Take-out always digs a big hole in my pocketbook, so I try to avoid the urge to splurge when one meal can cost as much as a bag of groceries. However, Ginger Man and I had a busy weekend, so I didn’t cook much. I can’t say it wasn’t worth it, though, as I’ve eaten delicious Thai red curry, sushi, and a spicy chicken dinner in one weekend.
Saturday afternoon, we took a long walk down Cornwall past Kits Beach hoping to have brunch at new cafe we hadn’t tried yet, but unfortunately, it was closed. Neither of us felt like vegetarian, and we stopped to oogle the poster introducing Vera’s Sliders. Now, Vera’s is a burger joint, and that’s food I can make at home, so even though the sliders promised to be delicious and I know they make good fries, we walked on by and decided to have some roast chicken at Nando’s instead. I’d been meaning to try out the place, plus it smelled good, so it seemed like the right time.
This is about half of our Variety Pack.
Nando’s is a franchise that specializes in Portugese-style spicy roasted chicken, marinated overnight and flame-grilled to perfection. Their Peri-Peri spices really pack a punch, but you can order to your tastes. If you don’t like spicy food, not to worry; try the Lemon & Herb chicken. It’s just as tasty, but without the firey tingle. We had the Variety Pack (for two, but really it could feed four) which includes 1/2 a chicken (1 breast cut in half, one leg, one thigh) plus 8 wings, two chicken kebabs, and any two sides (we had Peri Fries and Spiced Rice). Place your order at the counter, then take a seat. They’ll bring your food when it’s ready.
Bird's Eye chili peppers are firey!
The wings were great, and so were the chicken pieces (tender and meaty). The kebabs were good, but slightly drier. The meat itself is not spicy, but there were two sauces available. Peri Peri Hot Sauce was very spicy, hot, and tingly with longlasting effect—excellent with the wings. The Peri Peri Garlic Sauce was less spicy (but not what I’d call “mild”) with less tingle and a bit more sweetness. The Peri Fries were tossed with powdered spice, and the taste was addictive. So tingly and hot, but I couldn’t stop eating them (you can get them plain, too). The rice was flavourful and only mildly spiced, not hot. Altogether, a good meal. Nando’s also offers Hearty Coleslaw, Peri Veggies, Baked Potato, Pineapple, and several salads to round out your meal.
The cost of food is reasonable considering the quantity. A half chicken with one side would be enough to feed two and could easily be supplemented with veggies and a side of yogurt dip at home. I’d definitely reccommend it for quick family dinner or a picnic. Leftovers are excellent made into a wrap next day.
P.S. The Kitislano location has a flat screen TV! A good place to watch the Canucks play.
Leaving a comment? I’m curious. How spicy do you like your food?
I’ve never heard of this place! I’ll have to be on the lookout for it the next time I’m in Van.
I am a spice wimp. Hot things do not make me happy. I like garlic, though.
I really like Nando’s and we usually get the variety pack so we have leftovers. I’m not crazy on the fries though so we now get the baked potatoes. Now if they were Vera’s fries with that – Yum!
Also nice that you can control the heat if there is more than one person eating with you. Just order mild and grab the hot sauce. Hmmm, maybe I’ll visit them for dinner tonight!
Nando’s Peri-peri is opening a branch here in Victoria on Douglas St. I am definitely looking forward to it. I love spicy food, it’s rare for me to not cook anything and not include chillies in it.