Nando's PERI PERI (Washington, DC)

1210 18th Street NW, Washington DC 20036

Nando’s PERI PERI is an international chain of South African-type chicken restaurants that does roasted chicken by the piece as well as in bowls and sandwiches. It has a variety of heats and sauces, which can also be found in supermarkets.

 

I get the classic Nando Chicken Breast Sandwich with two sides ($13.99) and a Lemonade ($3.69). The piece of chicken is disappointingly small and the “heat” comes from the sauce rather than the (nice) seasoning. Despite lacking heat (I got Medium as they described it as quite spicy and it was very hot outside), the sandwich has good flavors, including from the nice roll. The slaw is very creamy and has an original mix of flavors (do I taste dill?), while the garlic bread is simple and very tasty. The strawberry lemonade was a bit too sweet but with some added water quite refreshing.

 

I later get a Naughty Nata ($3.62) for dessert. The nata came from the fridge and was then heated up on the grill, which is a different approach (and took quite long). It comes closer than most natas, but is overly sweet and dough too soft.

 

VERDICT: 85/100

While a bit disappointed by the sandwich, I overall really liked the (original) flavors.