, and take the time to find a voucher (they’re not too scarce) and you’ll be paying about the same price as the lesser alternatives. or don’t, and enjoy your fancy m-select gourmet burger.
November 16th, 2011 at 2:27 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Where are you pulling this crap from? Both times I walked in there I read the menu and placed an order.
I knew exactly what I wanted because I walked in and ordered it (/facepalm).
Oh please. Nandos staff walk over to fridge, pick up pre-marinated chicken and slap it on the grill. McDonalds et al are all cooked to order these days so that argument falls fat on its face.
It’s CHICKEN!
That I did, that I did. Only an idiot has a meal at Nandos and walks away feeling like they didn’t just have their arsehole ripped open with a 3ft wide cactus.
Really…? And the arguments for nandos just get more and more ridiculous. We had ‘BUT THEY HAVE CUTLERY!!!’ a few days ago and now you’re going to suggest you’re going to get bashed and shot unless you eat at Nandos. Rightio.
As for clean, their sauce bottles were grotty beyond belief when I was there. Otherwise what, I’ve never really had a problem with tables and chairs anywhere else either. Certainly not enough to warrant the giant cactus being rammed up my arse that is the Nadnos dining experience.
How about Nandos just stop ripping people off… like I can be arsed running around looking for vouchers. Please.
November 16th, 2011 at 7:43 pm ausGeoff(Quote)
You admit to never having worked in fast food, but then say…
Do you seriously believe that Nando’s cooks their food to order? You know; like a real restaurant? That they skin and bone a fresh chicken, marinate and spice it, pan sautee it or broil it, and then serve it up to you in 5 minutes flat… again, like a real restaurant that takes maybe half an hour to do the same thing?
Dream on my friend.
November 21st, 2011 at 9:09 pm KR(Quote)
wow, people that can’t comprehend english trying to be clever on a blog. you both fail, ozsoapbox & ausGeoff.
cooked to order means cooked when you order it. not started from scratch when you order. do i really need to explain that? for whatever you’re led to believe, anything mcdonalds cooks to order takes only minutes to dish up. you can actually walk into nandos and watch them put the chicken on the grill after you order it. cleverness fail #1.
“Back at the office I discovered the chips were just salted”
yep, yet you thought they were going to be otherwise. oh no, you knew exactly what you were ordering, right? yeah, i can comprehend english, yet you can’t comprehend your own wriitng. cleverness fail #2.
it’s CHICKEN! oh i get it! because you shout it, makes it a flawless argument. i guess by the same token a prime cut of waygu beef if the same as mcdonalds cheeseburger patty because they’re both BEEF! look, i shouted, so that makes it a fact now.
only an idiot eats nando and doesn’t feel ripped off? i’d say only an idiot eats at nandos, doesn’t like it and then eats there again. some people aren’t penny pinching want-it-all spoilt twats and actually see value in their food. i mean if you want stuff to fill yourself up without any regard for flavour, go for it. the rest of us will enjoy nandos for what it is.
“you’re going to get bashed and shot unless you eat at Nandos”. yep, that’s what i said. you must have been really good writing essays in remedial english class.
like you can be assed running around for vouchers? whilst you don’t have to, its obvious to tell from your blog you can’t be assed to do anything right.
November 21st, 2011 at 9:25 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Mate when was the last time you ordered something and had it served to you uncooked when it was supposed to be?
Your definition of cooked to order is about as stupid as a car dealership advertising ‘cars with wheels!’
So both stores do exactly the same thing. They cook your food to order.
Thankyou for clarifying that the cooking process for McDonalds and Nandos is exactly the same, in that they both cook the food you order.
/facepalm.
I ordered peri peri chips, I didn’t order salted chips. Why call them peri peri chips if they are in reality ‘salted chips unless you peri peri them yourself’?
Seriously… do you have the IQ of a used tampon? You’re comparing cuts of beef to chicken, when was the last time you ordered a specific cut of chicken? ‘Breast’ or leg is not a cut, it’s a body part – chicken is chicken the world over.
Although if they could, I’m sure Nandos would try and convince you they use some special grade of rare exotic chicken. But they can’t… because they don’t. They’re products have the same chicken in them that everybody else uses. Because chicken is chicken.
Yeah… because double checking your first horrendously bad experience at a food place when you have diehard fanboys like yourself screaming Nandos is gods gift to cuisine with a second sitting is completely abnormal behaviour.
And there’s that stupid flavour argument again. FFS It’s mass produced marinated chicken! Anyone would think each Nandos store had a chef serving up custom cooked secret recipe chicken the way you lot carry on about your precious Nandos.
Why have multiple cleverness fails when you can leave one giant clusterfuck of a brain hemorrhage comment. Good work son.
November 21st, 2011 at 9:35 pm ausGeoff(Quote)
From the content and tone of your puerile response, it’s more than obvious who has the better understanding of the English language, such that I’ll not bother to unnecessarily defend myself…
And as for this silly assertion…
No it doesn’t; sorry. I’m starting to get the impression you either work for Nando’s—as you’re so defensive—or you have some other vested interest in the fast-food industry. Both despite your claims to the contrary.
Bottom line: Nando’s—and most other fast food—is overpriced, unadulterated crap. If you choose to believe that Nando’s is a cut above the others, then more fool you.
November 21st, 2011 at 10:23 pm ausGeoff(Quote)
I’m starting to think that the term “cooked to order” is pretty ambiguous…
After checking out a few foody sites, it seems nobody can really agree on an appropriate definition—even the “experts” in the trade.
The consensus seems to be—on balance—that the phrase “cooked to order” does have the implication of it being raw or uncooked meat or poultry that’s actually fully cooked, and further prepared, in front of your eyes (more or less). As compared to pre-cooked, battered or seasoned food that’s simply thrown on to a griddle, into a microwave, or a deep-frier.
November 22nd, 2011 at 12:54 am ozsoapbox(Quote)
In an advertising sense, I’ve only ever seen it used to convey that food is cooked (grilled/baked whatever, but NOT reheated in a microwave) after you order it.
McDonalds ran a campaign about this a few years back and as far as I know weren’t slapped by the ACCC about it so I figure it’s a reasonable assumption that thisis the general consensus.
November 22nd, 2011 at 1:06 pm KR(Quote)
i’m no fanboy, and i’ll eat there maybe once every 3 months. oh yeah, but i must work for nando’s. the sleuthing work of a 10 year old. sorry, chump, wrong again. i simply dislike twats like you both who rant like psuedo-intellectuals without an ounce of credibility. especially when you can’t debate in an intelligent manner.
advertisement re:car with wheels? that’s right on track with your “you get bashed & shot if you don’t eat at nando’s!” sensationalist miscomprehension.
want to make a point? make a point. it might take some practice but you’ll get there eventually. i haven’t seen a decent rebuttal by either of you – read your replies to me and you’ll see nothing genuinely rebuts my argument. but the rage that pumps through ozsoapbox’s veins and into text as she slaps away at the keyboard is a nice side reward.
but please, next time you order grilled chicken, demand they cook it as fast as a burger can be slapped together so you can get on with your busy life. it will do us all a favour.
thanks for your order, have a lovely day and please come back again.
November 22nd, 2011 at 1:11 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Sorry, was there a point in there somewhere? All I heard was ‘waaaaah I’m superior than everyone else because I eat at Nandos. We have cutlery AND cooked food. Did I mention we’re intalectshuals too?’
Yeah, clearly not. Enjoy your massively overpriced ‘cooked to order’ chicken.
November 22nd, 2011 at 2:31 pm KR(Quote)
oh, bless. now i get it. you’re just unable read so you make up things that others say. because of course, i babbled about cutlery. and i said only nandos exclusively offers cooked food. it’s all there in print, isn’t it? right after i said you’ll get shot if you don’t eat at nando’s. oh, it’s not? well, i should have at least mentioned that victoria secrets models are forced to slaughter the chickens, before being bathing in peri peri sauce which is then sent to the restaurants. i mean, who wouldn’t pay for such a delicacy?
if a couple of dollars is “massive” to you, then i truly, truly pity you. i’d hate to think where you’d take someone for a special night out.
and thanks! i will enjoy the chicken. unless, you know, i decide that being a pompous self-loving blogger seems a more enticing path to travel.
November 22nd, 2011 at 2:37 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
I group Nandos fanboys all in the same basket. You’re a collective bunch of annoying twats.
it’s all relative, a couple of dollars out of a million is nothing, but when we’re talking around 20-30% of the initial price, it’s a lot. Especially when we’re talking fast food (no pun intended).
(yes yes I know you’ll retort about how Nandos is 5 star gourmet cuisine but it was it is, chicken and chips).
People can eat at Nandos and enjoy it sure, I’ve got no problems with that despite my own experiences there. There’s that line though that distinguishes normal person from subsevient fanboy.
It’s what causes people to hit the internets and defend their Nandos honor TO THE DEATH!
TO ARMS MEN, THOU HAST CHALLENGED THE HONOR OF NANDOS!!!
TO THE DEATH I SAY!!!
November 22nd, 2011 at 3:54 pm KR(Quote)
wow. really? do you really not know how to read? look, feel free to defend yourself, but you keep making up stuff i’ve apparently said, and then skip over stuff i have said. 4 times a year maketh a fanboy?
i’ve never said nandos is gourmet, just better quality. of course, if your definition of gourmet is the same as mcdonald’s in producing their m-selects range, then yeah, nando’s is that type of gourmet. you know, the meaningless marketing wank type of gourmet. but yet, i never said anything of the sort.
but something i did say that you missed, is that it is take away food, not fast food. there is an obvious difference that you still can’t seem to fathom.
must you continue to look a fool on your own blog? this is one of those times you should quit whilst you’re behind, because you can only lose by more. of course, i know your raging, feeble mind won’t be able to accept defeat, so please, entertain me with your next lacklustre reply.
November 22nd, 2011 at 3:58 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
Waffle waffle waffle….
waffle waffle waffle… I’ve been dealing with Nandos fanboys for a while now, I already know what you think.
Come on mate, chicken and chips… it’s fast food. Get over it.
November 22nd, 2011 at 4:36 pm KR(Quote)
and with that… game, set & match, KR.
well done for trying though, kiddo.
November 22nd, 2011 at 5:20 pm ausGeoff(Quote)
Unfortunately Oz, you simply can’t have any meaningful debate with somebody who merely resorts to personal insults in an effort to “prove” their point…
It’s called an ad hominem argument, and is a logical fallacy in which a claim or argument is rejected on the basis of some irrelevant fact about the the person presenting the claim or argument. This meaningless attack is taken to be evidence against the claim or argument the person in question is making—which is obviously silly.
As far as I’m aware, I’ve never met KR face-to-face, so he/she is drawing a pretty long bow in calling me a “twat” and a ” pseudo-intellectual”!
Anyway, I’m not bothering to respond directly to KR as it’s obviously a case of preaching against the already converted, and a waste of time. One can only hope that your blog is not further plagued by these sorts of drive-by trolls.
November 22nd, 2011 at 5:20 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
What match…you think this was some kind of competition?
Because you’ve defended Nando’s honor and… ‘won’?
Yeah, clearly not a fanboy.
Nandos is still just as much a big of a ripoff as it’s ever been, no matter how many games you think you’ve won.
November 22nd, 2011 at 5:37 pm ausGeoff(Quote)
Thanks for the LULZ… this is so funny…
I’m guessing that if KR talks to herself, she thinks she’ll get some intelligent conversation? And I’m guessing KR is a “she” by the use of the typically female derogatory term kiddo. Bit of a giveaway sweetheart hehe.
November 22nd, 2011 at 5:59 pm KR(Quote)
i am a she. and? oh, that was your entire “point”? ahhhh. ok.
and the insults were complimentary to my argument, not in place of. after all, i’m only calling a twat a twat. i mean, my “puerile” response must have upset you to have been puerile, surely?
LULZ away, honeybun.
December 8th, 2011 at 8:59 pm Jay Cooper(Quote)
Ben in the comments above is OBVIOUSLY a fanboy tonight his argument down a bit to get credability! Don’t wish for the hish!
December 17th, 2011 at 4:29 pm Raels Hodges(Quote)
WOW… We have just had a Nando’s open here in a mining town in W.A. and my daughter said she wanted to try it, so I googled Nando’s menu and this is what I got…
Everything here is more expensive than in the city so I am bit scared of going there now… not to mention the portion sizes.. lol..
I still really dont know what is so special about Nando’s but have taken in all that has been said and am most likely still going to try it… more than ever because of the debate going on above…
My guess is that it’s going to be the most overpriced, undersized, tastiest, free-range, cooked to order chicken I’ve ever had..
December 18th, 2011 at 12:20 pm ozsoapbox(Quote)
@Raels
Just make sure you don’t get takeaway otherwise you forefit the chance to try the cutlery… apparently using Nando’s cutlery is worth the food price alone.