All things Nando's

CruelCoin

lcstress2012 wrote: »

Starting a thread about Nandos. Do you like it or not like it. Do you think it's overrated or overpriced?

I dislike it.

"Oh hey, its so cool having to go up and order at the counter like we're at McDonalds, its so trendy"

I didn't think the food was great.

jam_mac_jam

I like it. Non breaded chicken and lovely hot sauce. Realatively healthier options like ratatouille and salad for sides. I find kfc and the like sickening with the amount of grease. Still prefer crackbird though.

Yamanoto

Gave Nando's a go for the first time in Santry last week & wondering if their fries are always as cruddy as I experienced.

They were like a throwback to 1980's McCain's oven chips, horrible yokes.

NachoBusiness

jam_mac_jam wrote: »

Still prefer crackbird though.

Or as I like to call it: Cracked Chicken

GaryTLynch

I really hate the way they always forget to bring you the peri-peri nuts when you order them as a starter/appetiser. They are right beside the cash registers behind the counter and it only takes two seconds to scoop them into a small bowl. But rather than giving them to you then and there so you can eat them while you wait for the mains, they insist on bringing them down to your table (then never do!)

Ally Dick

Nandos and Empty Pockets are overpriced rip offs. I don't like the burgers in either of them

freshpopcorn

GaryTLynch wrote: »

I really hate the way they always forget to bring you the peri-peri nuts when you order them as a starter/appetiser. They are right beside the cash registers behind the counter and it only takes two seconds to scoop them into a small bowl. But rather than giving them to you then and there so you can eat them while you wait for the mains, they insist on bringing them down to your table (then never do!)

I haven't been to Nandos is a good while. When ever I did go tough, they always filled the nuts in a bowl and left me bring them to my table by myself.

riffmongous

Jesus I'd be expecting pheasant or quail for the prices being quoted in this thread

ProudDUB

Big fan of Nando's food, but agree with other posters here, that it's over priced for what you get. If it was a sit down restaurant, that is one thing. But having to go up to the counter and queue up to place your order is a pain. I always seem to be stuck behind someone who is there for the first time and, needs the entire menu and what comes with what, explained to them. Twice! :mad:

Then you have to go and get your own drinks, napkins, sauce, silverware etc etc. It's very expensive, when you are the one doing all the legwork.

The staff are very friendly though. Can't fault them there. From the host/hostess seating you, to the people taking your order, bringing you your order (and asking if you need anything else before they leave) and then checking back with you during you meal, to see if you are ok....I love all that. I'm a sucker for good service.

A lot of pub/restaurant waiters just bring you your food & scarper & they rarely come back during the meal. I love it that its standard Nandos practice to do all that. It's very American. Often wondered if there is a staff training manual that mandates they must that. If there is, I wish all restaurants had it.

Timothy Bryce

It's effectively the KFC equivalent for the middle class. Costs a bit more than Eddie Rockets etc but leaves you feeling properly satisfied.

I was sold the moment Example & Ed Sheeran sang a song about it

Agent Smith

Nermal wrote: »

you know when you go down town with the lads and you all realize you’re hank marvin’ so you say “lads let’s go Maccers” but your mate Smithy a.k.a. The Bantersaurus Rex has some mula left on his nandos gift card and he’s like “mate let’s a have a cheeky nandos on me” and you go “Smithy my son you’re an absolute ledge” so you go have an extra cheeky nandos with a side order of Top Quality Banter

I keep imagining David Cameron saying this...

Irishcrx

Ah I like it to be honest , it's very overpriced but the food is decent, chicken is always tender.

I always get a Double chicken pitta with cheese...

suicide_circus

Battery farmed chicken
Self-service
Chips, mash potatoe
Soft drink dispensers

It's slow fast food with unbattered chicken, cringeworthy marketing and simplton clients

Kat1170

Saadyst wrote: »

Not sure how people are comparing this to McDs, KFC or the local chipper. A huge draw for Nando's is the quality of the food (especially the chicken). It's a couple of steps up in terms of price from McDs/KFC but much more healthier. If you're happy eating the stuff from those places that's fine, crack on, I don't think Nando's is meant to be for you.

I think comparing it to decent pub food is probably where it should be, and it'll easily beat out most pubs - where food is usually an afterthought and cooked up in a miserable fashion. Price wise it should land about the same.

If you don't like the taste, you don't like the taste - but comparing it to chippers and the like is laughable.

Melisandre121 wrote: »

I used to work in Nandos My personal favourite is a 1/4 chicken with peri chips and creamy mash. Amazing.

I agree it is a little overpriced, but what I would say is that the chicken is grade A Irish meat. And everything is grilled (apart from the chips of course..) so it is a much healthier option than say, KFC.

Ehhh, NO ITS NOT !!!!!!

Dave_The_Sheep

Tarzana2 wrote: »

God no, Eddie Rockets is much better value.

They're both ****e value.

Huntergonzo

Nandos is not too bad, I like the odd trip, there's pros and cons

Pros: Nice chicken (especially the butterfly), good portions, free refills and best all for me is their sauces, I love their sauces, I absolutely pile on the lemon and herb.

Cons: it's too expensive and the food itself while nice is pretty basic (you could probably do just as well at home, the chips especially are a cheap job).

jam_mac_jam

Kat1170 wrote: »

Ehhh, NO ITS NOT !!!!!!

Eh yes it is. Healthy food is not just calories of one item compared. You can get vegetables and salad and non breaded chicken. There are few healthy options in kfc

Fr_Dougal

jam_mac_jam wrote: »

Eh yes it is. Healthy food is not just calories of one item compared. You can get vegetables and salad and non breaded chicken. There are few healthy options in kfc

You don't win friends with salad.

Kat1170

jam_mac_jam wrote: »

Eh yes it is. Healthy food is not just calories of one item compared. You can get vegetables and salad and non breaded chicken. There are few healthy options in kfc

Yeah :rolleyes: That's why people go to Nandos :cool:

jam_mac_jam

Kat1170 wrote: »

Yeah :rolleyes: That's why people go to Nandos :cool:

Thats why i go. Maybe i am not a person.

Collie D

ProudDUB wrote: »

Big fan of Nando's food, but agree with other posters here, that it's over priced for what you get. If it was a sit down restaurant, that is one thing. But having to go up to the counter and queue up to place your order is a pain. I always seem to be stuck behind someone who is there for the first time and, needs the entire menu and what comes with what, explained to them. Twice! :mad:

Then you have to go and get your own drinks, napkins, sauce, silverware etc etc. It's very expensive, when you are the one doing all the legwork.

The staff are very friendly though. Can't fault them there. From the host/hostess seating you, to the people taking your order, bringing you your order (and asking if you need anything else before they leave) and then checking back with you during you meal, to see if you are ok....I love all that. I'm a sucker for good service.

A lot of pub/restaurant waiters just bring you your food & scarper & they rarely come back during the meal. I love it that its standard Nandos practice to do all that. It's very American. Often wondered if there is a staff training manual that mandates they must that. If there is, I wish all restaurants had it.

Never knew they had waiting staff. So why do you need to queue as if you're in Burger King? Have never been. The queuing always gave me the impression of fast food. Nothing against fast food but they're not fast food prices

Muahahaha

I think at this stage everyone agrees that Nandos are around 25% overpriced but many still love it. I've had it once and whilst I liked it I feel you can get a much better meal for the same price elesewhere.

Also its chicken. Even the worst of cooks can do a good job with chicken. If I'm spending money on a meal I always think that part of the price is for the skill of the chef who is cooking something to perfection that I myself would struggle with at home. Anyone could re-create a Nandos at home, theres loads of copycat recopies for their entire menu on the web and its pretty easy to do.

AnonoBoy

I've never been to a Nando's.

Aren't they just KFC with notions?

The Rape of Lucretia

Nermal wrote: »

you know when you go down town with the lads and you all realize you’re hank marvin’ so you say “lads let’s go Maccers” but your mate Smithy a.k.a. The Bantersaurus Rex has some mula left on his nandos gift card and he’s like “mate let’s a have a cheeky nandos on me” and you go “Smithy my son you’re an absolute ledge” so you go have an extra cheeky nandos with a side order of Top Quality Banter

For those of us who have never been - is every Nando's meal you have, a 'cheeky' Nando's ? I mean, is it possible to visit Nando's and not have a cheeky Nando's, but, just a chicken dish ? Have they patented the term 'Cheeky Nandos©' ?

Marcusm

Collie D wrote: »

Never knew they had waiting staff. So why do you need to queue as if you're in Burger King? Have never been. The queuing always gave me the impression of fast food. Nothing against fast food but they're not fast food prices

You come in the door, one staff member will greet you and show you to a numbered table and give you menus. Note that they will put a removable chicken on a rod on the table. When you decide what you want, one of you has to go to the counter and order it. The first thing they want to know is your table number. THe food is delivered to your table in the order in which it is available, a bit like Wagamamma, ie you might order starters/mains but they will come in whatever order. When you have received all your dishes (I have regularly been with groups of 10), someone will come along, check that you have everything and remove the chicken on a rod. When they clear the table, they'll ask you if you want desserts, coffee/tea etc.

It's a light service model, you need to do the ordering and collect the cutlery, sauces, extra plates, refillable drinks but they do the rest.

AnonoBoy wrote: »

I've never been to a Nando's.

Aren't they just KFC with notions?

It's not really a competitor or in the same market place as KFC. It's more Pizza Hut/Milano or table service burger places (Eddie Rocket's, GBK etc).

The food is nearly all chicken and the best value is in platters of whole chicken, ie breasts, legs etc. THe butterfly chicken breast on a roll etc is really an expensive and frankly less (presonally) rewarding way to eat at Nando's.

It's not revolutionary and I think it's a bit expensive in Ireland (compared to the UK) but it's certainly a better place than KFC or McDonald's for something other than a snack.

KungPao

I like the music and the fact that you have a proper plate of food with cutlery. But the food is fairly bland unless you smother it in hot sauce.

Not a bad place, but nothing special either.

I'd give it 5 out 7.

AnonoBoy

Marcusm wrote: »

It's not really a competitor or in the same market place as KFC.

The food is nearly all chicken .

That puts it in the same market place as KFC in my book!

colossus-x

What is this Nando's ( seriously, never been ). Is it some kind of junk food outlet dressed up as a proper restaurant?

murpho999

AnonoBoy wrote: »

That puts it in the same market place as KFC in my book!

No you can't do that.

KFC is fast food, plastic chairs, no cutlery, grease and very unhealthy.

Nando's is a lot nicer with better service.

Why people are comparing it to fast food is beyond me.

When I go there I always get the half chicken , with medium sauce, fries and minty peas.

I think the chicken and sauce is very nice and way ahead of any fast food joint, as is the service, environment and refillable drinks.

Price is not the cheapest but why should it be. Using a Nandos card gets you good deals as well.

People all complaining about price but ignore quality. For example Eddie Rocket's burger is way ahead of any McDonald's fare.

Penny Tration

I like it, it's definitely a little overpriced, but it's not bad. I usually get a butterflied chicken breast cooked extra hot, with extra extra hot sauce, and spicy rice.

Going there tomorrow actually. It's nicer than KFC in that it's whole chicken, not covered in batter, bread or too much grease, and you actually get it on a plate. Portion sizes are big too, I usually can't finish mine.

suicide_circus

It niggles at me to pay restaurant prices for something I could cook just as well or better at home, especially if I have to queue! Nandos food is basic, really basic.

Birneybau

KungPao wrote: »

I like the music and the fact that you have a proper plate of food with cutlery. But the food is fairly bland unless you smother it in hot sauce.

Not a bad place, but nothing special either.

I'd give it 5 out 7.

That's a new metric on me.

HungryJoey

Marcusm wrote: »

You come in the door, one staff member will greet you and show you to a numbered table and give you menus. Note that they will put a removable chicken on a rod on the table. When you decide what you want, one of you has to go to the counter and order it. The first thing they want to know is your table number. THe food is delivered to your table in the order in which it is available, a bit like Wagamamma, ie you might order starters/mains but they will come in whatever order. When you have received all your dishes (I have regularly been with groups of 10), someone will come along, check that you have everything and remove the chicken on a rod. When they clear the table, they'll ask you if you want desserts, coffee/tea etc.

It's a light service model, you need to do the ordering and collect the cutlery, sauces, extra plates, refillable drinks but they do the rest.

You forgot one key point. When they clear the table and ask if you want desserts, coffee/tea etc.., they will flip the desserts/tea/coffee menu onto the side indicating to other staff you are finished up and received the full experience. Play them at their own game: If you flip it back up, and another waiter/waitress comes by, they will probably ask you again if you want tea/coffee. Tried and tested :cool:

I think I've visited this place too many times :pac:

JimmySnails

HungryJoey wrote: »

You forgot one key point. When they clear the table and ask if you want desserts, coffee/tea etc.., they will flip the desserts/tea/coffee menu onto the side indicating to other staff you are finished up and received the full experience. Play them at their own game: If you flip it back up, and another waiter/waitress comes by, they will probably ask you again if you want tea/coffee. Tried and tested :cool:

I think I've visited this place too many times :pac:

Why would you want to be asked repeatedly if you want dessert/tea/coffee if you don't want dessert/tea/coffee?

HungryJoey

JimmySnails wrote: »

Why would you want to be asked repeatedly if you want dessert/tea/coffee if you don't want dessert/tea/coffee?

I could change my mind.

Maximus Alexander

Half chicken, hot, with double fries and peri salt. I like it.

People are talking about 'restaurant prices', but at the risk of going full Von Bismark, you must be eating at some awful restaurants!

Birneybau

Maximus Alexander wrote: »

Half chicken, hot, with double fries and peri salt. I like it.

People are talking about 'restaurant prices', but at the risk of going full Von Bismark, you must be eating at some awful restaurants!

Never go full Von Bismark!

WarZ

Birneybau wrote: »

Never go full Von Bismark!

Where is he these days? He was easily my favourite poster on the site.

KungPao

WarZ wrote: »

Where is he these days? He was easily my favourite poster on the site.

He's too busy having crunch talks with Euro finance ministers.

murpho999

suicide_circus wrote: »

It niggles at me to pay restaurant prices for something I could cook just as well or better at home, especially if I have to queue! Nandos food is basic, really basic.

A 1/4 breast of chicken with two sides is €10.10 to eat in.

I really don't see that as extortionate and I doubt that you could cook it the way they do.

Have you ever been to a proper restaurant?

astrofool

WarZ wrote: »

Where is he these days? He was easily my favourite poster on the site.

He got scammed by someone selling The Life of Pablo for €15m, and is working as a dishmonkey in Nando's instead.

armaghlad

Can't comment on prices in the south as I have only been in Nando's a handful of times in Belfast. I could eat in a half decent restaurant like Made in Belfast for the same price if not a slight bit more.

Nando's to me is like what McDonald's was in the 90s. It's just another novelty for that same generation.

JimmySnails

murpho999 wrote: »

A 1/4 breast of chicken with two sides is €10.10 to eat in.

I really don't see that as extortionate and I doubt that you could cook it the way they do.

Have you ever been to a proper restaurant?

A takeout chicken and chips/a dinner box will cost you at least eight quid in your local chipper. Add in anther side and the price is quite similar. Nandos isn't that bad value overall considering.