Happenings

Nando’s was introduced to me by someone when I was in Australia, and after tasting it, I made it a point to always have a meal whenever I am in a country which has Nando’s. I was really hoping then that one day it will come to Singapore.

So it was with great joy when I saw one day on Twitter that Nando’s was finally coming to Singapore. This was hot on the heels of Wendy’s and Chili’s re-establishing their presence here in Singapore again, another two great tasting places which I tasted overseas but were not in Singapore.

And as a way to promote Nando’s in Singapore, various contests were held on Twitter, which I had the fortunate to win one, earning myself a free meal for 4 before it was officially opened.

So I grabbed my friends to go for the free meal. When we arrived at the outlet in Bugis, we were informed that the South Africa High Commissioner was present in the restaurant. Considering that Nando’s is from South Africa, and one of the very few South African brands to have a presence worldwide, I guess the South Africa High Commissioner must be pleased to have Nando’s establishing themselves here in Singapore. We were also told that the dinner was a simulation exercise for them, to iron out all the kinks before the actual opening. We were then shown to our table and given our menus.

This was the first of the few kinks of the night. After we were given the menus, we were basically left alone without anyone offering to guide us through the menus. It took some time before we managed to get the attention of the waiter. The waiter who took our order was cheerful and his services were really quite good.

I took the 1/2 chicken with the 2 sides, choosing the coleslaw and the Mediterranean rice. Our food came promptly, and after getting our food, there were a few more kinks. My friend ordered the Peri-Peri chips with Peri Peri powder, but it came without the powder. This was rectified when we got the waiter to bring it back so that they can sprinkled the Peri Peri powder on the chips. We were joking that they had purposely messed up the chips in order to simulate the scenario of getting the order wrong.

My friend also find the corn too spicy and oily. She said the corn was literally soaking in oil. We later discovered that it is possible to ask for the less spicy version of the corn which was something that the waiter should have asked us. Another kink of the night.

The Peri Soup that was recommended by the waiter was really good. Not too watery nor chunky, it was really tasty, and my friends all agreed.

Next was what we came for, the chicken! And it was definitely worth the wait. The meat was really succulent, marinated just right with their famous sauce. It tasted as good as I remembered it to be!

The Mediterranean rice was a disappointment though. It was bland and ordinary. The other side my friend ordered, I believed was called Peri’s Cous Cous, was much, much better.

While we were enjoying our dinner, one of the staff came and check on us. We informed him about the disappointing Mediterranean rice and he said that the actual rice has not arrived in Singapore yet and the rice they used were not really meant for their cooking machines. We also mentioned about the corn, which he informed us that the waiter should have asked us how spicy we want the corn to be. He was quite chatty, and mentioned that they were actually quite surprised to have so many fans in Singapore even before they were opened, judging from the responses in Facebook and Twitter. He also mentioned that the next outlet will be Tanglin Mall, and they have aggressive plans to expand into the heartlands. That will be something to look forward to!

Besides the kinks mentioned, my friends also remarked that the smell from the kitchen was pretty strong. Even though we were sitting outside, we could smell it and we wondered how bad it will be to sit inside.

We were provided with Nando’s money in order to complete the whole simulation exercise. At the end of the dinner, we had some photos taken by their photographer and provided a goodie bag each before we left.

Overall, it was a good dining experience.  I am pretty sure the kinks will be sorted to make it an even better experience. They, for sure, have a winner here. The chicken used is fresh, not frozen. There are no preservatives nor MSG used, and due to the way the chicken is being prepared, most of the fat are removed. It is a healthy and tasty meal, something everyone nowadays are very conscious of. Now, if only they will do delivery!

Big thanks to Nando’s Singapore for the dinner!

Nando’s Peri-Peri Chicken
200 Victoria Street
Bugis Junction, #01-85 to 87
http://www.nandos.com.sg