The only reason I’d go to Nandos would be if I was invited by non-vegan friends. And even then, I would try to bargain and steer them to a different place.
HOWEVER, Nandos is among the few places where you can find vegan options.
If you can’t go to a Mcdonalds, Burger King, or KFC, just drop by Nandos.
They actually have a wide range of vegan options, including:
- Humous with Peri-Peri Drizzle
- Spiced Mixed Olives
- Peri-Peri Nuts
- Sweet Potato & Butter Nut Burger (or Pitta)
- Supergreen Burger (or Pitta)
- Portobello Mushroom Burger (or Pitta)
- Supergrain Salad (Exclude Meat and Buttermilk Dressing)
- Quinoa Salad (Exclude Feta Cheese)
- Chips
- Portuguese Rice
- Macho Peas
- Corn on the Cob
- Mixed Green Side Salad
- Chargrilled Veggies
- Sweet Potato Wedges sans dip
- Passion Fruit sorbet
Even if you’re a strict vegan, and are against supporting companies involved with animal suffering, buying vegan products from non-vegan companies still has an impact. In the same way, you want to change your parents, cousins, and friends, you also want companies to change.
For instance, this short interview with Gary Yourofsky speaks on that matter.
Anyway, let’s dive a bit deeper, and see what Nandos has to offer.
Vegan Options at Nandos
Whether it’s starters, mains, and desserts, Nandos has something for you.
In fact, here’s what’s available on the menu:
Starters
Humous with Peri-Peri Drizzle
Spiced Mixed Olives
Peri-Peri Nuts
Mains
Sweet Potato and Butter Nut Burger (or Pitta)
*You can choose between a burger or a pitta.
Supergreen Burger (or Pitta)
Portobello Mushroom Burger (or Pitta)
Supergrain Salad (Without Chicken and Buttermilk Dressing)
The Quinoa Salad (Without feta cheese)
Sides
Obviously, this is where you probably find the most options. This being said, ask the waiter if these options are indeed vegan-friendly.
- Chips (They’re delicious!)
- Portuguese rice
- Macho peas
- Flame-grilled corn on the cob
- Mixed green side salad
- Chargrilled Veggies
- Sweet potato wedges sans dip.
Last time I’ve checked, these are suitable for vegans, but you’re never too safe.
Desserts
This is probably the toughest thing to find vegan options for, though it could be worse. Nandos has one vegan option available (to my knowledge).
Introducing the passion fruit gelato. Made from water, granulated sugar, and passion fruit puree.
It’s still better than not having any options.
Food For Kids
If you end up with your kids in Nandos, there are some things, albeit limited.
- Sweet Potato & Butternut Pattie
- With red pepper, onion and edamame beans
- Chips
- Corn on the Cob
- Little Tomatoes
- Sweet Potato Wedges
- Supergrain
- Grains, greens and full of beans
- Chilly Billy Lolly
For your kids’ you can mix and match ingredients, or you can request smaller portions of the burgers or salads.
Or, why not ask them to make a sweet potato and butternut hamburger, but without the bread? You add chips and a small salad on the side and voilá.
Summary: Nandos Does Have Some Vegan Options
Nandos does have some legitimate vegan options.
But they stick to the basics: burgers, pittas, salads and the typical sides. Like I usually say to my wife, “don’t get your hopes up”.
On my last visit over there, my favorite foods were the chips and the olives. The Sweet Potato and Butter Nut burger… well, I’ve had better.
This being said, what I respect about Nandos is that it changes its menu regularly. So as the vegan movement grows, they are compelled to add more vegan options.
At the same time, we have to remind ourselves that Nandos is clearly all about the chicken.
If you want to know more, visit the Nandos website. They should have all the information about the food currently on the menu, as well as foods to come in the future.
