Ruqayyah Snyder
Nando's is a South African multinational fast-casual restaurant chain specialising in Portuguese flame-grilled peri-peri chicken. Founded in Johannesburg in 1987, the chain has expanded to over 1,200 outlets in 30 countries. The UK is Nando's largest market, followed by Malaysia and Australia. As of March 2025, there were 140 Nando's restaurants in Australia, with Victoria having the highest number of locations. While some Australians consider Nando's overpriced and not worth the money, others appreciate the taste and cultural significance of the restaurant chain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of restaurants in Australia | 140 as of March 14, 2025; 155 as of August 2021 |
| State/Territory with the most restaurants | Victoria (55 as of March 14, 2025; 63 as of August 2021) |
| Number of restaurants per 100,000 people | 1 restaurant per 83,438 people in Western Australia; 1 restaurant per 121,127 people in Victoria |
| Popularity | Not as popular as in the UK; considered overpriced and bland by some |
| Competition | Multiple competing Portuguese chicken franchises |
| Advertising | Satirizes contemporary local issues, e.g., a 2002 campaign based on a political controversy |
| First restaurant in Australia | Opened in Tuart Hill, Western Australia in 1990 |
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What You'll Learn
Nando's is less popular in Australia than in the UK
Nando's is a South African multinational restaurant chain specialising in Portuguese flame-grilled peri-peri chicken. It was founded in Johannesburg in 1987 and has since expanded to over 1,200 outlets in 30 countries. However, it seems that Nando's is less popular in Australia than in the UK, its largest market.
In Australia, Nando's has faced competition from other Portuguese chicken franchises, with some customers finding it overpriced, bland, and with slow service. While there are still a significant number of Nando's restaurants in Australia—around 140 as of March 2025—it does not hold the same cultural relevance as it does in the UK. One reason for this could be that Australians already had multiple competing Portuguese chicken restaurants when Nando's arrived, making it harder for the chain to stand out.
In contrast, Nando's has become a cultural icon in the UK, with its own slang term, "cheeky Nando's". The chain has also won awards, such as the Sunday Times's best place to work in the big company category in 2010, and its sauces and marinades are retailed in UK supermarkets. As of 2013, there were over 280 branches in the UK, with around sixty serving food conforming to Islamic dietary laws.
Price increases and portion sizes have also been cited as reasons for dissatisfaction among Australian customers. Some have noted that the spice levels of Nando's food in Australia are milder than expected, and the lack of free drink refills is a disadvantage compared to the UK, where free refills are available.
While Nando's continues to operate in Australia, it appears that it has not achieved the same level of popularity and cultural significance as it has in the UK, where it holds a more prominent place in the dining landscape and has a stronger connection with its customers.
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There are 140-155 Nando's restaurants in Australia
Nando's is a South African multinational fast-casual restaurant chain specialising in Portuguese flame-grilled peri-peri chicken. The chain has expanded to 30 countries worldwide, with over 1,200 outlets.
In Australia, Nando's has been in continuous operation since 1990, when the first restaurant opened in Tuart Hill, Western Australia. As of March 2025, there were 140 restaurants in Australia, with 55 of those located in the state of Victoria. This amounts to around 39% of all Nando's restaurants in the country. Other states with a notable number of restaurants include Western Australia with 23% and Queensland with 20%.
Nando's Australia currently has 13,238 followers on LinkedIn. The company has expressed its passion for diversity and inclusivity, creating a values-driven workplace and a fun environment for its staff.
While Nando's is quite popular in Australia, with a significant number of restaurants, some sources indicate that it is not as culturally iconic as it is in the UK. One source mentions that there were already multiple competing Portuguese chicken franchises in Australia when Nando's arrived, which may have contributed to its relatively lower popularity among Gen Z Australians compared to their UK counterparts.
As of August 2021, there were 155 restaurants in Australia, with 63 in Victoria, 36 in Western Australia, 30 in Queensland, 16 in New South Wales, four in South Australia, and two each in the Northern Territory, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory.
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Nando's Australia has been criticised for its prices
As of March 14, 2025, there were 140 Nando's restaurants in Australia, with the state of Victoria alone boasting 55 locations. However, despite its apparent popularity, the Australian iteration of the restaurant chain has been criticized for its pricing.
Several customers have taken to online platforms to express their dissatisfaction with the value offered by Nando's Australia. Some patrons claim that the portions are too small for the price, with one individual stating that the chicken portions seem to get smaller every two years. Others assert that the prices are simply too high, making it challenging to justify dining at Nando's, especially when compared to other options available in the country.
The pricing criticism also extends to the lack of free refills on soft drinks, which is available in other markets like the UK. This discrepancy has been noted as a point of contention for some Australian customers, who feel they are not getting the same value as customers in other countries.
While Nando's has a significant presence in Australia, with restaurants in Darwin, Perth, Brisbane, and Victoria, the criticism about pricing suggests that the chain may need to reevaluate its value proposition to remain competitive in the Australian market. It is worth noting that some Australians also feel that the food is bland and the service is slow, which, coupled with the pricing issues, may impact the brand's popularity in the country.
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Nando's Australia has been criticised for its portion sizes
As of March 14, 2025, there were 140 Nando's restaurants in Australia, with Victoria accounting for about 39% of the total number. However, despite its widespread presence, Nando's Australia has faced criticism for its portion sizes, with some customers considering it overpriced for the quantity of food served.
Several customers have expressed disappointment with the portion sizes, claiming that the chicken portions have decreased over the years while prices have simultaneously increased. Others have also pointed out that the spice levels of the food are milder than expected, falling short of the "hot" label. These factors have contributed to a perception of poor value for money, leading some patrons to opt for competing Portuguese chicken franchises or alternative fast-food options.
In addition to portion sizes, Nando's Australia has also been criticized for not offering free refills on soft drinks, a feature that is available in other countries like the UK. The absence of free refills further contributes to the perception of Nando's being overpriced and not aligned with the expectations of Australian customers.
While Nando's Australia sources local produce and uses fresh, high-quality ingredients, the criticism highlights a disconnect between customer expectations and the reality of portion sizes. It's important to note that perceptions of portion sizes and value for money can vary based on individual preferences and cultural contexts.
To address these concerns, Nando's Australia could consider introducing larger portion options or providing more transparent information about the weight or quantity of food served. Offering promotions or discounts could also help improve the perceived value for money. By taking these steps, Nando's Australia can better meet the expectations of its customers and enhance their overall dining experience.
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Nando's Australia has been criticised for its spice levels
One of the main criticisms leveled at Nando's Australia is the perceived reduction in spice intensity. Patrons recall that the "hot" option used to be genuinely spicy, but now it only provides a mild tingle or a "zing." Some customers even claim that the "extra hot" option is not significantly hotter than the "hot" option, which was once unbearably spicy for some. This change in spice levels has left spice enthusiasts craving more heat and questioning whether their taste buds have changed.
The spice levels at Nando's Australia have been a topic of discussion among patrons, with some speculating that the restaurant chain may have intentionally toned down the spice to appeal to a broader range of customers. It is hypothesized that Nando's may have conducted focus groups and decided to reduce the spice levels to cater to a wider audience, prioritizing flavor over heat. However, this decision has left spice enthusiasts feeling disappointed and let down.
While some customers attribute the perceived change in spice levels to Nando's modifying their recipes, others question if it is due to their own increased tolerance for spicy food over the years. They reflect on their ability to consume spicier foods without any issues and wonder if their taste buds have adapted, making them crave even hotter options.
Nando's Australia has a total of 140 restaurants across the country as of March 14, 2025, with Victoria having the highest concentration, accounting for about 39% of the total. Despite the criticisms, Nando's continues to be a popular choice for many Australians, although some patrons express a preference for competing Portuguese chicken franchises or other fast-food options.
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Frequently asked questions
Nando's is quite popular in Australia, with 140-155 restaurants across the country as of 2025. However, some Australians have noted that the chain is not as popular as it is in the UK, where it originated.
Australia is Nando's third-largest market after the UK and Malaysia. The chain has been in continuous operation in Australia since 1990, when the first restaurant opened in Tuart Hill, Western Australia.
Some Australians have criticised Nando's for being overpriced, bland, and offering slow service. However, others seem to enjoy the food, especially the Peri Peri seasoning.
