Quick answer: Nando's is a privately owned South African peri-peri chicken chain founded in 1987 in Rosettenville, Johannesburg. We could not verify a fixed national weekday special from public sources, so the dependable way to find a deal is to check the Nando's app or website and your local restaurant. This article explains the brand, how to compare it with other chicken options and how to order without overspending.

Last updated: October 2026. Facts come from Wikipedia (Nando's) and Famous Brands and Spur Corporation reporting for comparison. Prices and promotions change, so none are quoted.

The Nando's story

Nando's was founded in 1987 in Rosettenville, Johannesburg, by Portuguese-born Fernando Duarte and South African-born Robert Brozin. They bought an existing takeaway called Chickenland, which served peri-peri chicken, and renamed it after Fernando's firstborn son. The logo shows the Rooster of Barcelos, a common Portuguese symbol. Wikipedia reports over 1,200 outlets in about 30 countries (a 2020 figure), about 340 restaurants in South Africa by 2018 and the United Kingdom as the largest market, with about 450 restaurants at one point in 2021. The company was wholly owned by Dick Enthoven until his death in 2022 and is now owned by his family. It also claims the largest collection of South African art in the UK, with over 5,000 works displayed in restaurants.

FactDetail
Founded1987, Rosettenville, Johannesburg
FoundersFernando Duarte and Robert Brozin
OwnershipPrivate; owned by the Enthoven family
Outlets (2020 figure)Over 1,200 in about 30 countries
South Africa (2018)About 340 restaurants
Biggest marketUnited Kingdom

What Nando's is known for

The menu centres on flame-grilled peri-peri chicken, with different heat levels, sides and wraps. The chain is a "fast casual" restaurant, which means you order at a counter or table service depending on the restaurant, and it sits between fast food and a full sit-down meal in both price and experience.

Where to find Nando's deals

  1. The Nando's app and website for current offers and vouchers.
  2. The restaurant itself. Ask staff about combos or lunch offers.
  3. Delivery platforms. Menu prices can be higher than in-store, so compare.
  4. Bank and rewards partners. Some banks and loyalty programmes run periodic promotions; check the terms.

We did not find public evidence of a permanent weekly Nando's special. If you see one advertised on social media, verify it with the restaurant before you go.

Nando's compared with other chicken options

OptionStyleNetwork (public figures)Best for
Nando'sFlame-grilled peri-peri, fast casualAbout 340 SA restaurants (2018)Sit-down or takeaway chicken meals
KFCFried chicken, fast foodAbout 1,200 locations (2026)Budget meals and app offers
Steers and WimpyBurgers and grills, Famous Brands735 and 539 outlets (mid-2025, all markets)Burgers and breakfast
Supermarket rotisserie or fresh chickenCook at homeThousands of storesLowest cost per portion

How to judge value

  1. Count the portions. Compare how many people the meal really feeds.
  2. Price the extras. Sides, sauces and drinks can cost as much as the chicken.
  3. Compare to a family platter. Sharing platters can reduce the cost per head.
  4. Check delivery fees. If the fee is high, collection may be cheaper.
  5. Look at heat levels. Order sauces on the side if some in the group dislike spice.

Cost per person: an example method

The numbers below are invented to show the sum.

OrderTotalPeoplePer person
Whole chicken with two large sidesR2603R86.67
Three individual meals with drinksR3903R130.00
Checkers - Latest circular - South Africa
CheckersLatest circular, valid until 1 November 2026

Sharing a whole chicken and sides is often cheaper per person than individual meals, as long as everyone is happy to share. If you would rather cook at home this week, compare the latest Checkers catalogue, Pick n Pay catalogue and Take n Pay catalogue to see current supermarket specials in South Africa.

Eating well while eating out

  • Choose grilled over fried options where possible.
  • Add a salad or vegetables as a side.
  • Watch the salt in sauces, especially if you have blood pressure concerns.
  • Keep leftovers in the fridge within two hours and reheat until piping hot.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • A strong South African brand with a clear identity.
  • Sharing platters suit groups.
  • Flame-grilled chicken is a popular alternative to fried chicken.

Cons

  • Prices are higher than typical fast food.
  • Specials are not clearly documented nationally.
  • Delivery adds cost.

Frequently asked questions

When was Nando's founded?

1987 in Rosettenville, Johannesburg.

Who owns Nando's?

It is privately owned by the family of the late Dick Enthoven.

Does Nando's have a weekly special?

We could not verify a permanent national one. Check the app and your restaurant.

Where is Nando's biggest?

The United Kingdom is its largest market.

Is Nando's halal?

Halal status can differ by restaurant, so check the certificate on display or ask the manager.

2026 price and deal reports (unofficial sources)

Several 2026 menu-price sites list a quarter chicken at roughly R60 to R80 and a full chicken at around R205 (one table shows R60 and R205), while an October 2026 guide built from delivery-app menus lists much higher figures, such as a Grande Cheese Burger at R133, because delivery menus often carry a markup. For deals, one site lists a Wednesday wing deal of 12 peri-peri wings with chips and a drink for R89.90 and a Monday burger special of buy one, get one free at selected locations. Another lists a full chicken with two sharing sides at R199, while a May 2026 promo aggregator lists it at R209. We found no source for a Perinaise price and no confirmed Tuesday special. Nando's was founded in Johannesburg in 1987 and one site says it operates over 1,200 outlets in 30 countries, but we found no South African outlet count. These are unofficial figures that conflict, so check the Nando's app, which sends push notifications about deals and includes a restaurant locator.

Item (2026 reports)Reported priceCaution
Quarter chickenAbout R60 to R80In-store estimate; varies
Full chickenAbout R205One table
Full chicken with two sharing sidesR199 or R209Sources differ
12 peri-peri wings, chips and drink (Wednesday)R89.90One site
Monday burger specialBuy one, get one freeSelected locations
Grande Cheese Burger on delivery appsR133Delivery markup

Sources

  • Wikipedia: Nando's
  • Wikipedia: Famous Brands (comparison figures)
  • Wikipedia: KFC in South Africa (comparison figures)
  • Nando's menu and price guides for South Africa (2026), unofficial
  • Picodi and catalogueza.co.za: Nando's vouchers and specials