Myla Laurel
The ‘Friday Feeling’ that we experience in most countries transfers itself to Thursdays in Dubai. A busy evening where expats treat themselves by going out with family and friends for nice drinks and food.
Last Thursday night we invited a friend for some lovely cocktails at our favourite bar, Trader Vics at the Crowne Plaza in Sheikh Zayed road. After happy hour (6-8pm) we decided to head to Nando’s to meet another friend as we hadn’t had some in a while and its just a short walk away.
It was my first time visiting the Sheikh Zayed branch. They have an outdoor seating area and the decor has the signature ‘Nando’s’ touch of Portuguese/South African style. We opted to sit inside because it was a bit breezy.
The staff ushered us upstairs. They were friendly and efficient, even if it was busy with the Thursday crowd!
There was a total of 4 of us so we thought it best to share our orders. We ordered one Lemon and Herbs wings platter and one Peri peri chicken. The sides were corn on the cob, coleslaw, fries and vegetables. Nando’s chicken has a very distinct taste. A taste I’ve not managed to find anywhere else in Dubai. I love how the chicken works so well with their creamy coleslaw and the sweet buttery corn on the cob.
The lemon and herb has a nice zesty hit to it, I had never had it before and found it very moreish. The wings are a great way to eat when you are in a group, although I wish i knew how to take the bones out easily – it gets very messy!
The lemon and herb is far less spicy than the peri-peri which I prefer. We went for the mild peri-peri, I would definitely recommend sampling them first before you go for the spicier options! The mild one is what I normally get, and I love the flavour. With Nandos you always get consistant good quality food, which can also be healthy if you pick carefully!
One of my friends pointed out that Peri-Peri in Portugal is different (where it originates), I would love to visit one day and try the authentic style. Have any of you been?
In the end the 2 platters were certainly enough for the 4 of us, we even had half a peri peri chicken left and a couple of wings (which did us nicely for lunch the next day!). The sides are all a good size and were enough for everyone.
Nando’s is the fastest growing food chain in the UAE. Having recently opened their new outlet in Ras Al Khaimah. They really are spreading and if you feel an urge for a healthy filling meal, there is sure to be one nearby – they even do delivery!
PS Have you watched Ed Sheeran singing about Nandos with Kris Fade? So cute!
  
Nando’s
