If it's chicken you're after, you can't go far wrong with Nando's.
When you are looking for a good-value, quick and tasty bite to eat, Nando's is like an oasis in the desert.
During our visit at the weekend, it was heartening to see how busy it was with diners of all nationalities filling the restaurant with a happy buzz.
A good meeting place for friends and families, the seating layout is ideal for any number, from cosy couples to larger groups.
When we arrived, there was clearly a rush on and the staff had their hands full. Even so, we were seated and given menus in minutes, which was just as well given our ravenous appetites.
Glancing through the "appeteasers", I opted for the chicken wings with a Perinaise dip while my companion selected the Peri-Peri hommous, a new addition to the menu.
Waiting for our first course to arrive, we took a moment to soak up our surroundings.
Griller
Wooden tables and tiled floors give a rustic feel to this chain which prides itself on its famous Peri-Peri sauce. The trademark sauce is named after the Swahili word for the fiery little African Bird's Eye Chilli, discovered in southern Africa by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century.
Through the ages, the chilli has been blended with herbs, spices, lemon and garlic to create the distinctive blend that Nando's fans have come to know and love.
The open kitchen reveals a flurry of activity as chefs work quickly to cater for in-house orders as well as the thriving take-away service. A cook armed with tongs at the grill is deserving of the title "Natural Born Griller", emblazoned across his T-shirt, as he flips numerous pieces of chicken with deft expertise.
By the time my chicken wings arrive, I am salivating.
Thankfully, they hit the spot. Hot, juicy, nicely charred and finger-licking scrumptious, the generous portion is abundant with meat. And the Perinaise dip further enhances the dish with its complementary punch.
The hommous came with a sprinkling of paprika, a splash of Peri-Peri and warm pita bread. Unfortunately, the hommous had clearly come straight from the fridge which made it firmer than it should have been and no doubt kept some of the flavour locked in.
Raced
Having raced through our starters to quell our growing hunger pangs, we were a little surprised when the main course arrived before we had finished out appetisers. The waitress, clearly wanting to offload the dishes onto the table, seemed flustered and a little irritated when she realised there was not enough space.
Wanting to accommodate her, we wolfed down the remaining bites as she stood there, waiting a little impatiently, and helped ease the exchange of dishes by offering up our plates. Not a good way to make your customers or their stomachs feel comfortable.
For the main course, I selected the gourmet veggie pita which would have come with one side order of either chips, coleslaw or spicy rice. Preferring curly fries, I had to order these as an extra as there was no flexibility to simply swap one for the other.
Bulging
The pita was bulging with roasted vegetables and grilled cottage cheese but held together surprisingly well.
The peppers and carrots were full of flavour but the cheese was lacking in personality and did little for the combination.
My dining companion opted for the Meia Frango (half a chicken) which came with two side orders. The chicken, grilled and basted in lemon and herbs, was outstanding and full of flavour while the spicy rice complemented the centrepiece with subtle notes.
As well as chicken of all sizes - you can even have two whole ones in the jumbo platter, presumably to share - Nando's reveals its true Portuguese flair through its espetadas, which are now available in lamb as well as chicken. Served on dangling skewers above plates of chips or assorted vegetables, these signature dishes certainly make a statement.
Plus, there are salads for those who don't eat meat. As Nando's says: "Vegetarians are just as welcome as our Chickenarian customers." It's refreshing to find a restaurant that serves up its food with a healthy portion of humour.
Decadent
And so to dessert. The waitress had to verbally deliver the menu - why it wasn't written down I don't know as it would have been much easier. Following a few miscommunications, I opted for the last choice which I had originally misheard as "pralines" and "brûlée" before realising it was "brownies".
I am glad to have persevered as it was a triumph. Warm, squidgy and nutty, the decadent square was nicely contrasted with a large dollop of vanilla ice cream melting on the top.
Alas, hot drinks were off the menu due to the machine having broken down, but I am not sure there was room in my belly for a mouthful more.
Nando's is everything a chicken lover could want and more. Good value food and a pleasant ambience at reasonable prices. And if you go for a takeaway, it truly is as their delivery bikes boast, "Poultry in Motion".
