NANDOS RESTAURANT: Where Life is a Bowl of Chillis
Nando's restaurant was just one of the new eateries in the Victoria Square complex which I was excited about trying. I have to say that the experience was not as fantastic as I was expecting due to the hype surrounding it's opening; however, I will definitly be returning and it is well worth a visit.
First of all, be warned, unless you are a fan of chicken, this menu will not appeal to your tastes. Choices include chicken wings, chicken burgers, chicken pittas, chicken salad and well, you guessed it, plain ol' roast chicken. Except, it's not really that plain...it's a delicious flame-roasted portuguese Peri-Peri recipe.
Upon entering Nando's, you will be greeted by some of the friendliest waiting staff in Belfast, several of whom are local and others from as far afield as Spain and America. The menu is simplistic but ideal if you are after a satisfying meal on a budget. Offers include a main course with two side orders for around £8. In Nando's experience differs slightly in that you order your food at a counter, take your drink back to your table, choose your own sauces and cutlery, and then wait to be served.
I really felt like I was on holiday in Spain whilst there with the gorgeous mix of Spanish music, European beer and mouthwatering aromas from the flame-grilled chicken. Our party dined on roast chicken with hot peri peri sauce, a chicken pitta with a mild/sweet sauce and caesar salad. If you are a fan of sweet potato, order this as a side, it was the best I have had! Be warned though, if you are not accustomed to hot food, opt for the mild sauce options- I am a hot food fiend and even my hardened tastebuds tingled with the peri=periness! I had the 1/4 roast chicken and by the end of my meal was wishing I had ordered the other 3 quarters!
The only complaints we had were a late caesar salad and a slight overcharge for a meal- most likely teething problems from the recent opening which will have been resolved by my next visit.
So, if you fancy a meal with influences of mainland Europe while you are in Belfast, Nandos is well worth a taste.