Nando’s Feed Your Fire launch was a feast for the senses as the franchise transports guests on a culinary journey to Southern Africa!
Taste test galore with great food, art, music, and vibes.
SmartDory and fellow Penang bloggers and KOL discovered Nando’s Southern African roots and got to experience the New Nando’s Feed Your Fire launch.
In celebration of Malaysians’ fiery spirit, Nando’s threw a feast for the senses at Nando’s Queensbay Restaurant (Lot No. LG-92, Concourse)
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Feed Your Fire Experience
The experience began with a hot welcome from the Nando’s squad – ready to Feed Your Fire.
I thought they’d need a fire extinguisher as my tolerance for spice is incredibly low.
Being surrounded by insta-worthy Southern African art and the glorious colors of resplendent of Nando’s – I almost started bobbing my shoulders to Afro-Luso beats.
The new Nando’s experience is, I believe, a feast for the senses.
Luscious, flame-grilled chicken draped in the Nando’s signature sauces, notwithstanding.
The Feed Your Fire event was an experience that fully incorporates our five senses.
Guests got to experience all that Nando’s has to offer.
- See
- Feel
- Smell
- Hear
- Taste
Vusa XX HOT Wings – I got to feel the heat and went fire engine Red (in the face)
Nando’s History
There’s always a back story of what makes Nando’s who they are.
Listening to the narrative, I was immediately intrigued.
While there are two versions of the Nando story – the one that stood out the most was the story of the Barcelos Cockerel represented faith, good luck, and justice.
The Story of the Barcelos Cockerel represented faith, good luck, and justice. Image: Nando’s Malaysia
Here is how the story goes.
In Portugal, the rooster symbolizes faith, good luck, and justice based on the legend of the “Old Cock of Barcelos.”
The legend tells a story about a pilgrim traveling through Spain who is accused of stealing silver from a landowner and is sentenced to death by hanging.
To plead his innocence, he begs the judge to reverse his sentence.
The judge was about to tuck into a roasted cockerel when the pilgrim vowed that as proof of his innocence, the cockerel would stand up on his plate and crow.
The judge pushed aside his meal and laughed. As the pilgrim was about to be hung, the cockerel miraculously stood up and crowed.
Leaving the judge in disbelief, he hurried to the gallows to free the innocent man.
Many years later, the pilgrim returned to Barcelos to carve a cockerel statue, where the legend and symbolism live to this day.
These Portuguese good-luck roosters are ideal for displaying in kitchens or passing on as a gift, where the mystique of Faith, Good Luck, and Justice only works when the rooster is received.
Tofu Sticks & Dip
About Nando’s
The story of Nando’s began in a small Johannesburg suburb in South Africa in 1987, with all the passion for Portuguese-inspired flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken.
In 1998, Nando’s opened its first restaurant in Kuala Lumpur.
Since then, it grew 74 Nando’s restaurants across various Malaysian states – best known for its legendary and delicious flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken.
They served in their signature heat levels – Lemon & Herb, Mild, Hot, Extra Hot, and Vusa XXHot!
Not to worry if things heat up and get really hot and spicy; Nando’s offers excellent value and variety with refillable bottomless drinks!
Image: Nando’s Malaysia
Nando’s PERi-PERi Sauce
I got to experience Nando’s signature hospitality as the restaurant ignited my senses.
Of course, the main attraction at Nando’s the world over is the world-famous PERi-PERi.
Nando’s PERi-PERi sauce is unlike the ‘all-out burn’ of other chili sauces.
We got to make this firsthand, and there was a Pestle & Mortar with all the ingredients for us to pound away and make our sauce.
Putting flavor first and heat second, Nando’s PERi-PERi sauce uses the African Bird’s Eye Chillies, called PERi-PERi, grown under the hot sun in the rich, fertile soil of Southern Africa.
Today, Nando’s has partnered with over 1400 farmers in 18 growing regions to grow the freshest PERi-PERi for feasters worldwide.
Feed Your Fire – PERi-PERi Chillies
The transformative power of PERi-PERi chilies is believed to affect people physically, emotionally, and socially.
What do you think?
I know I got two of the six Nando’s Peri-Peri Sauce in my fridge that I use as condiments for my home-cooked chicken dishes.
While the restaurant uses it in their basting during BBQ, I sometimes use it as a marinade.
What do I have at home?
Tangy lemon and herb and extra hot PERi-PERi
Sometimes I like both ends of the spectrum depending on my mood – to transform a dish with flavor or to feel the heat!
Feed Your Fire – PERi-PERi Chillies – to transform a dish with flavor or to feel the heat!
Nando’s Southern African Creativity
I learned that Nando’s not only passionate about their food but also nurtures and showcases Southern African creativity to the world.
Each restaurant features beautiful original artworks and designs of Southern African talents.
The artwork speaks primarily to the visual senses – sight and touch.
All wrapped up under the art, design, and music that makes a powerful positive, meaningful difference.
Under Nando’s Art Initiative, more than 350 young Southern African artists and designers are nurtured.
The five art programs are
1. Creative Block
2. Nando’s Artist Society
3. Nando’s Chicken Run
4. Nando’s Creative Exchange
5. Spier Arts Academy Artisanal Studios
Nando’s also house the world’s most extensive collection of contemporary Southern African art.
The art is displayed in 1200 restaurants across 24 nations.
Under the Hot Young Designers program, patterns, furniture, and lighting fixtures are created by the hottest Southern African contemporary designers.
Guests can walk in and feel like they have wandered into Southern Africa – stepping into an environment bursting with vibrant colors depicting the African spirit and culture.
We got a chance to transform our Nando’s Tote Bag
Nando’s Afro-luso Music
Of course, no experience is complete without music.
Nando’s specially curated soundtrack inspires thoughts of African and Portuguese heritage.
It mirrors the spice and passion, is earthy and authentic, and is guaranteed to have you grooving.
If Nando’s were a playlist, it would be Afro-luso – a blend of African music, rhythms, and dances with Latin American flavors.
The Nando’s Afro-Luso playlist perfectly synergizes the different cultures that encapsulate the Nando’s identity.
And the desire to take guests on a journey with every step.
Have a listen to Nando’s playlist here and find yourself dancing along.
Nando’s Bowl
Happy Trio Chicken Bowl and the upgraded version with grilled portobello mushrooms – the Ultimate Trio Chicken Bowl.
If you’re a vegetarian, you can order a Veggie Carnival Bowl.
Two of my favorite orders from the menu!
Nando’s Tasty Sides
Every time you step into Nando’s restaurant, plenty of tasty Nando’s meals and sides suit your taste.
Favorites Classic it the Sweet Potato Chips with PERinaise
If you’re more adventurous, you’d want to try the Vusa flavored Wingettes & Drummettes!
For me, I can only say one word – it’s SPICY!
I was all for cooling down with the all-new Rubro Iced Peach Tea.
If you must have rice to be full yet want something light, the delicious Mushroom Bowl is perfect for hitting that spot.
For proteins, top that bowl with Nando’s flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken!
Nando’s Desserts
Don’t forget to leave room to indulge in some signature desserts.
Yes, there are desserts!
Some delectable desserts!
- Bottomless Frozen Yogurt
- Choc-A-Lot Muffin
- Portuguese Nata
- Red Velvet Cake
- Caramel Cheesecake
Nando’s fed my appetite and imagination and fanned the flame of my desire for more adventure, perhaps my next trip to Southern Africa!
Conclusion
The Nando’s experience is undoubtedly a great escapade to the spirited and colourful world of Southern Africa.
The up-front grills in the restaurants and the smoky scent of grilled chicken welcome you to the restaurant.
You get that unique taste of Nando’s PERi-PERi to pander to the senses of taste and smell.
The music enhances the sizzling sounds you hear in restaurants and puts you in the mood for food.
The Nando’s experience feeds our desire to feel alive with anticipation through food, art, music, and ambiance.
Everyone has a fire burning in them.
Need a little help to get your inner flame burning again?
#FeedYourFire at Nando’s.
Nando’s fed my appetite and imagination and fanned the flame of my desire for more adventure – perhaps my next trip to Southern Africa!
Check out SmartDory’s Reel on IG.
For more information, please visit www.nandos.com.my
Product launch by invitation from Nando’s Malaysia.
