How it all began

It all started in 1987

when Fernando Duarte invited his friend Robbie Brozin for a bite at Chickenland, a modest Portuguese eatery in Rosettenville, Johannesburg. From that first bite, was a dream called Nando's.

The Barcelos Legend

Meet Barci, our

legendary cockerel

At Nando's, we call him our dear Barci (pronounced: bar-see).

As for his legend, this is how the story goes. A pilgrim was passing through the village of Barcelos in Portugal when he was wrongly accused of theft, a guilty verdict of which meant certain death. The pilgrim was brought before the town's judge, who was about to eat a roast cockerel for dinner.

Knowing what his sorry fate might be, the pilgrim pleaded: “If I am innocent, may that cockerel get up and crow!” Immediately, the cockerel got up and crowed heartily (well, it is a legend!). With that, the pilgrim was pardoned and allowed to go on his way.

Ever since, the Barcelos Cockerel has been a symbol of faith, justice and good fortune!

The Journey of PERi-PERi

Centuries ago, Portuguese explorers travelling through Southern Africa discovered the African Bird's Eye Chilli. It was fiery, flavourful and unlike anything they had tasted before. Local communities had already been using it to bring heat and joy to their food. That chilli later became the heart of PERi-PERi, and eventually the heart of Nando's.

Like us, PERi-PERi was shaped by different cultures coming together. Since then, it has continued bringing people together through food, flavour and fire.

Our Legendary PERi-PERi

Grown with pride in Southern Africa

We are proud of our Southern African roots. That is why we grow our own unique type of African Bird's Eye Chillies through the PERi-Farms initiative in Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

What began in 2012 with six Mozambican farmers has grown into a network of more than 1,400 farmers across 18 regions. We support them with quality seedlings, modern farming techniques, financial assistance and a premium price for every kilogram harvested.

Through a digital platform called Green Fingers Mobile and annual independent assessments, we have seen improvements in food security, education, health care, water access, housing and energy. Many farmers have been able to send their children to school, expand their homes and access solar power for the first time.

Every bottle, baste and bite of Nando's PERi-PERi contains chillies grown by these farmers. Their work and dedication are woven into every flavour you taste, and it is something we're incredibly proud of.

With chillies grown with heart and a recipe rooted in heritage, PERi-PERi comes in many levels of heat. The best part is that you get to decide how bold you want to go.

Choose your heat

Whether you love the freshness of Lemon and Herb, the comfort of Medium or the thrill of Extra Hot, there is a heat for everyone. And if you prefer Plain-ish, that is perfectly fine. You do you.

Extra Hot

Like tackling a ferociously fiery dragon.

Hot

Highly combustible - proceed with caution.

Mild

Hits the spot without scalding your tonsils.

Lemon & Herb

A mere hint of heat but a tidal wave of flavour.

Plain...ish

Marinated in PERi-PERi but grilled with no added spice. As mild as we go.